At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Law Clinic and assist with administrative tasks while working closely with students and the public.
- Company: Join the award-winning Law Clinic at Lancaster University, known for its impactful legal services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension scheme, and 39 days off per year.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team dedicated to enhancing student employability and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by providing free legal advice and gaining valuable experience in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The School of Law is looking to appoint a Legal Support Assistant to join the team from August 2026 to the end of November 2026 on 1FTE, supporting the Law Clinic, as well as being a member of the wider Faculty Education Services team. This role will work closely with Law Clinic supervisors, students and the general public. This is an exciting opportunity to become part of the Law Clinic team and expand administrative skills.
As part of our programme of enhancing student employability and the diversification of learning methods, we see the Clinic as a central part of the School of Law. The post holder will be key to the success of the School and joins a dedicated, hands‑on integrated team of academics and professional services colleagues.
Lancaster University launched its Law Clinic in 2019. This was an exciting development for the School of Law and allowed for the provision of a clinical learning experience for Law students, including the provision of legal advice. Lancaster University’s national, award‑winning Law Clinic has continued to grow from strength to strength. Building on our work in previous years, our Law Clinic students, under the supervision of qualified lawyers, have continued to provide free legal advice to members of the public. Since 2019, Lancaster University’s Law Clinic has assisted over 210 clients and provided the equivalent of over £290,000 of free legal advice to the public.
The Law Clinic also runs on a virtual basis, allowing it to provide free legal advice to clients across the UK. The Clinic offers general legal advice (although not employment law or criminal law) and specialises in consumer law, landlord & tenant law, private family law and social welfare law. The quality, impact, and distinctiveness of the Law Clinic’s work has been recognised through several awards and nominations. The Law Clinic won Lancaster University’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences “Outstanding Contribution to Engagement” award in 2020 and was nominated for the University Engagement Award in 2021. The Clinic supports the University’s “town and gown” Memorandum of Understanding and the Civic University Agreement.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be addressed to Shana Henriques, Student Programmes Officer, s.henriques@lancaster.ac.uk.
Benefits in role:
- Competitive salary with annual reviews
- Generous employer pension scheme
- 39 days off a year which includes University closure days at Easter and Christmas and bank holidays
- A family‑friendly approach to those with parental or caring responsibilities
- Additional flexible benefits to suit your needs and interests, some with tax‑savings
Legal Support Assistant employer: Lancaster University
Lancaster University is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment within the School of Law. As a Legal Support Assistant, you will play a vital role in our award-winning Law Clinic, contributing to meaningful community engagement while enjoying generous benefits such as 39 days of annual leave, a competitive salary, and a family-friendly approach to work-life balance. Join us in fostering student employability and making a real impact through legal support across the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Support Assistant
✨Get Involved in Legal Networking Events
Jump into local or virtual legal networking events to meet industry pros and get your foot in the door! Use platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup to find gatherings, as these are great for making connections and hearing about temporary roles at firms like Lancaster University.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a simple online portfolio to showcase your legal work, whether that's case briefs, research papers, or even blog posts on legal topics. This public display can really set you apart when looking for temp roles in law, especially if you can make it relevant to the work that Lancaster University does!
✨Tap into Law School Resources
If you're near a law school, hit up their career services. They often have leads on temporary positions and can help connect you with alumni working at firms. Plus, they might host workshops or job fairs specific to the legal sector—great for scoring that temp position!
✨Stay Updated with Legal Job Boards
Regularly check specialised legal job boards like LawCareers.Net or TotallyLegal for temporary listings. Many firms post their openings directly there, and applying quickly can give you an edge over the competition when looking to join a prestigious firm like Lancaster University.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Support Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Know-How:In the legal services world, it's all about demonstrating your understanding of relevant laws and regulations. Make sure your CV highlights your legal training, internships, or any relevant projects you've worked on. If you've done any mooting or legal research, include those too - they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Application for the Temp Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should stress your adaptability and readiness to jump in right away. Highlight any previous temp roles where you quickly got up to speed, or any diverse experiences that show you can handle a variety of cases or tasks with ease.
Keep it Specific with Your Documents:Make sure your application includes essential legal documents, such as any relevant certifications or memberships in legal bodies. These can add credibility to your CV and show that you're serious about the profession – especially useful in a competitive field like law!
Express Your Enthusiasm in the Cover Letter:Your cover letter is a golden opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Let them know why you’re excited about this temporary position with Lancaster University and how you're motivated to contribute to their success during your limited time with them!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancaster University
✨Show Off Your Legal Know-How
Prepare to discuss your understanding of legal terminology and concepts that might come up during the interview for the Legal Support Assistant role at Lancaster University. Brush up on relevant laws or recent cases that could be pertinent to the temporary position, as they'll likely appreciate candidates who can think on their feet and adapt to the fast-paced legal environment.
✨Talk About Your Flexibility
Since this is a temporary role, employers want to know you can hit the ground running. Be ready to highlight past experiences where you've had to quickly adapt to new tasks or work cultures. Flexibility is key in a short-term position like this, so share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage changing priorities efficiently.
✨Prepare for the Casework Challenge
You might face hypothetical scenarios where you'd have to advise on a legal issue or case. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, as interviewers in the legal sector often expect candidates to walk them through their reasoning step-by-step. This will not only showcase your legal acumen but also demonstrate your communication skills, which are crucial in law.
✨Pitch Your Legal Portfolio
If you have any relevant work samples, such as briefs, contracts, or legal research, this is your chance to shine! Be ready to discuss what you did, what challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This speaks volumes more than just listing your skills; it shows you're proactive and results-oriented, which is essential for a temporary role at Lancaster University.
