Assistant Solicitors/Solicitor Advocates to the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry

The Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry is an independent, high profile public inquiry chaired by the Rt Hon Lord Brailsford. It is established under the Inquiries Act 2005 and has an extensive Terms of Reference designed to enable investigation of the full range of issues pertaining to the strategic response to the pandemic in Scotland.

The Inquiry legal team is presently comprised of the Solicitor, an interim Deputy Solicitor, and a team of solicitors and paralegals, which is currently being expanded considerably. The team supports the Solicitor and the Chair, and works closely with the Counsel team, policy and operational teams.

The Assistant Solicitors or Solicitor Advocates will play important roles, working as part of the Inquiry legal team to investigate the evidence and identify witnesses, as well as supporting the management of hearings and production of the interim and final report. The Inquiry legal team will work flexibly and constructively with the Secretariat to ensure the efficient delivery of outcomes and support the Chair.

This role requires: excellent attention to detail as there will be high volumes of documents that require rigorous legal analysis; strong interpersonal skills as you will be working closely with all members of the Inquiry; and flexibility and adaptability, as working in a small team you need to be willing to turn your hand to all tasks.

In return, you have the rare opportunity to support a high-profile statutory Public Inquiry investigating Scotland’s response to the pandemic and the impact on human rights, while being supported in your professional development by a collaborative team.

Since the Inquiry is being held under the Inquiries Act 2005 and is independent of the Scottish Government, the post holder will be on assignment to the Inquiry for its duration.

The Inquiry must be, and be seen to be, independent and impartial to maintain the confidence of the public. The Inquiry maintains a Register of Interests and all the team are required to declare any financial, personal or business interest or connection - whether direct or indirect - with the subject of the Inquiry. Please bear this in mind when considering whether to apply.

The post is based in central Edinburgh although hybrid working is the current arrangement. Immediately before, and during the hearings for the Inquiry, the opportunity for leave may be limited, you may be required to work longer than your contracted hours and to work from the office.

Candidates must be an advocate or solicitor admitted in Scotland or in another UK jurisdiction with an intention to complete the Qualified Lawyers Assessment and hold a current Practising Certificate.

Key competencies

• People Management
• Leading Others
• Communications and Engagement
• Analysis and Use of Evidence

Qualifications:
Applicants must be a qualified and an experienced solicitor.

Essential Criteria
1. Excellent attention to detail in the provision of clear, fit for purpose, high quality legal advice to agreed deadlines.
2. Ability to work successfully as part of a legal team.
3. Ability to work flexibly and adaptably, exhibiting a problem solving approach.
4. Strong interpersonal skills, an approachable manner and a constructive attitude.

Assessment and Interview
Dates to be confirmed

Minimum Time in Post
There is an expectation that Solicitors/Solicitor Advocates to the Inquiry will stay in post for the duration of the Inquiry. It is desirable that successful candidates will be able to start work as quickly as possible. It is hoped that the Inquiry can report within 4-5 years but candidates may wish to familiarise themselves with the experience of other public inquiries Statutory public inquiries: the Inquiries Act 2005 - House of Commons Library (parliament.uk)

The normal rules on applying for promotion will apply should opportunities arise during the assignment period.

In the event that further posts are required, a reserve list of successful candidates will be kept for up to 9 months.

The closing date for applications is 21 May 2023 at 23.55 pm.

Additional Information
Applicants must discuss their intention to apply with their current line manager to help ensure release dates can be agreed.

To apply for this post you must fully complete and submit an online application via the website before the closing date using evidenced based examples to demonstrate your knowledge/skills (300 words). Remember your answers should be clear, concise and reflect what actions you undertook. You may want to use the STAR(R) approach to respond to each criterion.

In recognition of the Scottish Government's ongoing measures and guidance in its response to Covid-19 (Coronavirus), we would like to advise applicants that a decision has been taken that all interviews must be conducted in a virtual/remote setting.

In order to facilitate this new way of working, we are asking all applicants to ensure that they have a suitable space to complete the virtual interview. In addition, a personal device of choice, which has the Microsoft Teams application downloaded. This will allow candidates to undertake the interview/assessment if selected. We are also asking you to ensure that your personal Wi-Fi/Broadband capacity will be sufficient to carry both audio and video feeds.

For information on this post please or if you experience any difficulties accessing our website or completing the online application form, please contact the scottish covid 19 inquiry recruitment team at: recruitment@covid19inquiry.scot