Solicitor (Support Through Court Advice Clinic)
Who we are
Every year, thousands of people in the UK face court alone. Often through no choice of their own, people must represent themselves at a moment that could have life-changing outcomes. This includes loss of access to children or homelessness. At the same time, people facing court alone may find themselves up against a party with legal representation.They are instantly at a disadvantage and overwhelmed by the enormity of the challenges they are up against. We supported unrepresented litigants in the civil and family courts in England and Wales over 45,000 times last year.
We provide a safe space with volunteers who listen to each client’s individual story. Last year, over 1000 volunteers helped people to get their thoughts in order, problem-solve and decide next steps, source relevant and reliable legal information, explain complex procedures, complete court forms, and clearly present statements.
At a time when legal support is increasingly limited, we have a vision that no one should have to face court alone.
The role
Support Through Court is establishing a legal advice clinic for money claim matters under £10,000, for a one-year pilot. Advice will be given to clients across the national service network who have been internally triaged to the clinic.
The role involves day-to day management of the clinic and supervising law students as they facilitate client appointments, conduct research and draft letters of advice. Clients will predominantly be supported remotely with occasional in-person appointments and advice “drop-ins” in the local area.You will train and supervise students to help them gain practical legal skills in a clinic setting, having final sign-off of completed letters of advice/oral advice to ensure clients receive an excellent service.
You will embed the legal advice offering of the clinic into the organisation, increasing and developing referrals from our national service network and supporting staff understanding of referral ability.
Who we are looking for
Ambitious, professional, committed and friendly. That describes us. If it also describes you and you have a passion for access to justice, then we’re keen to hear from you.
You will be a qualified solicitor with at least 3 years PQE (ideally 5+) with an active practicing certificate. You will have experience managing students and/or volunteers and a commitment to supporting Litigants in Person.We are open to applicants wishing to take the role either on a full-time basis, or on a part-time basis as a job share. Please make it clear in your application whether you are applying for a full-time or part-time role.
Interviews will take place on Wednesday 8th July.