Legal Research Assistant: Job Information

Salary: £25,626

Our work is varied in nature and subject area, covering the full range of devolved matters and it involves a mix of legal research and writing, policy analysis, and administrative work.

Primarily working with the teams supporting parliamentary business - and in particular the team supporting scrutiny of legislation relating to the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the EU – you’ll conduct research into areas of current EU law, commenting on the impact of proposed changes to that law. Your analysis and reports will inform briefing to Committees of the Parliament in their scrutiny of those changes, therefore you’ll be adept at summarising the relevant aspects of your research and analysis both orally and in writing.

Reporting to an appointed qualified member of the team, you may also work directly with a number of different solicitors or other support staff. You’ll thrive in a fast paced environment and won’t be phased by changing demands and priorities.

• Research areas of current EU law and proposed changes to that law.
• Research areas of law which are the subject of anticipated Government or Members’ Bills.
• Assist analysis and scrutiny of legislation relating to EU withdrawal, including Bills and statutory instruments, for example by monitoring amendments to UK and Scottish Bills.
• Attend committee meetings as an observer and report back to office on evidence given / issues discussed.
• Help solicitors keep up to date with developments in the legal and constitutional implications of EU withdrawal by filtering media, parliamentary and academic reports.
• Present updates on those developments to other lawyers at office meetings.
• Work with researchers in the Scottish Parliament Information Service to plan relevant training for lawyers on the law relating to EU withdrawal and new competences transferred to the Scottish Parliament following Brexit.
• Brief committee members (in the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee) on the purpose, effect and quality of particular Scottish statutory instruments.

We have two teams supporting a broad range of parliamentary business including: advice on legislative competence of Bills, supporting scrutiny of primary and secondary legislation (including legislative consent to Westminster Bills), assisting Members with developing policy proposals into Bills and advising on parliamentary procedure. We have a third team that provides advice to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body to enable it to fulfil its role in ensuring the Parliament has the staff, services and facilities it requires to operate effectively. Some examples of the range of this work include employment law, contract, IP, procurement, data protection and FOI. The office also provides advice on constitutional matters and the Parliament’s functions within the devolution settlement.

All of this takes place against the backdrop of a fast developing political landscape where issues of the day are debated under the spotlight of media and public scrutiny. There’s always plenty going on – the work is high profile and it is rewarding to contribute to the Parliament’s vision of making a positive difference to the lives of the people of Scotland.

Skills Knowledge and Experience Required 

You’ll have, or expect to have by summer 2018, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in Scots law, or other similar academic qualification, at the same level, which provides evidence of relevant knowledge and understanding of Scots public law. A knowledge of EU law is desirable but not essential.

You’ll also be able to provide evidence to demonstrate the following skills, knowledge and experience:

• Highly developed analytical and research skills: you can accurately identify key elements to legal issues and present clear, logical arguments. You know how to conduct thorough legal research and make appropriate decisions or deductions from information presented.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. You express thoughts clearly, effectively and succinctly, using appropriate style and language that meets the needs of the audience (which may be comprised of solicitors, clerking colleagues or committee Members).
• Aptitude for independent thinking. You use your own initiative and express your own views and ideas in relation to research tasks, information-sharing and training.
• Ability to prioritise and manage workloads. You demonstrate independent planning, organisation and good time management when working under pressure and the ability to work on tasks alone.
• Strong interpersonal skills to facilitate team working. You create and maintain positive, professional and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people and can adapt communication style to different circumstances.

A knowledge of the legislative process and Parliamentary procedures is useful, although not essential. We will offer you training and support appropriate to the needs of your role.

Application process 

The first stage of the recruitment process will be an application form and a covering statement on why you have applied and what interests you. The covering statement should be no more than 300 words and is part of the application form. To apply please complete the application form and send it to jobs@parliament.scot by 5pm, 4 June 2018. Remember to provide evidence of the skills, knowledge and experience detailed above. The next stage will be an interview examining how you demonstrate the skills, knowledge and experience required for the post. 

To start the interview we’ll ask you to demonstrate your legal analysis skills by giving a short presentation about what you think was the most significant public law case in Scotland in recent years and why. 

Please note that interviews will take place week commencing 25 June 2018.

We offer a great range of benefits including 41.5 days’ leave (including public holidays), the opportunity to join the Civil Service pension arrangement and flexible working arrangements and family-friendly policies.

The salary for this post is £25,626. You will be paid monthly in arrears by Bank Credit Transfer directly into your bank or building society account on the last banking day of the month.