At a Glance
- Tasks: Supervise law students while providing legal advice on real cases.
- Company: Join the award-winning Student Law Office at Northumbria University.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, generous holiday entitlement, and excellent pension schemes.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of aspiring solicitors and make a real impact in the community.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with a good Honours degree in Law.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Join the multi-award-winning Student Law Office at Northumbria University, where you will supervise the next generation of solicitors while working on real cases for real clients. We are recruiting a Clinical Supervising Lawyer to join our growing team.
As a Clinical Supervising Lawyer, you will draw on your experience as a qualified Solicitor or Barrister to provide legal advice and representation to Student Law Office clients. Alongside this, you will guide the students assigned to your cases as they grow into confident, practice-ready lawyers. You will delegate effectively, check student work before clients receive advice, meet regularly with students (including appraisal meetings), keep academic staff informed through student appraisal comments, and carry out the administrative tasks you would expect to find in a law firm.
The Student Law Office currently advises across ten practice areas: civil litigation, commercial, crime, education, employment, family, housing, inquests, private client and SEND. We welcome applications from solicitors with expertise in any area of legal practice, and we are keen to hear from you whatever your specialism.
Please note that the role is advertised at 0.8 FTE; however, we welcome applications from candidates seeking a different FTE and are open to considering alternative arrangements.
ABOUT THE TEAM
Northumbria Law School is one of the largest law schools in the UK, with a national and international reputation for innovation in legal education. We deliver a wide range of academic and professional undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, with hands-on, practical learning at their core.
At the heart of our experiential learning programme is the Student Law Office, a multi-award-winning pro bono law clinic and one of the longest-running in the UK. In 2025–26, 324 students worked on 303 cases across 31 live client firms, donating over £336,000 of free legal services to the local community. We are past winners of the Northern Law Awards Pro Bono/Community Initiative Award, and in 2026 we were shortlisted for the LexisNexis UK Legal Awards University Pro Bono Award and named Northern Law Awards finalists once again. Our team has grown to nine Clinical Supervising Lawyers, and our work keeps expanding, from new SEND and Education services to EduCourt, our partnership with HMCTS offering free sessions inside a real courtroom at the Civil, Family and Tribunal Courts in Newcastle. As a Clinical Supervising Lawyer you will help shape what comes next, working alongside academic colleagues in the Law School and aligned support staff.
ABOUT YOU
You will bring recent and sustained experience of working as a Solicitor or Barrister in areas relevant to the activities of the Student Law Office; all areas of legal practice will be considered. You will have a good Honours degree in Law (at least a 2:1) or equivalent, currently hold or be able to obtain a practising certificate as a Solicitor or Barrister, and have a track record of continuous professional development.
If you would like an informal discussion about this role, please contact sarah.wade@northumbria.ac.uk. To apply for this vacancy please click 'Apply Now'. Your application should include a covering letter and a CV.
ABOUT US
Join Northumbria University, a research-intensive institution unlocking potential and changing lives locally and globally. Named Times Higher Education's University of the Year in 2022 and Modern University of the Year in 2025, we rank top 25 in the UK for research power. Discover more about us.
With over 37,000 students from over 140 countries, we offer world-leading research, award-winning partnerships, and an outstanding student experience. We empower our exceptional staff, promoting a positive work-life balance and offering great benefits, including excellent pension schemes, flexible working, generous holiday entitlement and more.
Our Northumbria Values, co-created by our team, define who we are: Academic Excellence, Innovation, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Ambition. Our Behaviours shape our work culture: We listen and learn, support one another, respect everyone, trust each other, and are bold.
Based in Newcastle upon Tyne and London, we are an on-campus organisation and offer flexible hours and location where the role allows. We pride ourselves on diversity and inclusivity, holding a Silver Athena Swan in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality, a bronze Race Equality Charter Award and we are a Disability Confident Leader. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers. The University has implemented a range of flexible working arrangements, and we are happy to explore candidate requirements as part of the recruitment process.
Apply now and join a community committed to transforming society and the economy.
Clinical Supervising Lawyer employer: University of Northumbria
Northumbria University is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises safety and security while fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration. With a commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive benefits such as flexible working hours, generous holiday entitlement, and excellent pension schemes, all within the vibrant city of Newcastle upon Tyne. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the student experience and be part of a community that values academic excellence and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Clinical Supervising Lawyer
✨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.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including University of Northumbria, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Clinical Supervising Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at University of Northumbria, 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 University of Northumbria and the specific role of Clinical Supervising Lawyer. 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 University of Northumbria’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Northumbria
✨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 University of Northumbria.
✨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 University of Northumbria.
