A unique opportunity has arisen to provide vital legal support to women, children, and young people affected by domestic abuse across Shetland and Orkney.

We are seeking a dedicated Solicitor to join a collaborative project between Scottish Women’s Aid, Shetland Women’s Aid, Women’s Aid Orkney, and Baker Gostelow Family Law, together, we aim to address unmet legal needs for women, children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse.

The successful candidate(s) will be employed by Baker Gostelow Family Law and will take a compassionate, collaborative, and trauma-informed approach to delivering legal information, advice, and representation to women supported by Women’s Aid Orkney and Shetland Women’s Aid.

Role Overview

Legal casework and Court representation will largely focus on family law matters such as separation, contact and residence, as well as on related areas such as housing and financial claims arising from separation.

In this rewarding role, you will not only provide legal advice and representation on family law matters but also contribute to policy and research - helping to shape the future of legal responses to domestic abuse.

We understand that working in this field requires sensitivity and specialist knowledge as such, candidates must have some experience in family law and an awareness of domestic abuse and the criminal justice process. Training on these areas will also be provided.

If you’re a solicitor with family law experience and a passion for social justice, we’d love to hear from you!

Location & flexibility: We’re committed to making this role work for the right candidate. While our ideal candidate would be based on Orkney and/or Shetland, we’re open to hybrid and flexible working arrangements - let’s discuss what works for you. The role is expected to involve:

• A mix of office and court work on the Shetland & Orkney Islands.
• Home-based working options available.
• We welcome applications for full-time, part-time, or job share arrangements.
• For the right candidate there’s potential to work remotely, with travel to the islands (expenses covered).
• Access to central Edinburgh office space, if required.

Salary: £35,000 – £55,125.00 FTE per annum, commensurate with post qualifying & family law experience.

Contract: Fixed Term 18 months. We are open to offering this role as either one full-time position (39 hours per week) or two part-time positions.

Experience: This post is suitable for solicitors with a range of post-qualifying experience, starting at newly qualified. It is preferred that applicants have some experience in the area of family law.

Are you passionate about empowering people and standing up for their rights? Advocacy Orkney is looking for a dynamic, compassionate, part time advocate to join our dedicated team. ‘Supporting Your Voice’, we are proud to support residents in the region, including those on the isles communities.

You will work alongside individuals and families, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights upheld across a range of services. This is your chance to make a real difference in your community whether it's supporting someone to have their say in health care decisions, helping families navigate social services, or standing up for rights.

Our work primarily advocates for adults with mental health or learning difficulties, those at risk of harm, the elderly and families, but we support anyone who is marginalised regardless of their circumstances. There will be a mix of office and home based work but most of your time will be front facing meeting clients. You must be able to work autonomously, managing caseloads and travel efficiently across the region.

We understand that not everyone comes with experience in this role, but if you feel that you can bring the skills and mindset to support marginalised people in having their needs and opinions heard, we’d love to hear from you.

We welcome anyone with experience of children and families, mental health, social work or lived experience.