Provides criminal legal advice and representation while delivering legal training, coaching, and professional development for PDSO solicitors. Advises colleagues and leaders on Scottish criminal law, drafts guidance and protocols, supports quality assurance, manages a caseload, and contributes to criminal justice policy and service improvement. The role also involves stakeholder engagement, mentoring, resource awareness, and talent development.

Leads and develops a team of solicitors delivering public criminal defence services. Responsibilities include people and performance management, employee relations, recruitment, operational improvement, compliance, budgeting, change leadership, project management, coaching, stakeholder engagement, and policy contribution. The role initially focuses on improving team culture before supporting legal aid reform, public sector reform, and departmental redesign.