Vacancy: Secretarial Administrator – Edinburgh

We’re looking for a well-organised and proactive Secretarial Administrator to join our PDSO Edinburgh office and ensure smooth day-to-day operations while supporting the delivery of client-centred and trauma-informed legal services.

Reporting to the Network and Systems Coordinator, you’ll provide high-quality legal administration and casework support to solicitors locally and across the PDSO network.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing general administrative and casework support
• Maintaining and updating case files
• Audio typing, copy typing and preparing documents
• Reception and client enquiries
• Handling incoming/outgoing mail
• Managing case documents (scanning, photocopying, downloading)
• Diary management
• Processing invoices and requisitions
• Using and monitoring Legal Aid Online (LAOL)
• Assisting with admin tasks delegated by the Network and Systems Coordinator
• Supporting training for new business support staff.

To succeed in this role, you will need:

• Strong communication skills
• Confident IT skills (Microsoft applications)
• High accuracy and attention to detail
• Fast and accurate typing – experience in audio typing using transcription software is highly desirable
• Ability to work independently with good judgement
• Strong organisation and time management skills
• Excellent customer service
• Understanding of confidentiality and data protection.

About The Public Defence Solicitors’ Office (PDSO)

The Public Defence Solicitors’ Office (PDSO) is a national network of publicly employed solicitors, providing high-quality criminal legal assistance across Scotland. Established in 1998, we operate as a direct service of the Scottish Legal Aid Board, offering expert advice and representation to clients eligible for criminal legal aid. Our experienced team supports individuals facing summary and solemn cases at all levels, representing them in some of Scotland’s busiest courts.

We are part of SLAB’s Client Legal Services Directorate alongside the Civil Legal Assistance Office (CLAO) and the Solicitor Contact Line (SCL), making us Scotland’s largest multi-disciplinary legal aid practice and a unique place to work.

How to apply

Full details about the role and online application are available on our recruitment portal (external link).