At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide housing law advice, manage cases, and represent clients in court.
- Company: Join Southwark Law Centre, a community-focused legal service in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while growing your legal skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing law is preferred; passion for social justice is essential.
- Other info: Part-time roles considered; training provided for ongoing professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 30800 - 36200 £ per year.
Salary: NJC scale SP19 – 32 £36,888- £45,399 (pro rata if part time, starting salary dependent on experience)
Hours: 35 hours per week. Part time considered.
MAIN OBJECTIVES
- To provide advice and casework in the category of housing law
- To represent clients at court
- To undertake training and provide second tier support for community agencies
- The Law Centre has projects supporting private renters in the borough, separate from its legal aid work. You will be expected to take referrals from partner agencies working with private renters and those in temporary accommodation.
PRINCIPAL TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Advice and representation – Managing a complex caseload across a varied field of housing casework
- Keeping up-to-date with relevant changes in legislation and case law
- Interviewing and advising clients, face to face, by telephone and email
- Legal research and preparing submissions
- Advocating on behalf of clients by telephone, letter and email with appropriate agencies
- Conducting and presenting cases at the County Court
- Identifying possible Judicial Review cases
- Administration – Maintaining case records and electronic case files to standards required to Lexcel accreditation and for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval, monitoring and reporting
- Assisting in preparing reports for funders including case studies
- Training and support – To provide consultancy support on housing matters for frontline workers in other community agencies
- To provide training/workshops for the public, voluntary organisations, advice centres and other professionals
- Professional Development – To attend regular support and supervision and appraisal meetings.
- To keep up-to-date and to meet identified learning and development needs as appropriate, attending a minimum of 16 hours relevant training per year.
- Teamwork and Service Development – To attend and contribute to staff meetings
- To attend and actively participate in other meetings as required, and to take an active role in the planning and development of the Service.
- To network and liaise with external agencies as agreed.
- General – To uphold and promote the Aims and Principles of the Law Centre
- To be available to work outside normal office hours on occasion as required and notified in advance.
- To undertake any other duties that are compatible with the functions of the post.
Southwark Law Centre (London) – Housing Caseworker / Solicitor employer: Young Legal Aid Lawyers
Contact Detail:
Young Legal Aid Lawyers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Southwark Law Centre (London) – Housing Caseworker / Solicitor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest housing laws and regulations in the UK. This will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a constantly evolving field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in housing law or at Southwark Law Centre. Attend relevant events or webinars to make connections and gain insights into the role and the organisation's culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific cases or experiences where you've successfully managed complex housing issues. Real-life examples can showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to advocate for clients effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your passion for social justice and community support during your interactions. Highlight any previous volunteer work or initiatives that align with the mission of Southwark Law Centre, as this will resonate well with their values.
We think you need these skills to ace Southwark Law Centre (London) – Housing Caseworker / Solicitor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Housing Caseworker/Solicitor. Highlight your experience in housing law, case management, and client representation in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV reflects relevant experience in housing law and any previous roles that involved legal research, client advocacy, or casework. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that addresses why you are passionate about housing law and how your background aligns with the objectives of Southwark Law Centre. Mention any experience working with community agencies or training others.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in legal work.
How to prepare for a job interview at Young Legal Aid Lawyers
✨Know Your Housing Law
Make sure you brush up on the latest changes in housing law and relevant case studies. Being able to discuss recent legislation or landmark cases will show your expertise and commitment to the field.
✨Demonstrate Your Advocacy Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully advocated for clients in the past. Whether it's through court representation or negotiations, showcasing your ability to stand up for clients will be crucial.
✨Showcase Your Teamwork Experience
Since teamwork is essential in this role, think of instances where you've collaborated with others, especially in a legal or community setting. Highlighting your ability to work well with frontline workers and external agencies will be beneficial.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Have a few thoughtful questions ready about the Law Centre's projects or their approach to training and support. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.