At a Glance
- Tasks: Support members with immigration legal cases and develop strategic approaches to tackle immigration issues.
- Company: Join UNISON, a dynamic and progressive union committed to equality.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £53,110 plus London Weighting, flexible working, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a collaborative team focused on impactful legal services.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of union members while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Five years post-qualification experience in immigration law and strong communication skills.
Location: Euston, London
Deadline: 24 July 2026
Salary: Starting salary: £53,110 per annum, plus £7,170 London Weighting allowance
UNISON Legal Services conducts strategically important and often ground-breaking litigation on behalf of the union and its members. Successful cases include the challenge to the imposition of employment tribunal fees in the Supreme Court and Lock v British Gas in the ECJ. Legal Services also manages the following national functions:
- The provision and management of all the union’s legal services.
- Giving internal legal advice to the union, including on HR/staffing matters.
- Managing the external legal advice scheme that provides a comprehensive suite of legal services to members.
- Dealing with legal complaints, including defending litigation.
The role: The Immigration Solicitor will need to run the emergency casework support we undertake to support members. They will then pursue immigration legal cases, as appropriate from these matters, as well as develop a strategic legal approach to tackling issues experienced by our members caught up within the immigration rules/system. In addition, they will be a source of specialist immigration advice to the union, including to regions and branches on member cases/employer actions which engage with the immigration system. They will need to analyse government rule changes in terms of their application to the sectors and workplaces UNISON organises in; and assist in the preparation of government consultation responses. They will also be expected to develop and produce briefings and reports; and offer guidance and webinars to sections of the union, including head office sections, service group officers, regional officers and branches on immigration policy changes. They will be required to assist with other areas of law, dealt with by the Legal Services team such as employment and personal injury law as appropriate.
The person: The Immigration solicitor must have the following skills and abilities:
- Post-qualification experience as a solicitor of at least five years, in immigration law.
- Be a self-starter and effective at problem solving.
- Have confident and precise communication and numeracy skills.
- Have an excellent knowledge of Microsoft packages, particularly Excel, and strong organisational skills.
- Be a team worker and have a commitment to team working.
- Have the ability to manage up, to work under pressure and to deadlines.
- Take ownership of their work, manage their own workload in conjunction with the requirements of the team.
- Have the ability to understand the role of trade unions and their structures.
While the Immigration solicitor post can be a demanding position, requiring some attendance at meetings outside of the conventional working day, or when working to legal deadlines, UNISON is a strong supporter of the work/life balance ethos and has a cross-union flexible working policy. UNISON is a dynamic, progressive union, committed to equality. We encourage men and women of all ages, Black and minority ethnic groups, disabled people, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people to work with us.
Immigration Solicitor – Legal Services Team, UNISON employer: ILPA - Immigration Law Practitioners' Association Ltd
UNISON is an excellent employer for Immigration Solicitors, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises work/life balance and flexible working arrangements. With a commitment to equality and diversity, employees are encouraged to grow professionally while engaging in meaningful legal work that impacts the lives of union members. Located in Euston, London, UNISON provides a dynamic environment where solicitors can thrive and contribute to significant legal challenges.
Contact Details:
ILPA - Immigration Law Practitioners' Association Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Immigration Solicitor – Legal Services Team, UNISON
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
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✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
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We think you need these skills to ace Immigration Solicitor – Legal Services Team, UNISON
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at ILPA - Immigration Law Practitioners' Association Ltd, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in ILPA - Immigration Law Practitioners' Association Ltd and the specific role of Immigration Solicitor – Legal Services Team, UNISON. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for ILPA - Immigration Law Practitioners' Association Ltd’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at ILPA - Immigration Law Practitioners' Association Ltd
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at ILPA - Immigration Law Practitioners' Association Ltd.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at ILPA - Immigration Law Practitioners' Association Ltd.
