Open Competition: State Solicitor

We are now recruiting State Solicitors to join our team. The role of State Solicitor in the CSSO is a meaningful, varied, challenging and interesting one, and encompasses a wide range of legal work across our litigation, advisory and property practice areas.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a progressive and highly-professional legal office dedicated to serving a single client: the State. The CSSO's legal staff work at the heart of the State’s legal service, and have a unique opportunity to use their legal skills and expertise to contribute significantly to the wellbeing of the country and its citizens.

To apply for this role you must be a qualified solicitor with a sound knowledge of general law and practice. You must also be able to demonstrate your legal knowledge and expertise, as well as your experience of team working, client relations, planning and prioritising work, and an aptitude for project management.

For a comprehensive description of this role, the eligibility criteria and the selection process, see the competition information booklet below.

The current salary scale for this role, beginning at point 1 and increasing in annual increments, is:

(1) €40,208, (2) €42,903, (3) €43,676, (4) €47,052, (5) €53,377, (6) €54,820, (7) €58,361, (8) €61,962, (9) €65,556, (10) €69,132, (11) €80,668, (12) €83,640, ) (13) €86,651, (14) €89,672, (15) €92,690 (16) €94,431

Long service increments: €97,474 (after 3 years at point 16), €100,530 (after 6 years at point 16)

Starting salary: successful candidates may be offered appointment at a starting salary up to point 7 (€58,361), based on verified salary levels and post-qualification experience (PQE) as set out in the table below. Different terms may apply if you are a serving civil or public servant.

Annual leave: the annual leave allowance will be 25 working days a year, based on a 5-day week and exclusive of public holidays.

Working hours: normal working hours will be 41 hours 15 minutes (35 hours net of lunchbreak) per week.

Location: the CSSO's offices are currently located close to Dublin Castle, but we will be moving to a new building in Smithfield later this year.

Employee benefits

Among the additional benefits we offer our employees are:

• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Taxsaver Travel Scheme
• Occupational health programme
• Employee assistance programme

The full terms and conditions of the role of State Solicitor are set out in the competition information booklet below.

The CSSO recognises the importance of job satisfaction and the positive impact this can have on employee wellbeing. We promote a collaborative, open and friendly work environment and we offer a range of work-life balance supports, including:

• Blended working: requests for blended working may be facilitated, but some in-person attendance will be required in all roles in line with business needs; work-sharing arrangements may also be available
• Special leave: a range of special leave options is available, including maternity, paternity and parental leave

We recognise the value of investing in our employees, and in developing their skillsets both to their benefit and to the benefit of our overall capability as an organisation. We focus on continuous learning and development through a number of key programmes, including:

• Support for continuing professional development (CPD)
• In-house legal CPD events such as our Lunch & Learn series
• Mentoring programme
• Access to courses on OneLearning, the civil service learning and development portal
• Refund of Fees scheme

The CSSO strives to be a workplace that is inclusive and diverse and respects equality and human rights. We have an active equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) committee and we are committed to working with the wider civil service to achieve a workforce that is representative of the diversity of Irish society.

This competition is being run by the CSSO's Recruitment and Selection Team. Please read the information booklet below fully, and complete both parts (A and B) of the application form.

The closing date for applications is 3pm on Wednesday 16 July 2025.