At a Glance
- Tasks: Support clients in family law, providing advice and representation in court.
- Company: Join Central England Law Centre, a vital service for families in Coventry and Birmingham.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, potential for hybrid working, and commitment to social justice.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your legal skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in family law and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 33067 - 42962 € per year.
Reports to: Head of Family
Salary: Caseworker - £33,067 - £34,655 / Solicitor - £39,895 - £42,962 (depending on level of qualification)
Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week)
Location: Coventry (with some potential for hybrid working)
About this role
Central England Law Centre (CELC) provides a vital service to clients across Coventry and Birmingham, providing support for all aspects of family law through a team of dedicated solicitors, caseworkers, paralegals and support workers. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced caseworker or solicitor to join the team, supporting our clients across Coventry in the delivery of casework through the Law Centre’s Legal Aid contract. The successful candidate will be subject to a basic DBS check.
Responsibilities
- To advise clients on aspects of family law including child arrangement orders, childcare proceedings & domestic violence through a combination of appointments, home visits and telephone advice as appropriate.
- To undertake casework and represent clients at court as appropriate.
- To work in partnership with other organisations who are supporting our client group.
- To work collaboratively with colleagues to provide a high quality, holistic service for clients that is able to address multiple legal needs.
- To keep up to date with current legislation, case law and policy in relation to family.
- To identify opportunities for strategic litigation work, to influence the local authority and others.
- To maintain cases to standards required by Central England Law Centre.
- To conduct casework in compliance with the Legal Aid Agency requirements.
- To complete public funding forms via CCMS and paper applications where appropriate.
- To liaise with the Legal Aid Agency in respect of funding applications and claims.
- To assist with the prompt billing and costing of files.
- To record time spent on casework and meet daily targets.
- To contribute to the team’s financial targets.
- To carry out file reviews as appropriate.
- To attend training courses as appropriate.
General
- To demonstrate commitment to the aims, principles and policies of the Law Centre and abide by policies and procedures as set out in the Office Manual and Staff Handbook.
- To attend staff meetings and external meetings and seminars when necessary.
- Any other task reasonably required within the context of this post.
Person spec
- A demonstrable commitment to social justice and the ability to work sympathetically and effectively with a wide variety of clients.
- Experience of family law.
- Able to meet the Legal Aid Agency Supervisor Standard for family law (desirable).
- Experience of working under a Legal Aid Agency contract and a detailed understanding of legal aid eligibility requirements and legal aid applications, including using CCMS (desirable).
- Experience of advocacy.
- Proven ability to meet costs targets.
- The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with clients.
- An understanding of the importance of confidentiality.
- A non-judgemental attitude.
- Experience of using case management systems and IT systems including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Excellent organisational skills, including the ability to prioritise multiple pending tasks and provide realistic timescales for completion, to ensure that key deadlines are met and to work effectively when under time pressure.
- The ability to learn quickly and develop new skills.
- Ability to get on with people and be polite under pressure and to work co-operatively as part of a team.
- Attention to detail and sufficient numeracy to complete legal aid and costing forms.
- Self-motivated, able to work independently and on own initiative and able to organise own workload.
- Ability to work as part of a team and with partner agencies.
Family Caseworker or Solicitor in Birmingham employer: Central England Law Centre
Central England Law Centre is an exceptional employer dedicated to social justice, offering a supportive work environment in Coventry where employees can thrive. With a strong focus on professional development, the organisation provides opportunities for growth through training and collaboration with a passionate team, ensuring that every caseworker or solicitor can make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying the benefits of a hybrid working model.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Caseworker or Solicitor in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to family law. We recommend role-playing with a friend or mentor to boost your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for social justice during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in clients' lives or how you’ve tackled challenging cases. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Caseworker or Solicitor in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Family Caseworker or Solicitor role. Highlight your experience in family law and any relevant qualifications that match what we're looking for.
Show Your Passion for Social Justice:We love candidates who are passionate about social justice! In your application, share any experiences or motivations that demonstrate your commitment to helping clients navigate family law issues.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We want to see your skills and experience shine through without any fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Central England Law Centre
✨Know Your Family Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in family law, especially around child arrangement orders and domestic violence. Being able to discuss recent cases or changes in legislation will show your commitment and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Client Interaction Skills
Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with clients in sensitive situations. Highlight your ability to work with diverse clients and demonstrate empathy, as this role requires a non-judgemental attitude and strong interpersonal skills.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Legal Aid Processes
Since the role involves working under a Legal Aid Agency contract, make sure you understand the eligibility requirements and the CCMS system. Being able to discuss your experience with legal aid applications will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Collaboration
Think of examples where you've worked collaboratively with colleagues or partner agencies. This role values teamwork, so showing that you can contribute positively to a team environment will be crucial in your interview.
