At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a legal advice clinic and supervise law students in providing client support.
- Company: Support Through Court, dedicated to helping unrepresented litigants navigate the legal system.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, opportunity to make a real difference, and gain practical experience.
- Other info: Open to full-time or part-time applicants; interviews on 8th July.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team committed to ensuring no one faces court alone.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with at least 3 years PQE and experience managing students or volunteers.
Every year, thousands of people in the UK face court alone. Often through no choice of their own, people must represent themselves at a moment that could have life-changing outcomes. This includes loss of access to children or homelessness. At the same time, people facing court alone may find themselves up against a party with legal representation. They are instantly at a disadvantage and overwhelmed by the enormity of the challenges they are up against. We supported unrepresented litigants in the civil and family courts in England and Wales over 45,000 times last year. We provide a safe space with volunteers who listen to each client’s individual story. Last year, over 1000 volunteers helped people to get their thoughts in order, problem-solve and decide next steps, source relevant and reliable legal information, explain complex procedures, complete court forms, and clearly present statements. At a time when legal support is increasingly limited, we have a vision that no one should have to face court alone.
Support Through Court is establishing a legal advice clinic for money claim matters under £10,000, for a one-year pilot. Advice will be given to clients across the national service network who have been internally triaged to the clinic. The role involves day-to-day management of the clinic and supervising law students as they facilitate client appointments, conduct research and draft letters of advice. Clients will predominantly be supported remotely with occasional in-person appointments and advice “drop-ins” in the local area. You will train and supervise students to help them gain practical legal skills in a clinic setting, having final sign-off of completed letters of advice/oral advice to ensure clients receive an excellent service. You will embed the legal advice offering of the clinic into the organisation, increasing and developing referrals from our national service network and supporting staff understanding of referral ability.
Who we are looking for
Ambitious, professional, committed and friendly. That describes us. If it also describes you and you have a passion for access to justice, then we’re keen to hear from you. You will be a qualified solicitor with at least 3 years PQE (ideally 5+) with an active practicing certificate. You will have experience managing students and/or volunteers and a commitment to supporting Litigants in Person. We are open to applicants wishing to take the role either on a full-time basis, or on a part-time basis as a job share. Please make it clear in your application whether you are applying for a full-time or part-time role.
Interviews will take place on Wednesday 8th July.
Solicitor (Support Through Court Advice Clinic) in Leeds employer: Support Through Court
As a leading organisation dedicated to ensuring that no one faces court alone, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values ambition and commitment to access to justice. Our team enjoys flexible working arrangements, opportunities for professional development through mentoring law students, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals navigating the legal system. Join us in our mission to empower unrepresented litigants while growing your own legal expertise in a collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solicitor (Support Through Court Advice Clinic) in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or be able to put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the organisation and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Practise common interview questions and be ready to share your passion for access to justice.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! During interviews, highlight your experience managing students and volunteers. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, especially in supporting Litigants in Person.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our mission to support those facing court alone.
We think you need these skills to ace Solicitor (Support Through Court Advice Clinic) in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the role. Highlight your passion for access to justice and any relevant experience you have in managing students or volunteers.
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t just list your qualifications; share examples of how you've used them in practice. Talk about your experience with litigants in person and how you've helped them navigate complex legal situations.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible, making it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Don’t forget to specify if you’re looking for full-time or part-time work!
How to prepare for a job interview at Support Through Court
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key legal principles related to money claims under £10,000. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by litigants in person and be ready to discuss how you can support them effectively.
✨Show Your Passion
Demonstrate your commitment to access to justice during the interview. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive your passion for helping those who face court alone. This will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Skills
Since the role involves managing students and volunteers, be prepared to discuss your previous experience in mentoring or supervising others. Provide examples of how you've successfully guided teams and contributed to their development.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the clinic's operations and the organisation's vision. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their mission of supporting unrepresented litigants.
