Lawyer

We are looking for a lawyer to join the Food & Drink Trade Branch within the Rural Affairs Division of the Scottish Government Legal Directorate (SGLD). The branch is a small, collaborative team of four, working as part of a wider division of 20 lawyers across five specialist teams.
This is an exciting opportunity to provide legal support on matters central to Scotland’s food and drink trade, including secondary legislation and work connected with the proposed EU/UK SPS Agreement. You will also have the chance to collaborate across other SGLD divisions, ensuring variety and breadth in your work.

What you’ll do:

• Provide clear, high-quality legal advice on food and drink trade issues, including drafting secondary legislation.
• Carry out detailed legal analysis, including comparisons across UK, EU, and Scottish law.
• Work with policy colleagues and other teams, building effective professional relationships.
• Communicate complex legal advice in both written and oral form.
• Contribute flexibly to the division’s work, adapting to changing priorities.

Skills & Experience We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Strong legal ability, with skills applicable or transferable to public law in Scotland.
• Must be a Scottish Qualified Solicitor 
• A proven track record of providing legal advice on complex issues.
• Excellent drafting skills and the ability to explain complex legal concepts with clarity.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with a collaborative, team-friendly approach.
• Flexibility, resilience, and the ability to manage shifting priorities.

Contract: Start: ASAP until 31 August 2026
Location: Hybrid (40% in office, occasional attendance at Parliament)
Rate: Starting salary in the SGLD is £57,701 +  (LTD £302.66 PAYE(inc) £257.02) 

Apply today by sending your CV to beth.simpson@servicecare.org.uk or call on: 01312642230. We also welcome referrals for this position if they are new to SCS, where a successful recommendation would be worth £250.