Legal Traineeships 2023/24

Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS)

COPFS is seeking enthusiastic candidates for our Legal Traineeship programme. 

COPFS is offering a number of Legal Traineeships with anticipated start dates commencing:September 2023 and March 2024.

The COPFS Legal Traineeship offers a wide range of experience and opportunities in the public prosecution service in Scotland.  You will have the chance to work at Crown Office, which is COPFS’ Headquarters.  The traineeship will also involve successful candidates undertaking a range of responsibilities within the Procurator Fiscal’s offices throughout Scotland, including the preparation and presentation of cases in the Summery courts.  If you successfully complete the traineeship you may enrol as a qualified solicitor in Scotland.

Trainees will have the opportunity to work in Procurator Fiscal’s offices throughout Scotland on rotation, flexibility around location is sought. You may also spend a proportion of the traineeship working within another government agency.

Working for COPFS

Starting Salary

Year 1 - £26,995 rising to £30,100 in year 2.

Our benefits

We offer an excellent range of benefits which include:

• Generous Civil Service Pension employer contribution, on average over 26% of your pay.
• 25 days paid holiday + 11.5 public and privilege holidays (rising to 30 days paid holiday after 4 years).
• Flexible working hours and family friendly approach to work.
• Cycle to Work Scheme and Season Ticket Loans.
• Employee Wellbeing Support with Mental Health First Aiders and access to an Employee Assistance Programme.

Eligibility

• An LLB in Scots Law
• A valid Diploma in Legal Practice from a Scottish University,
• An Entrance Certificate from the Law Society of Scotland.

Criteria/Assessment

Candidates will be required to demonstrate judgement and competence throughout the assessment process.  This will include a presentation at the interview stage.

Closing date

Applications must be submitted by Midnight on the 13^th February 2022.

Other Information

Please also see our full application pack for the behavioural competences which are required for this role. Application packs are available to download from our website.  https://www.copfs.gov.uk/careers.

Selection will be competency based.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.

If you require further information please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has ongoing measures and guidance in its response to Covid-19 (Coronavirus), and would like to advise applicants that a decision has been taken that all interviews and any other discussions in the process will be conducted in a virtual/remote setting.

In order to facilitate this way of working, COPFS asks all applicants to ensure that they have a suitable space to participate in the virtual interview and discussions as well as access to a personal device of choice by which you can undertake the interview/assessment if selected. Please ensure that your personal Wi-Fi/Broadband capacity will be sufficient to carry both audio and video. 

Please note that COPFS has exemptions from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). COPFS must also adhere to strict Civil Service and Cabinet Office Baseline Personnel Security Standards regarding nationality, identity and history verification rules.

Legal Traineeship - Application Pack

Legal Traineeship - Application Form

Do you want to be part of an organisation that makes a difference by helping to secure justice for the people of Scotland?

 This is an exciting opportunity to join Scotland’s sole prosecution service in a fast paced and rewarding job role. 

Messenger & Reprographics 

Profession

Admin

Locations 

Aberdeen

Contract Terms

Permanent, Full Time

Although all vacancies are full-time alternate working patterns may be considered for successful candidates where these can be accommodated.

Salary

Starting salary would be £20,864 with the maximum salary on this scale being £23,032 subject to future COPFS pay awards.  All salaries are pro rata for part-time staff.

Benefits

We offer an excellent range of benefits which include:

• 25 days paid holiday + 11.5 public and privilege holidays (rising to 30 days paid holiday after 4 years).
• Flexible working hours (around core time).
• Cycle to Work Scheme and Season Ticket Loans.
• Civil Service pension with employer contributions.
• Family friendly benefits.
• Employees Wellbeing Support with Mental Health First Aiders and access to an Employee Assistance Programme.

Closing Date

20^th February 2022 at Midnight   

About COPFS

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is responsible for the investigation and prosecution of all crime in Scotland; the investigation of deaths which require further explanation; and the investigation of complaints against the police.

About the Role

This is an exciting entry level opportunity for someone looking to be in an interesting and fast paced role.

You may be starting out in your career or already have an administrative background and looking for a change, but you should have an interest in the Criminal Justice Sector.

You will be expected to work as part of a team to provide a first class service to your colleagues and service users such as, victims & witnesses and defence agents.   

Whilst the role may vary from office to office, main duties will cover a range of administrative support and will generally include the administration of cases including:

• Collection and delivery of mail from the DX Exchange to the office
• Opening of mail and distribution to departments.
• Delivery of court papers/bags to court using the office vehicle
• Uplift of paperwork from Sheriff Court and Police
• Delivery of custody papers to court timeously throughout the day as required
• Franking of mail
• General porter/housekeeping duties as required and some administrative duties including scanning to assist the team
• Collating and submission of stationery order
• Completion of the weekly office vehicle checks.

Please note this is not an exhaustive list and other duties may be required as appropriate to the role

Essential Criteria

• The minimum entry qualifications are 5 National 5’s at grades A-C (including English) or equivalent; or demonstrable experience of general office work.
• Literacy and fluency in English.
• Good keyboard skills.
• Full clean UK driving licence.

Desirable Criteria

• An understanding of the work of COPFS
• A desire to work in the Criminal Justice Sector

Some positions may have a requirement for a clean driving licence; however further information on these positions will be available during the recruitment process. 

Contact Us

If you have any queries please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Additional Information

Application packs are available to download from our website https://www.copfs.gov.uk/careers.

Please note that we do not accept CVs. 

Selection will be competency based.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer. 

Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has ongoing measures and guidance in its response to Covid-19 (Coronavirus) and would like to advise applicants that a decision has been taken that all interviews and any other discussions in the process must be conducted in a virtual/remote setting.

In order to facilitate this way of working, COPFS asks all applicants to ensure that they have a suitable space to participate in the virtual interview and discussions as well as access to a personal device of choice by which you can undertake the interview/assessment if selected. Please ensure that your personal Wi-Fi/Broadband capacity will be sufficient to carry both audio and video. 

Please note that COPFS has exemptions from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). COPFS must also adhere to strict Civil Service and Cabinet Office Baseline Personnel Security Standards regarding nationality, identity and history verification rules.

Band B Messenger Aberdeen - Application Pack

Band B Messenger Aberdeen - Application Form

Do you want to be part of an organisation that makes a difference by helping to secure justice for the people of Scotland?

 This is an exciting opportunity to join Scotland’s sole prosecution service in a fast paced and rewarding job role. 

Fiscal Officer/Messenger  

Profession

Admin

Locations 

Dundee

Contract Terms

Permanent, Full Time

Although all vacancies are full-time alternate working patterns may be considered for successful candidates where these can be accommodated.

Salary

Starting salary would be £20,864 with the maximum salary on this scale being £23,032 subject to future COPFS pay awards.  All salaries are pro rata for part-time staff.

Benefits

We offer an excellent range of benefits which include:

• 25 days paid holiday + 11.5 public and privilege holidays (rising to 30 days paid holiday after 4 years).
• Flexible working hours (around core time).
• Cycle to Work Scheme and Season Ticket Loans.
• Civil Service pension with employer contributions.
• Family friendly benefits.
• Employees Wellbeing Support with Mental Health First Aiders and access to an Employee Assistance Programme.

Closing Date

20^th February 2022 at Midnight  

About COPFS

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is responsible for the investigation and prosecution of all crime in Scotland; the investigation of deaths which require further explanation; and the investigation of complaints against the police.

About the Role
This is an exciting entry level opportunity for someone looking to be in an interesting and fast paced role.

You may be starting out in your career or already have an administrative background and looking for a change, but you should have an interest in the Criminal Justice Sector.

You will be expected to work as part of a team to provide a first class service to your colleagues and service users such as, victims & witnesses and defence agents.   

Whilst the role may vary from office to office, main duties will cover a range of administrative support and will generally include the administration of cases including:

• Opening of mail and distribution to departments.
• Delivery/Collection of court papers and productions to court in various Court locations in the North and East of Scotland using the office vehicle
• General porter/housekeeping duties as required and some administrative duties including scanning to assist the team
• Completion of the weekly office vehicle checks.

Please note this is not an exhaustive list and other duties may be required as appropriate to the role

Essential Criteria

• The minimum entry qualifications are 5 National 5’s at grades A-C (including English) or equivalent; or demonstrable experience of general office work.
• Literacy and fluency in English.
• Good keyboard skills.
• Full clean UK driving licence.

Desirable Criteria

• An understanding of the work of COPFS
• A desire to work in the Criminal Justice Sector

Some positions may have a requirement for a clean driving licence; however further information on these positions will be available during the recruitment process. 

Contact Us

If you have any queries please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Additional Information

Application packs are available to download from our website https://www.copfs.gov.uk/careers.

Please note that we do not accept CVs. 

Selection will be competency based.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer. 

Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has ongoing measures and guidance in its response to Covid-19 (Coronavirus) and would like to advise applicants that a decision has been taken that all interviews and any other discussions in the process must be conducted in a virtual/remote setting.

In order to facilitate this way of working, COPFS asks all applicants to ensure that they have a suitable space to participate in the virtual interview and discussions as well as access to a personal device of choice by which you can undertake the interview/assessment if selected. Please ensure that your personal Wi-Fi/Broadband capacity will be sufficient to carry both audio and video. 

Please note that COPFS has exemptions from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). COPFS must also adhere to strict Civil Service and Cabinet Office Baseline Personnel Security Standards regarding nationality, identity and history verification rules.

Band B Messenger Dundee - Application Pack

Band B Messenger Dundee - Application Form

Are you a solicitor looking for a rewarding career?  

Do you want to be part of an organisation that makes a difference in people’s lives by helping to secure justice for Scotland? 

This is an exciting opportunity at the centre of Scotland’s sole prosecution service in a fast paced and rewarding job role 

Procurator Fiscal Depute Grampian, Highlands and Islands 

Profession

Legal 

Locations

Posts available across Grampian, Highlands and Islands.Locations include Aberdeen, Inverness, Banff, Elgin, Fort William, Kirkwall, Lerwick, Peterhead, Stornoway, Tain and Wick.

Contract Terms

Permanent Full Time

Although all vacancies are full-time alternate working patterns may be considered for successful candidates where these can be accommodated.

Salary 

Starting fulltime salary will be £41,753 rising to £53,485 in annual increments subject to satisfactory performance and future COPFS awards.  Salaries for part-time staff are pro rata. 

To support those who work for us, we offer generous benefits and rewards

• Generous Civil Service Pension employer contribution, of 27% of your pay.
• 25 days paid holiday + 11.5 public and privilege holidays (rising to 30 days paid holiday after 4 years).
• Flexible working hours and Family friendly approach to work
• Cycle to Work Scheme and Season Ticket Loans.
• Employees Wellbeing Support with Mental Health First Aiders and access to an Employee Assistance Programme and internal inclusion networks
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• Learning and development opportunities

Closing Date
Midnight 20^th February  

About COPFS 

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is responsible for the investigation and prosecution of all crime in Scotland; the investigation of deaths which require further explanation; and the investigation of complaints against the police.Working in public services is a rewarding way to make a difference to the people of Scotland.  COPFS is committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment which reflects the diversity of the society we serve.  We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds with the skills and experience to perform this role.  There are several roles available including within our Local Court function carrying out Case Marking, and Summary and Sheriff & Jury court appearances as well as within our Serious Casework function which oversees the investigation and preparation of High Court prosecutions as well as specialist areas of COPFS business including:

• Appeals
• Criminal Allegations against Police
• International Co-operation
• Health and Safety
• Serious and Organised Crime
• Proceeds of Crime
• Wildlife and Environmental Crime
• Deaths Investigation

There will be the opportunity to apply for other roles for development and career progression.

The Individual  

As a Procurator Fiscal Depute you will play a key role in the criminal justice system. You will take decisions on criminal proceedings, conduct courts and work closely with the police and other criminal justice partners to improve the efficient delivery of justice for local communities.

This is a unique role where you will be acting in the public interest as one of the Lord Advocate’s local representatives, requiring common sense, good judgement and decision making, flexibility, legal and advocacy skills, and a sound knowledge of the criminal law system in Scotland. Whilst you may be asked to undertake a variety of duties within COPFS, the main essence of the role is to mark cases, prepare and present cases effectively in court and deal sensitively and appropriately with victims and witnesses.

You must be passionate about always serving the public interest; confident in making complex decisions, based on independent assessment of all the available evidence; and enthusiastic about public service and meeting the needs of victims and witnesses.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds including people of different ages with the skills and experience to perform this role. 

Please note this is not an exhaustive list and other duties may be required as appropriate to the role.

Essential Criteria Required

Candidates must be a solicitor or advocate qualified to practise in Scotland and hold a practising certificate which is free from conditions which are inconsistent with performing the role and free from any conditions imposed by the Scottish Solicitors Discipline Tribunal or the Court by the end of March 2022.

Find out more about the role

We would encourage you to contact us should you wish any further information about the role or our organisation.  Please contact us at the email address noted below and arrangements will be made to schedule an appointment in the absence of attending an office event at the moment. 

Contact Us

If you have any queries, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Additional Information

Application packs are available to download from our website https://www.copfs.gov.uk/careers. 

Please note that we do not accept CV’s and that selection will be competency based.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer. 

Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has ongoing measures and guidance in its response to Covid-19 (Coronavirus) and would like to advise applicants that a decision has been taken that all interviews and any other discussions in the process will be conducted in a virtual/remote setting.

In order to facilitate this way of working, COPFS asks all applicants to ensure that they have a suitable space to participate in the virtual interview and discussions as well as access to a personal device of choice by which you can undertake the interview/assessment if selected. Please ensure that your personal Wi-Fi/Broadband capacity will be sufficient to carry both audio and video. 

Please note that COPFS has exemptions from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). COPFS must also adhere to strict Civil Service and Cabinet Office Baseline Personnel Security Standards regarding nationality, identity, and history verification rules.

Procurator Fiscal Depute GHI - Application Pack

Procurator Fiscal Depute GHI - Application Form