Head of Legal Services

Head of Legal Services to provide strategic leadership and oversight for the effective delivery of the service's legal function. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to lead a multi-disciplinary team of solicitors and staff across litigation, operational policing support, and corporate governance at a national scale.
As a key senior leader, you will set direction, strengthen operational delivery, and provide expert counsel and strategic legal advice to the Chief Constable, Senior Management Team, and the Scottish Police Authority (SPA). We are looking for a visionary legal professional to drive the continuous improvement of our legal services, support complex organisational risk management, and shape how legal activity reinforces our core values of integrity, fairness, respect, and human rights.
This is a unique opportunity to bring your legal expertise to a complex, high-impact public service organisation. If you are an experienced Scottish solicitor with a passion for leadership and transformation, this is a rewarding and impactful role in which to leave your mark while helping to keep people safe.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Legal Leadership and Direction
* Initiate and direct the delivery of high-quality legal services across both operational and corporate functions, ensuring alignment with policing plans, governance arrangements, and organisational priorities.
* Provide specific, specialist legal advice to the Chief Constable and Executive Team on matters of operational policing, contractual agreements, and complex or high-profile legal issues.
Litigation and Representation
* Oversee and monitor the work of an in-house team of solicitors to provide a comprehensive litigation and advice service, representing the Chief Constable and the SPA in the Scottish Courts and Tribunals.
* Manage and evaluate the efficiency, effectiveness, and value for money of all claims and legal services provided by external third-party solicitors and counsel.
Corporate Governance and Risk Management
* Attend SPA meetings as the Chief Constable's in-house lawyer, assessing the legal implications of corporate reports and providing dedicated support for major projects, property conveyancing, and contract documents.
* Manage and assess legal risk across all areas of managerial responsibility, ensuring compliance and the delivery of Best Value for the legal services department.
Team Management and Professional Development
* Direct workload distribution, performance management, and the PDR process for Legal Services staff while overseeing departmental budget preparation.
* Ensure compliance with Continuing Professional Development (CPD) obligations and lead the selection, employment, and training of department personnel.
It is expected that you shall:
* Be educated to LLB Degree level (Bachelor of Laws) and hold a current, unrestricted Practising Certificate from the Law Society of Scotland.
* Possess significant post-qualifying experience as a Scottish solicitor, with proven achievements managing legal work of a complex or important nature at a senior level.
* Demonstrate effective managerial and supervisory skills, with a track record of leading a team of solicitors and overseeing departmental performance.
* Exhibit exceptional negotiating, drafting, and advocacy skills, with significant experience regarding practice and procedure in the Scottish Civil Courts and Tribunals.
* Be available on an on-call basis (24-hour) as and when required to provide urgent legal advice and respond to court Caveats.
* Understand that this is a politically restricted post, meaning you may not engage in political activity.
Why join us?
• Competitive salary with annual increments
• Full-time or part-time shift patterns
• 28 days annual leave and 6 public holidays (increases with service)
• Local government pension scheme for long-term security
• Ongoing training to develop your skills and maintain CPD compliance
• Opportunities for career progression and professional growth
• Comprehensive wellbeing support and dynamic work environment
• Exclusive discounts and savings through our rewards and benefits network
Every role in Police Scotland plays a part in Keeping People Safe.
This is an opportunity to join a national organisation serving communities across Scotland, where integrity, fairness and respect are at the heart of everything we do.
Police Scotland serves over 5 million people across Scotland’s cities, towns, rural and island communities.
Our 2030 vision is for safer communities, less crime, supported victims and a thriving workforce.
We are committed to equality, human rights and building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve