Legal Officer / Rainbow Migration

Legal Officer / Rainbow Migration

London Full-Time 40175 - 44868 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Advise and support LGBTQI+ asylum seekers, improving their representation in the immigration system.
  • Company: Join Rainbow Migration, Europe's longest-running charity for LGBTQI+ asylum support.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and a supportive work-life balance.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of LGBTQI+ individuals while shaping immigration policy.
  • Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with two years' experience in asylum law required.
  • Other info: Remote work available; occasional travel to London for meetings may be needed.

The predicted salary is between 40175 - 44868 £ per year.

Location: London, SE11, between Vauxhall and Oval

Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Rainbow Migration, the longest-running charity in Europe dedicated to supporting LGBTQI+ people through the asylum and immigration system, is recruiting a Legal Officer to advise and help improve the representation of LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum and help change the asylum and immigration system to one that treats everyone with compassion, dignity and respect.

We are looking for a qualified solicitor or barrister with valid practising certificate, or already accredited to Level 3 IAA (OISC), with two years’ experience in providing advice and representation in asylum including working in legal aid.

You will be responsible for the day-to-day delivery of the legal advice service. Under the guidance of our Legal Service Manager, you will also build capacity amongst legal representatives by designing and delivering training, giving second tier advice and developing and coordinating a network of practitioners working in this area. You will use the knowledge you gain in this role to help deliver Rainbow Migration’s policy work, such as inputting into policy papers and meeting with partner organisations when required.

Responsibilities will include:

  • Deliver one-off advice to adult LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum and work with colleagues to refer them to quality legal aid and pro bono lawyers
  • Provide casework assistance e.g. helping to prepare witness statements, making referrals to other specialist organisations and taking other urgent steps (whilst not representing service users or maintaining a caseload)
  • Provide occasional advice (within competence) on other issues affecting asylum and partnership service users such as asylum support, legal aid, trafficking, family reunion or community care
  • Deliver second tier advice to the legal representatives of LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum and other charities and professionals
  • Work with the Legal Service Manager to design and deliver training to lawyers, NGOs and other professionals
  • Write blogs and articles on asylum and immigration policy and legislation as they apply to LGBTQI+ people
  • Contribute to policy and briefing papers
  • Assist with preparing guidelines and briefings for legal services and pro bono lawyers

The Legal Officer will not be providing direct legal representation of service users. However, the role includes substantive advice and casework within the scope of legal support and referrals for our service users, as well as merits testing and second tier advice.

Contract Type: Permanent.

Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week). Working part-time or job-sharing will be considered. Occasional work in the evenings and at weekends may be required but with plenty of notice. Rainbow Migration encourages staff to maintain a good work life balance and has a TOIL system in place.

Salary: Starting at £40,175, with potential annual step increases up to £44,868 (pro-rata for part-time employees), plus statutory employer’s pension contribution. In addition to an annual step increase, the trustees consider giving a separate inflationary increase every April.

Location: Remote or from Rainbow Migration’s offices which are based in London between Vauxhall and the Oval. Hybrid working will also be considered. The successful candidate could work from anywhere in the UK but would be expected to occasionally travel to London and other parts of the country for meetings and events.

How to apply

Closing date: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Interview date: Interviews will be scheduled on an ongoing basis in response to applications received.

Please send:

  • Your CV
  • A written statement (max 1,000 words). Instead of a written statement you may submit your statement by video or audio recording (max 8 minutes) to

In your statement, please:

  • Give examples of how you meet the person specification.
  • Confirm if you wish to be considered under the guaranteed interview scheme for anyone considered as disabled under the Equality Act 2010.
  • State how many hours a week you wish to work and if you have a preferred pattern, or if you are applying as part of a job-share.

By submitting an application, you:

  • Confirm that you have the right to work in the UK and will produce the necessary documentation if you are offered this post.
  • Declare that to the best of your knowledge and belief, the information provided with your application is true and correct.

We are proud to be a member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network ( which aims to create a charitable sector that is led by people with lived experience of the asylum and immigration system.

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Legal Officer / Rainbow Migration employer: ILPA - Immigration Law Practitioners' Association Ltd

Rainbow Migration is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. With a strong commitment to work-life balance, competitive salary packages, and opportunities for professional growth through training and policy engagement, employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the lives of LGBTQI+ asylum seekers. Located in vibrant London, the organization offers flexible working arrangements, including remote options, ensuring that team members can contribute effectively while enjoying the benefits of city life.
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Contact Detail:

ILPA - Immigration Law Practitioners' Association Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Legal Officer / Rainbow Migration

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarize yourself with the specific challenges faced by LGBTQI+ individuals in the asylum process. Understanding these nuances will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the cause.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals already working in the field of asylum and immigration law, especially those focused on LGBTQI+ issues. Attend relevant events or webinars to make connections that could support your application.

✨Tip Number 3

Stay updated on current policies and legislation affecting LGBTQI+ asylum seekers. Being knowledgeable about recent changes can set you apart during discussions in interviews.

✨Tip Number 4

Consider creating a portfolio of your previous work related to asylum and immigration law. This could include case studies, training materials, or articles you've written, showcasing your expertise and passion for the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Legal Officer / Rainbow Migration

Qualified solicitor or barrister with valid practising certificate
Accredited to Level 3 IAA (OISC)
Experience in asylum law and legal aid
Strong understanding of LGBTQI+ asylum issues
Excellent communication skills
Ability to provide second tier advice
Training design and delivery skills
Casework assistance experience
Policy analysis and writing skills
Networking and collaboration with partner organisations
Empathy and compassion towards service users
Organisational skills for managing multiple tasks
Flexibility to work part-time or job-share
Commitment to maintaining a good work-life balance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Legal Officer position at Rainbow Migration. Familiarize yourself with their mission and how your experience aligns with their goals.

Craft Your Written Statement: Your written statement is crucial. Use it to highlight specific examples from your experience that demonstrate how you meet the person specification. Be concise and ensure you stay within the 1,000-word limit.

Consider Alternative Formats: If you prefer, you can submit your statement as a video or audio recording. Make sure it is clear, well-structured, and stays within the 8-minute limit. This can help showcase your communication skills effectively.

Confirm Your Work Rights: In your application, confirm that you have the right to work in the UK and be prepared to provide necessary documentation if offered the position. This is an important step that should not be overlooked.

How to prepare for a job interview at ILPA - Immigration Law Practitioners' Association Ltd

✨Show Your Passion for LGBTQI+ Rights

Make sure to express your commitment to supporting LGBTQI+ individuals, especially in the context of asylum and immigration. Share any relevant experiences or projects that demonstrate your dedication to this cause.

✨Highlight Your Legal Experience

Be prepared to discuss your qualifications as a solicitor or barrister, particularly your experience in asylum law and legal aid. Provide specific examples of cases you've worked on or training you've delivered that relate to the role.

✨Demonstrate Your Training Skills

Since the role involves designing and delivering training, think of examples where you've successfully trained others. Discuss your approach to capacity building among legal representatives and how you would apply it at Rainbow Migration.

✨Prepare for Policy Discussions

Familiarize yourself with current asylum and immigration policies affecting LGBTQI+ individuals. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to policy papers and collaborate with partner organizations to advocate for change.

Legal Officer / Rainbow Migration
ILPA - Immigration Law Practitioners' Association Ltd
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