The Chief State Solicitor’s Office (CSSO) is conducting an open competition for the position of State Solicitor (Fixed Term) in the CSSO.

A career in the CSSO is meaningful, varied, challenging and interesting, and can encompass a wide range of activities across our key practice areas. State Solicitors work at the heart of the State’s legal service and have the unique opportunity to use their legal skills and expertise to contribute significantly to the functioning of the State.  State Solicitors respond to the demands of our clients and provide legal advice and assistance where this is most needed by Government Departments in order to deliver on their objectives for the benefit of the Irish citizen. 

The Role

Whether working in the CSSO or on secondment in a client Department, Office or Agency, the State Solicitor (Fixed Term) is a diverse legal role. Candidates must be able to demonstrate their legal knowledge and expertise and also their experience in terms of team working, client relations, planning and prioritising work and project management aptitude. Candidates should possess a sound knowledge of general law and practice.

We aim to attract individuals with a strong public service ethos who show commitment, energy, sound judgment and an ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines when needed. 

Principal Responsibilities

The following is a general overview of the possible range of tasks of a State Solicitor (Fixed Term):

• Litigating on behalf of the State as both plaintiff/applicant and defendant/respondent
• Handling property and conveyancing transactions
• Handling quasi-criminal work such as extradition and European Arrest Warrants
• Advising on and drafting commercial contracts and public procurement documents 
• Supporting client Departments before Tribunals of Inquiry, Commissions of Investigation and statutory inquiries
• Keeping legal files and records
• Applying office procedures and legal protocols
• Applying and developing knowledge and experience of practice in the areas of:
  • Administrative law, Constitutional law and European law
  • Litigation involving Public Bodies
  • Immigration & Asylum law
  • Commercial law
  • Contract negotiation and drafting
  • Property law and conveyancing
  • Employment law

Eligibility & Experience

Please refer to the candidate information booklet which outlines the eligibility and experience criteria.

How to apply

To access the candidate information booklet and application forms A & B, please click HERE