At a Glance
- Tasks: Help design and set up a Legal Aid contract to support asylum seekers and refugees.
- Company: Join Manchester Refugee Support Network, a grassroots charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, network with professionals, and contribute to social justice.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact on the lives of vulnerable individuals seeking legal representation.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in Legal Aid practice, especially in immigration or social welfare law.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 £ per month.
Manchester Refugee Support Network (MRSN) is an IAA Level 3 accredited, registered charity that helps asylum seekers and refugees get the basic support they need. We are seeking an experienced consultant to support us to scope, design and set up a Legal Aid contract.
Setting up a Legal Aid contract at MRSN would directly increase access to high‑quality legal representation for people seeking asylum and other migrants, in a context where there is currently a severe shortage of immigration and asylum legal aid provision. It would turn our existing drop‑in and advice work into a pathway to full representation under Legal Aid, so people don’t fall between signposting and actually having a lawyer. Without legal aid, people seeking asylum face challenges in improving asylum decisions, and giving refugees joined‑up, holistic support and a more stable, sustainable service.
Having a Legal Aid contract embedded in a specialist refugee organisation means more people in Greater Manchester can secure representation for asylum claims, appeals, and protection from removal, rather than trying to navigate complex systems alone. Evidence shows that lack of early legal aid leads to worse decision‑making, more refusals, and higher downstream costs through appeals, detention and further litigation. With in‑house Legal Aid, MRSN could support people to prepare better, earlier, and more coherent cases, which increases the chances of fair outcomes and can reduce unnecessary appeals and delays.
National mapping has identified serious gaps in immigration and asylum legal aid capacity, leaving "oceans of unmet need" where people simply cannot access a lawyer despite being eligible. As a grassroots, refugee‑led organisation already supporting over 60 people per week in Moss Side, MRSN is well placed to convert existing demand into actual casework capacity, reducing the need for clients to travel far or join long waiting lists.
MRSN already supports refugees with immigration, housing, welfare, integration and community activities, and understands how immigration status interacts with those areas. Legal Aid, when set up and managed properly, can provide a stable income stream for specialist casework and supervision, which helps sustain expert staff and reduce reliance on short‑term grants. Building an in‑house legal team also strengthens MRSN’s ability to contribute evidence to policy discussions and campaigns on access to justice for refugees and migrants, drawing on real casework experience.
What are we looking for?
- Significant experience in Legal Aid practice, ideally in immigration/asylum or social welfare law.
- Good understanding of Legal Aid Agency contracts, quality standards and compliance.
- Experience of setting up or managing a Legal Aid contract within a small firm or not‑for‑profit organisation.
- Ability to communicate complex legal and regulatory requirements in clear, accessible language for non‑lawyers.
- Commitment to access to justice, refugee and migrant rights, and equality, diversity and inclusion.
We welcome applications from people with lived experience of the asylum or immigration system and from under‑represented groups in the legal profession.
What will you be doing?
- Clarifying which Legal Aid categories and matter types are realistic for MRSN and align with our existing advice offer.
- Understanding Legal Aid Agency (LAA) requirements for new contracts, including supervision standards, quality frameworks and audit expectations.
- Mapping the organisational changes needed to become "contract ready".
- Developing a practical roadmap and timeline for applying for a Legal Aid contract, including key risks, dependencies and indicative costs.
- Advising on when specialist external legal support would be appropriate.
Depending on your experience and availability, your tasks may include:
- Reviewing our current advice model, staffing and governance and advising on gaps against LAA requirements.
- Producing a short options paper for trustees outlining feasible Legal Aid models for MRSN.
- Drafting or advising on key policies and procedures needed for a Legal Aid–compliant practice.
- Identifying training and supervision requirements for staff and volunteers delivering Legal Aid‑funded work.
- Supporting a high‑level implementation plan that we can use to seek funding and, if appropriate, proceed to a Legal Aid contract tender or application.
This is an advisory and capacity‑building role; you will not be providing immigration advice to individual clients.
Legal Aid Contract Consultant - Volunteer in Manchester employer: Enerteam France
At Manchester Refugee Support Network (MRSN), we pride ourselves on being a compassionate and impactful employer dedicated to supporting asylum seekers and refugees in Greater Manchester. Our collaborative work culture fosters professional growth and encourages innovative solutions to complex challenges, while our commitment to social justice ensures that every team member contributes to meaningful change in the community. By joining us as a Legal Aid Contract Consultant, you will play a pivotal role in enhancing access to vital legal representation, all within a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Aid Contract Consultant - Volunteer in Manchester
✨Get Involved with Local Legal Aid Groups
Reach out to local legal aid organisations or pro bono clinics in your area. Volunteering here not only sharpens your legal skills but also opens doors to networking with established professionals in the legal field.
✨Join Law Student Societies or Organisations
If you’re still at university, join student societies or law-related clubs. They often have events and workshops that can connect you with potential mentors and help you get noticed by firms looking for volunteering support.
✨Utilise Online Legal Platforms
Participate in legal forums and online platforms like LinkedIn groups focused on law services. Share your insights and engage with others to boost your visibility and potentially catch the eye of volunteer opportunities.
✨Take Advantage of Law Fairs and Networking Events
Keep an eye out for law fairs and networking events in your area. This is a great way to meet representatives from firms like Enerteam France, and it shows your commitment to getting involved, even in a volunteer capacity.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Aid Contract Consultant - Volunteer in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Knowledge:In the legal field, it’s super important to highlight your understanding of the law and any relevant coursework or projects you’ve been involved in. We suggest tailoring your CV to showcase your legal studies, internships, or even relevant extra-curricular activities that scream you're passionate about law – it really helps you stand out!
References Matter:For a volunteer role, having strong references can really boost your application. Include contacts from professors or previous employers in the legal sector who can vouch for your skills and dedication. We want to see who believes in you and supports your journey in law!
Express Your Motivation Clearly:Since this is a volunteer position, your motivation is key. Use your cover letter to explain why you want to volunteer at Enerteam France specifically and what you hope to learn. We want to know what drives you and how you can contribute to the team while gaining valuable experience!
Polish Up That CV Format:Keep your CV concise and reader-friendly since legal professionals often appreciate clarity. Use bullet points to outline your experiences, focusing on those that relate to legal skills like research, writing, or communication - these are essential in the legal field. Don't forget to keep it to one page if possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at Enerteam France
✨Showcase Your Legal Knowledge
Brush up on the fundamentals of law that are relevant to Enerteam France. As a volunteer in the legal sector, they’ll be looking for your understanding of key concepts, so don’t shy away from discussing areas like contract law or ethics in your conversations.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Service
Volunteering in law services shows a dedication to helping others. Bring up previous experiences or motivations that led you to apply for this role at Enerteam France. They’ll want to see that you’re in it for more than just the experience!
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect some hypothetical legal scenarios during your interview. Prepare to discuss how you would approach specific cases or serve clients based on your knowledge of the legal process and ethical considerations. It’s a chance to show how you think on your feet!
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
As a volunteer, you’ll likely be working closely with solicitors and other volunteers. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in previous roles or projects, showing that you can fit into the team culture at Enerteam France and help create a positive impact.
