Report positive on benefits of second PDSO internship

A report assessing the benefits of the second internship offered by the Public Defence Solicitors’ Office (PDSO) has concluded the experience was a success for both the intern and the organisation. 

The report, PDSO internship (Falkirk) – assessing the benefits, by Laura Jackson, Head of Office at PDSO Falkirk, has now been published. 

This follows the completion of the six-week, full time, paid position at the network’s Falkirk office.  

The report looks at how the personal account given by the intern of their experience aligns with the job description and person specification that was advertised. 

It also explores the intern’s appreciation of the opportunity and the impact of the experience on their legal career aspirations. 

A similar report was produced following the conclusion of the first ever six-month paid, part-time PDSO internship at the network’s Dundee office in 2024. 

The Falkirk report will inform whether there is benefit – to both the organisation and potential incumbents – in repeating this opportunity and, if so, any improvements which might be made. 

Report author Laura Jackson said: “This has been another successful internship for both the intern and PDSO.  

“PDSO can offer a unique experience to students, given our position within criminal justice as independent criminal defence lawyers with a national voice and scope to influence practice, Scotland-wide. 

“Internship opportunities are just one strand of our outreach work which aims to attract talented individuals to legally aided work.  

“Through work-based learning opportunities, we can demonstrate that there is a career path in public sector criminal defence work.” 

The intern attended at all levels of courts from the JP Court through to the High Court.  

He observed every stage of the criminal justice court process from custody appearances, bail hearings, intermediate diets, trials and summary case management hearings.  

As well as attending Sheriff and JP courts in Stirling, Alloa, Falkirk and Glasgow, he also attended the High Courts in Glasgow and Edinburgh.  

Visits were made to HMPs Edinburgh, Polmont, Low Moss and Glenochil alongside legal colleagues to meet with clients. 

The intern visited The State Hospital in Carstairs to meet clients. He attended two Examination of Facts, and one in person Parole Board Hearing. 

The intern’s personal account highlights the benefits to him as an individual: 

“I have seen a wide range of things with people from PDSO, which has given me a really good grasp of the job and allowed me to see all the things a criminal court solicitor does. 

“I would be involved in everything from seeing clients in the cells, to discussions with the Crown besides watching the actual court appearances, so it was fully shadowing the solicitor and [observing] everything they would do.”  

Read full report. 

More information 

Laura Jackson
Head of Office
PDSO Falkirk
Email: jacksonla@pdso.org.uk.