Vacancies

We currently have six vacancies for staff at the Law Society.

You can find out more about what it's like to work with us on our meet our colleagues page.

The Law Society of Scotland is the professional governing body for Scottish solicitors. It is about to embark on an organisational IT transformation programme that it expects to last approximately 24 months. This will create a new IT strategy that will future proof the IT estate for years to come. It will involve new system implementations, digitisation and automation of services where applicable.

The role

The purpose of the role is to manage and ensure the availability, integrity, and security of our IT network, communication systems and infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities:

Accountable for the support, maintenance, enhancement and audit of c150 user network
Support and maintain core business infrastructure - Servers, Firewalls, Network fibre switches, Communications (Internet/Phone), Backups, Remote Working/Mobility, Cloud Services
Manage our externally hosted environment (Membership database - accessed by all 12K solicitor member)
Support, maintain core business systems - Network backbone (DNS, DHCP, Active Directory), Operating systems (Windows servers & VMware virtualisation), Office 365 cloud environment, Security, Firewall, Business applications
Responsible for IT security
Proactively identify IT network and infrastructure needs, proposing solutions and acting on them
Provide strong leadership and support to the IT Support Analyst with a hands-on approach to find practical solutions to day to day operational challenges
Manage and cascade objectives to the IT Support Analyst to ensure the successful delivery
Manage IT contracts (over 20), third-party supplier relationships and SLA's
Manage and control our IT equipment and advise on best solutions
Manage and obtain quotes as required
Ensure up to date IT policies, processes and change control documentation
Preparation and management of IT network, comms and infrastructure budget
Implement robust network performance monitoring plan and reporting
Manage business continuity and disaster recovery plans
Implementation of recommended security improvements
Action relevant helpdesk tickets and escalate issues as appropriate
Manage delivery of operational plan objectives
Plan and manage patching and upgrade programme
Writing technical specifications and statements of work
Developing, maintaining and improving infrastructure architecture

The applicant

A leadership role in IT network and infrastructure management
Experience in managing service provider contracts
Experience across multiple IT disciplines
Management of capex and operational budgets
Drafting IT policies and procedures
Experience in procurement of hardware and services
Experience of architecting solutions in the Cloud
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Excellent time management skills
Knowledge of best practice IT infrastructure and architecture
Detailed knowledge of Office 365 and MS platforms, and document management solutions
Ability to prioritise workload and complete tasks to deadlines
Attention to detail

All the details of the position and how to apply are available to view on Michael Page's website.

Head of IT Transformation (two year fixed term)

The Law Society of Scotland is the professional governing body for Scottish solicitors. It is about to embark on an organisational IT transformation programme that it expects to last approximately 24 months. This will create a new IT strategy that will future proof the IT estate for years to come. It will involve new system implementations, digitisation and automation of services where applicable.

The role

IT Transformation programme

Develop, lead and deliver IT transformation programme over the next 24 months including:

1) Fit for the Future IT infrastructure: to provide a stable, secure and resilient technology foundation, with an infrastructure that is ready to meet the needs of the future.

2) Core Systems Strategy: implement new core systems (CRM and Finance as a minimum)

3) Digitisation and Innovation: implement technologies to digitise, automate and streamline our business process and client experience.

Develop a long-term IT and digital strategy for the LSS which addresses future use of applications, infrastructure, communication technology, video conferencing, system integration, hosted platforms
Develop and execute an implementation programme, including the implementation of new core systems (CRM and Finance as a minimum) and IT infrastructure
Lead and advise on the best solutions for our core systems based on RFI's/RFP's industry input, budget and best practice for an organisation of our size
Lead and manage needs analysis and other exercises required to inform request for proposals or requests for information
Develop, manage and analyse relevant requests for proposals or requests for information
Develop and prepare professional business cases for submission to our Finance Sub-Committee, Board and Council for significant investments in new systems and infrastructure
Lead on contract negotiation
Provide input and leadership to the current IT Programme Board and implement best practice project management principles in collaboration with current IT Programme Board members
Lead and manage chosen software partners and consultants to ensure successful delivery of transformation programme on time, on budget and in scope

Day to day management of IT function

Provide strong leadership and support to the IT team of 4 -6 people and day to day management of the IT function
Manage, coordinate and cascade objectives to IT team to ensure the successful delivery
Implement processes to ensure robust management of contracts and third-party suppliers
Develop rolling IT equipment replacement programme linked to the long term IT strategy
Implement change control procedures
Ensure all policies and processes are documented and up to date
Responsible and accountable for all IT operational and capital expenditure, budgets and forecasts
Lead and drive business continuity and disaster recovery plan
Lead and advise on relevant SLA's required in contracts
Lead on the implementation of recommended security improvements
Develop an in-house IT training function that empowers users to make the best use of the applications and services we provide

The applicant

Significant experience of leading on the successful implementation of core systems for medium to large size organisations
Substantial experience as IT programme manager and evidence of successful delivery of complex and interdependent projects on time, on budget and in scope
Skilled in the procurement of systems, including development of Request for Proposal/tenders, evaluation, contract negotiation and contract management
Experience in a senior management role across multiple IT disciplines
Proven track record of participating in boards, committees and working groups
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Excellent project and time management skills with the ability to problem solve
Ability to grasp business wide impact /awareness of long term projects that span multiple directorates/ teams
Capable of managing budgets as well as management of outsourced services
Knowledge of best practice IT infrastructure and architecture

All the details of the position and how to apply are available to view on Michael Page's website.

Solicitor to the Client Protection Fund, £22,200pa

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Financial Compliance Department for a solicitor to take on the role of Solicitor to the Client Protection Fund (three days/21 hours per week £22,200pa).

The Team

The Financial Compliance Department is responsible for the Society’s regulatory work to deliver risk-based supervision of solicitor compliance with the Scottish Solicitor’s Accounts Rules and the Money Laundering Regulations. As such the Department is a key component of the Society’s efforts to protect the interests of clients, the public and the profession.

The Department works closely with regulatory sub-committees who consider the appropriate action (including initiating disciplinary action) in response to identified breaches of the above requirements are identified.

The Department is also responsible for the operation of the Client Protection Fund which pays grants to those who have suffered financial loss as a result of dishonesty by a Scottish solicitor or a member of their staff.

The Role

This post plays a key role in the Department’s operations.

The postholder will be responsible for planning, organising and minuting monthly meetings of the Client Protection Sub-Committee which makes decisions in response to identified breaches of the Scottish Solicitors Accounts Rules and regarding claims made to the Client Protection Fund. Clear and accurate minutes of these decisions are essential to the Society’s compliance enforcement and disciplinary processes and are crucial to affected solicitors and claimants.

The postholder will also be responsible for managing the processing of claims made to the Client Protection Fund from receipt to closure and for ensuring the claims processes and guidance remain fit for purpose.

Both of the above roles also involve work in support of these processes including the provision of legal advice to staff and committee members, accurate record keeping, liaison with solicitors and members of the public, and committee member induction and training.

The Candidate

You should be an experienced and self-motivated solicitor who will bring relevant legal and organisational expertise, excellent communication skills and an innovative approach to process management to the above role. You will also be able to build and maintain excellent working relationships with key stakeholders (committee members, team colleague and other departments).

Experience of working in a regulatory environment or with committees would useful bit is not essential.

What will I receive in return?

21 hour working week (3 days)
25 (rising to 30 after 5 years’ service) Days Holiday plus Bank Holidays – pro-rata
Flexitime
Extensive training is available for the successful candidate
A supportive team working environment

As an organisation our values are respect, openness, progress, inclusion and integrity. We strive to embed these in all our interactions with colleagues, members, stakeholders and members of the public.

Further information on the vacancies can be found on our website via the links below. Please note that only applications submitted in the correct format will be considered.

This vacancy will close at 12 noon on 30 September. It is anticipated that interviews will take place on 10 October.

All interviews will be via video conference.

No CVs or Agencies please.

Apply now for this position

More information:

Guidance notes

Job Description & Employee Specification

Financial Compliance Inspector, £30,000pa

Two exciting opportunities have arisen within the Financial Compliance Department for two Financial Compliance Inspector attracting a salary of £30,000pa.

The Team

The Law Society of Scotland is the professional body for over 12,000 Scottish solicitors. With our overarching objective of leading legal excellence, we strive to excel and to be a world-class professional body, understanding and serving the needs of our members and the public. We set and uphold standards to ensure the provision of excellent legal services and to ensure the public can have confidence in Scotland’s legal profession.

The Financial Compliance Team primarily monitors the accounting books and records of Scottish Solicitors to ensure compliance with the Accounts Rules.

The Role

Reporting to one of the Financial Compliance Managers, successful candidates will examine the books and records of Scottish solicitors to ensure compliance with the accounts rules and that client funds held are properly accounted for, this will either be done individually or part of a team. Therefore, candidates must be able to work independently and as part of a team.

The post will involve a combination of desk-based inspection work, whether working remotely or at the Law Society’s offices in Edinburgh, and some on-site inspection visits at Solicitor’s offices. As such, there is the requirement for some travel throughout Scotland as well as the requirement of occasional overnight stays. A full driving licence is therefore essential.