Supervising Solicitor (Pro Bono)

Are you a qualified solicitor looking to step away from private practice without stepping away from meaningful legal work? We are seeking a Supervising Solicitor (Pro Bono) to join our Newcastle team on a part-time basis (21 hours per week, 0.6 FTE). At The University of Law, you'll use your legal expertise to supervise real client work, mentor the next generation of lawyers and play a key role in improving access to justice. This is an opportunity to enjoy greater flexibility and work-life balance while continuing to make a genuine impact through the law.

As our Supervising Solicitor (Pro Bono), you'll lead the delivery of our Newcastle Pro Bono programme, creating opportunities for students to develop their legal and professional skills through real-world legal experience. Working alongside colleagues, external partners and the wider legal profession, you'll help shape innovative projects that benefit both our students and the communities they serve. With hybrid working and a typical expectation of just one day per week on campus, this role offers flexibility alongside rewarding, purpose-driven work.

You’ll take ownership of the Newcastle Pro Bono programme, overseeing student legal work while ensuring excellent client care and professional standards. You’ll collaborate with colleagues across the University and build relationships with law firms, chambers, courts, charities and other organisations to expand opportunities for students. This is a varied role combining legal supervision, programme development and stakeholder engagement, making it ideal for someone who enjoys working with people and wants to help shape the future of the legal profession.

• Supervise students undertaking pro bono legal work, providing guidance, mentoring and constructive feedback.
• Design and deliver an engaging programme of pro bono opportunities for students.
• Build and maintain relationships with external partners across the legal sector.
• Ensure legal work is delivered in accordance with professional and regulatory standards.
• Evaluate and develop the programme, identifying opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the University to deliver events, workshops and national initiatives.

We’re looking for a qualified solicitor who enjoys developing others and is passionate about widening access to justice. You’ll bring:

• Significant post-qualification experience (the regulatory requirement for supervision of legal advice is 3 years).
• Experience supervising or mentoring others within a legal environment.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage a varied workload.
• A collaborative approach and a genuine commitment to delivering an outstanding student experience.

Experience of pro bono, legal education or mentoring would be advantageous but is not essential.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to transition from private practice, in-house or the public sector into a rewarding role where you can continue to use your legal expertise while achieving a better work-life balance. In return, we offer a starting salary of £45,100 FTE (£27,060 pro rata), together with a comprehensive benefits package including:

• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata).
• Hybrid working with flexibility and typically only one day per week on campus.
• Private Medical Insurance and Life Assurance.
• Contributory Pension Scheme.
• Training and professional development opportunities.
• Course sponsorship and fee discounts.
• Season Ticket Loans and a range of employee discounts.