Legal Jobs

Job description

About Us
You will find no other law firm like Edward Connor Solicitors. Seeking to provide Christ-centred legal expertise to churches and Christian charities, we combine the skill and specialism of a high-quality law firm with the gospel aims of a Christian charity. Our team of Christian lawyers already serve diverse Christian organisations in a wide variety of unique work. But we need to grow our existing team to meet the increasing demands of the Christian market we love to serve.

We are looking for a qualified solicitor or legal executive (possible someone returning to work after a career break) with 1-3 years PQE. You will have experience in commercial property work, and ideally also some knowledge of residential conveyancing. This is an exciting opportunity to grow and develop as a solicitor as you use your gifts to serve the gospel.

This full-time role could be based in our offices, or at home. Salary will be commensurate to the role and experience of the candidate. There is an occupational requirement for this role that the job holder must be a Christian in full agreement with our Basis of Faith.

Executive Officer: Legal and Constitutional Practice

Location:  London (Hybrid)

Hybrid Working: Connexional Team staff based at Methodist Church House have a hybrid work pattern which is currently 3 days in the office.

The Vacancy

We are offering in interesting and varied opportunity to support the work of the Connexional Team and the wider Methodist Church in our Legal and Constitutional Practice team.

Working alongside the Conference Officer for Legal and Constitutional Practice and colleagues within the Legal and Constitutional Practice team, you will be providing executive support to the Law and Polity Committee, and working on operational and policy issues relating to Methodist constitutional, charity governance, trusts and property matters.

About You

We are looking for someone who wants to make a positive contribution to good charity governance, enjoys matters of detail, and is interested in supporting the work of the Church.

You will preferably have experience supporting governance bodies and working within a regulatory environment.

It is essential that you are experienced in producing reports for governance bodies, and taking minutes for them.  You will need to be able to assimilate new information quickly and keep abreast of rapidly changing legislation, situations and work themes.

We are a collaborative team and therefore welcome applications from those who wish to contribute to the work of the team in a positive and proactive way.

Our Culture, Values and Benefits

Thank you for considering joining our inclusive and welcoming team that strives for excellence and values employee wellbeing.

We value and support all those who join our team through a positive work-life balance augmented by generous annual leave (plus an extra 3 days over Christmas/New Year), TOIL, flexi-leave and an on-site Well-being Adviser service. We offer a generous occupational pension scheme, where the Methodist Church will pay double the employee contribution up to a maximum of 16% employer contribution.

The Methodist Church is an inclusive and supportive employer. We are actively committed to encouraging applications from people of all backgrounds. We welcome applications from people of Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic groups. We also welcome applications from people living with disabilities.

Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early. If you are interested, we encourage you to send us your application as soon as possible.

Closing date: Sunday 8 December 2024

Interview date: Friday 13 December 2024

The award-winning ISM is the dynamic, change making professional body representing musicians. With a current membership of over 11,000, the ISM is known for its legal support to its members covering a range of issues from intellectual property and employment disputes to contracts. We are also known for our campaigning work on issues from equality to Brexit and AI which can cross over into legal services.

The ISM is now looking for a Head of Legal Services to manage a critical part of how we support our members: namely our legal services. You will be managing our brilliant in-house team of lawyers as well as our external associated suppliers. We do not handle litigation as any disputes which proceed to this stage are handled by our legal insurance providers. You will also advise the ISM on business-related legal issues, ensure policies and procedures are kept up to date and work closely with the External Affairs team particularly on areas which have a legal element such as AI.

The provision of legal advice to our members is a core part of what the ISM offers and it is vital that we deliver gold standard legal services, responding to the needs of our professional musician membership. You will be an excellent but practical lawyer able to manage a great team as well as suppliers and contractors. You will be proactive with strong problem-solving skills, great drafting and oral skills, keen attention to detail and good emotional intelligence.

You will be joining a professional staff team who are based in Bayswater, London. The role is four days per week of which at least two will be in the office.

For a full job description for this role please visit the ISM website.

To apply please send a CV and covering letter saying why you are right the person for the job.

Closing date is Wednesday 11th December at 9.30am. Interviews will take place face- to-face and applications generated by AI will not be considered.

We want a world where no one dies from hunger. Life-threatening hunger is predictable, preventable and treatable. Join Action Against Hunger and together we will stop it in its tracks.

Action Against Hunger is an optimistic, inspiring place to work. We want passionate and dedicated people to help build a better world. We’re a creative team made up of people with a wide range of talents, styles and expertise. But we are united in our relentless dedication to end world hunger.  No challenge is too big. With you we can do it.  Join us.

We are looking for a UK qualified lawyer who is passionate about working for an international humanitarian organisation and who shares the values of Action Against Hunger and the wider sector.This is an exciting opportunity for a lawyer who is looking to start working or build experience in the NGO sector and work in a broad, challenging and interesting role as part of a dynamic team.

You will respond to a broad range of legal queries, particularly in relation to contract development and negotiation and will support all compliance activities and the development of robust policies and procedures to ensure compliance with legal, regulatory and donor requirements, voluntary standards and best practice. You will be confident in working independently to provide high quality advice, drafting and reviewing contracts, preparing anddelivering training, and developing documents with support from the Head of Legal & Governance where appropriate. 

We would love to hear from you if you’re interested in joining us. For more detailed information on the role – and to see whether you have the necessary experience - please download the attached pdf Job description.

This role could be Either a full time, 5-day-per-week position (37.5 hours) OR it could be a part time position (30 hours per week or more).

Closing Date: 6-Dec-2024 10:00 am
Interview date: 12/12/24 (1st round - virtual). We will ask candidates during this interview about their availability the following week, 17/12/24 (2nd round – (potentially in person – to be confirmed)

Please read the following carefully before making your application: then all you need to do is send your CV and write a supporting statement explaining why you want the job and how your skills and experience make you the right person for the role and where you saw this vacancy.

• For further information on pay and employee benefits please visit our careers page on our website.
• As a UK based position, candidates must have the right to work in the UK
• We welcome applications from all sections of the community and we encourage as broad a range of candidates as possible. If you need any additional support to help you through this process, please let us know (contact details in the job pack)
• Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we will only contact shortlisted candidates, within two weeks of the closing date Unfortunately, we cannot provide individual feedback
• If you experience any technical difficulties in submitting your application, please contact the charityjob helpdesk.

Come and join ASAP’s dynamic, small and friendly team!

We are recruiting a Women’s Legal Advisor. This interesting and diverse role sits both within ASAP’s legal and policy teams and involves provision of legal advice, representation at the asylum support tribunal, delivery of training and influencing work with the Home Office.

Key information:

• Permanent contract, following a six months’ probation
• Full-time post (but we will consider requests for working 28 hours a week)
• Hybrid working, so based 2 days a week in our offices in East London
• Salary £41,220 p.a or pro rata equivalent (includes ILW) and other benefits
• Application deadline is 11:59pm on Sunday 1st December 2024 with interviews in London on Monday 9th December 2024

The Asylum Support Appeals Project (ASAP) is a small national charity which was set up in 2004 to reduce destitution by protecting people's legal rights to food and shelter. We have a team of 12 permanent staff members and 45 volunteer solicitors and barristers. 

ASAP delivers three strands of work:

• High-quality legal representation at the Asylum Support Tribunal, for people appealing against Home Office decisions to refuse or withdraw their accommodation and financial support.

• Training, an advice line and online forum to support hundreds of frontline organisations, advice agencies and legal practitioners across the UK who are helping people apply for financial support or accommodation.

• We use our strong evidence base to improve government policies and procedures on asylum support through policy work and strategic litigation.

The Women’s Legal Advisor works across the three strands of ASAP’s work to promote and protect the rights of women within the asylum support system. It is a varied and interesting role spanning legal representation at the Asylum Support Tribunal (AST), the provision of advice on ASAP’s Advice Line, the delivery of training, and influencing work with the Home Office. The post is currently focused on access to support for those experiencing domestic abuse however, the future focus of this project will be one of the first priorities for the new post holder, after induction.

A strong interest and commitment to upholding the rights of women is essential, as is an understanding of the barriers and difficulties that women seeking asylum face. You will work closely and collaboratively with colleagues internally, providing advice and support on issues impacting women in the asylum system. You will work with partner organisations externally, pursuing asylum support policy improvements for women and supporting advice workers to assist women to access housing and financial support. The role is part of ASAP’s policy team as well as our legal team (staff members providing legal representation at the AST and via our advice line). The Head of Legal provides legal supervision to the role, and assistance with legal accuracy of training materials. 

We positively encourage applicants with lived experience of seeking asylum and/or asylum support. You do not have to tell us about your experiences as part of the recruitment process if you do not want to. If you are an expert by experience (a refugee or a migrant with direct, first-hand experience of issues and challenges of the UK asylum or immigration system), you can ask for independent and confidential support for your job application from the Experts by Experience Employment Network.

Come and join our small, supportive team!

Who We’re Looking For and why join us

At Refugee Legal Support (RLS), we seek a visionary and compassionate leader to become our first Executive Director. This pivotal role offers the opportunity to shape the future of a values-driven legal organisation that stands in solidarity with people on the move. 

With our current strategy concluding in 2025, we’re looking for a leader who can build on our strong foundations and guide the development of our next strategic plan, ensuring organisational cohesion at every step of this journey. You will bring strategic vision, expertise, and a collaborative approach to drive RLS’s future direction, strengthen anti-racist practices and accountability whilst empowering teams across Greece, the UK, and Northern France.

This role uniquely combines strategic oversight with hands-on work, bridging urgent client needs with long-term systemic change. For a leader passionate about migrant justice and equity, this is a career-defining opportunity to sustain and grow RLS’s mission while shaping its future.

Role Overview: 

The Executive Director is a new role for RLS. The successful candidate will lead RLS through its next phase of development, providing strategic leadership, promoting organisational cohesion and accountability whilst driving the fulfilment of our mission. As a representative and advocate for RLS, the Executive Director will oversee key areas such as organisational development, strategic planning, fundraising, robust financial planning, risk management, staff well-being, and external relations.

Core Responsibilities:

1. Organisational Development

   • Review and enhance RLS’s organisational structure and cohesiveness across offices and teams.

   • Implement strategic outcomes to ensure efficient and aligned operations.

2. Strategic Planning

   • Lead on developing and delivering strategic plans in alignment with RLS’s values and mission, incorporating regular reviews.

   • Ensure the sustainability of RLS’s mission and core programmes.

3. Lead the Management Team

   • Guide and support the Management Team, fostering effective collaboration.

   • Promote project integration, efficient delivery, and cross-team development.

   • Embed and promote robust accountability.

4. Governance

   • Work with and leverage the knowledge of the RLS’s Board of Trustees and thematic sub-committees to drive positive change and ensure sustainability.

   • Work with the chair of trustees and relevant subcommittees to maintain, review and improve existing governance structures and delegation schemes to enhance efficiency.

5. Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

   • Ensure RLS’s compliance with relevant regulations and effective risk management across operations in collaboration with managers. This includes SQM, OISC, LAA, employment law and regulations in foreign jurisdictions.

6. HR Oversight & Staff Development

   • Oversee HR functions, promote professional growth, and prioritise staff well-being.

   • Foster an inclusive and supportive working environment.

7. Fundraising & Financial Oversight

   • Deliver robust financial planning and drive RLS’s fundraising efforts in collaboration with management team and trustees.

   • Engage with key funders and develop sustainable funding strategies.

8. External Representation & Advocacy

   • Serve as the public face of RLS, advocating for our mission through media, events, and partnerships. Where considered appropriate, the Executive Director will be deputised by members of staff or management in external communications.

   • Act as a key contact for the Board of Trustees, promoting transparent communication between staff, management and board.

9. Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL)

   • Own, review and implement appropriate MEL frameworks and practices. 

   • Implement progressive and compassionate accountability structures to ensure transparency across the organisation.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Proven leadership in an organisation focused on human rights, migration, or a related sector.

• Strong strategic planning and organisational development experience, ideally in a fast-growing setting.

• Experience of fundraising and financial management within the third sector.

• Experience leading remote, diverse teams and implementing inclusive HR practices.

• Deep understanding of the immigration and asylum landscape in the UK and Europe.

• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to represent RLS effectively to partners and the public.

• Be responsive

• Culturally sensitive

• Have a strong commitment to advancing migrant justice.

• A dynamic and innovative self-starter.

• Be highly organised.

• Be an active listener and a progressive leader.

• Be objective and apply good judgement in difficult situations.

• Fluent in English.

• The successful candidate will be required to obtain an enhanced DBS certificate (we cover the cost). However, a criminal record is not necessarily a barrier to recruitment but should be disclosed on application;

• Have the right to work in the UK.

Desirable:

• Deep understanding and/or experience of working in an international context.

• A qualified practising or non-practising lawyer in the area of immigration and/ or human rights.

• Lived experience related to migration, or legal knowledge in immigration and asylum.

• Language skills relevant to our areas of operation, particularly Greek or French.

• Experience and understanding of pro bono legal projects.

• Experience in public speaking, media engagement, or international advocacy.

Salary: Grade 2 – £28,216 per annum

Location:  This role is partly hub based and you will be required to work in the Hub (Manchester or Blackburn) at least one to two days per week

Hours:  Full time 37.5 per week

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: Sunday 8th December 2024 at 11.30pm

We are looking for someone with administration or secretarial experience gained in a legal environment to be the new Legal Administrator for our National Legal Administration Team. You could soon be playing a vital role helping people who are affected by the housing emergency.

About The Role

You will provide full administrative support to the Legal Team, including taking telephone calls, secretarial duties, data entry, note taking, sorting the post and managing diaries. You will also be responsible for supporting the wider team when required to ensure the effective running of the service. You will need to liaise with clients and third parties, including making appointments and obtaining information. Producing reports, providing an accurate audio typing service, processing legal funding and other documents, managing files, preparing documents for court and entering information onto a case management system are other aspects of this interesting and varied role.

About You

You have secretarial experience gained in a legal practice and audio/copy typing skills with a minimum of 70 wpm, along with advanced knowledge of IT tools including case management systems and MS Office systems.  You have great written and verbal communication skills and enjoy working as part of a busy team.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension, and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme, and an employee assistance programme.

Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support, and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. We’re here so no one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own.

About The Team

Shelter Legal provide legal expertise and representation across our Services and is made of four teams - Community Legal, Strategic Litigation, National Legal and Legal Support. The National Legal Team works closely with our national Telephone and Online Advice Service  (TOAS) to identify trends in the issues our clients are presenting with and provide targeted legal work to address them.

About Shelter

Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.

How to apply

Please submit your CV, along with a supporting statement. The supporting statement should demonstrate how you meet the three knowledge, skills and experience points in the About You section of the job description, and ensure you demonstrate how you address the behaviour below throughout your responses:

• We prioritise diversity and have an inclusive and open mindset

Please use real examples and write up to 350 words per point. CVs without an accompanying supporting statement will not be considered.

Safeguarding Statement

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.

Recruitment Agencies

Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

Civitas Recruitment are delighted to be working with a fantastic UK based non-profit organisation that provides free legal advice to parents and carers on their rights at work. The charity’s mission is to remove the barriers that people with caring responsibilities face in the workplace. An exciting opportunity exists for a Co-Head of Employment Legal Advice Service to join the team. The postholder will focus on developing strategic relationships with trusted partners and stakeholders, including new and existing law firms who provide pro bono support. It will also oversee the effective and efficient delivery of Employment legal advice to working parents and carers. The role will be a job split, with an existing Co-Head and will be a part-time,  3 or 4 days week, permanent role with flexible working options available.

Who are we looking for?

Ideal candidates will be an employment lawyer (solicitor or barrister) with at least 5 years PQE in employment law gained with a reputable organisation. You will have expertise in and experience of providing autonomous advice on employment law and discrimination. You will be able to identify policy issues arising from advice work and have the ability to represent the organisation externally as subject matter expert. You will be able to identify own training and development needs and commitment to keeping up to date with all relevant changes in benefits and employment rights. Proven experience of establishing rapport, credibility and collaborative relationships with key customers, partners and stakeholders at the highest level both internally and externally is essential for the role. This is a great opportunity for a talented person to join a growing charity which contributes widely to members of our society.

If the above role description sounds of interest and you feel like you meet the criteria; please apply immediately or for further information, please contact Syed at Civitas Recruitment for a full JD and informal discussion. Early applications are encouraged as we will be reviewing on a rolling basis.

About A4ID

Advocates for International Development (A4ID) is a charity with a vision to see the law and lawyers play their full part in the global eradication of poverty and advancement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A4ID seeks to be an authoritative voice of the legal community, to inspire and enable lawyers to join the global fight against poverty, and to ensure that legal support is available for those engaged in that fight. A4ID is currently working hard to make its vision and mission a reality through its innovative pro bono broker service and bespoke pro bono projects; its respected education and training programmes, its acclaimed thought leadership and policy work; its Rule of Law Expertise UK Programme; and its international project work.

About the role

The role of the Project Officer - Legal Services (POLS) is to support the PBLS team’s mission to advance the UN SDGs by brokering pro bono legal assistance from legal experts in support of international NGOs globally. The POLS will do this by coordinating the internal processes for project sourcing, scoping and allocating, and utilising legal expertise within these processes and when providing external training and communications.

A key focus of this role is to source and scope out the weekly pro bono projects and forms. The POLS will also engage law firms and other legal stakeholders, conduct due diligence, allocate projects, maintain project records, gather feedback, prepare internal reports and external communications and undertake other administrative tasks as necessary (e.g. updating software and implementing process changes). Other key responsibilities include assisting the PBLM with any bespoke projects, assisting with training events for Development Partners on relevant legal topics, and engaging key Legal or Development Partners on any specific areas of legal interest or need.

To apply

Interested candidates are requested to send a CV and Cover Letter. The Cover Letter must include why you are interested in this job and how you match the person's specification. We encourage you to draw on specific examples from your professional life in the Cover Letter.

Closing date: 30 November 2024.

Work permit: Required to have the right to work in the UK.

The Communications and Information Officer is responsible for our external communications, our social media channels, and maintaining and managing our website. Working mainly with colleagues from the Sector Support and Grants team initially, to raise awareness about the impact of our work as well as the work of the legal advice charities we support. The role will also support Events and Fundraising team to achieve greater participation in our fundraising events, and better engagement with supporters across the legal sector. The role holder will help to create and implement a sustainable communications plan and social media strategy, generating innovative content to grow our online presence and increase engagement.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about access to justice and enthusiasm for our work and commitment to social justice and equal opportunities for all.  You will bring excellent digital skills; experience in a communications and marketing, public relations and/or digital role; and a proven ability to effectively write and edit copy for different audiences.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Creating contents and planning communications
• Website management
• Social media management
• Events and fundraising
• Contact management system management
• Public relations
• Data protection

Person specification, essential criteria

• Enthusiasm for the cause and our work; commitment to social justice and equal opportunities for all
• Excellent digital skills, including experience of content management systems such as WordPress
• Experience in a communications and marketing, public relations and/or digital role and understanding of organisational branding
• Proven ability to effectively write and edit copy for different audiences
•  Confidence with IT including Microsoft Office suite
• Excellent proofreading, copywriting and editing skills
• Proven ability to communicate with a wide range of people and to liaise effectively with other organisations
• Excellent attention to detail
• Good eye for design and some experience with design software such as Canva or InDesign
• Ability to work well under pressure; strong organisational skills to work in a busy environment with competing demands
• Highly motivated, with ability to work on own initiative as part of a small team
•  Flexibility and willingness to learn new skills; professional, reliable and responsible
•  Ability to occasionally work outside office hours as required (with time off in lieu), particularly in the build-up to events, on the days of events and in other busy periods
•  A positive attitude to problem-solving and finding new solutions

Benefits

• 25 days of annual leave, increasing to a maximum of 31 days with the numbers of years in the organisation (pro-rata for part time) plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part time)
• Hybrid working
• Flexible working options
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Contribution to pension scheme (5% employer, minimum 3% employee)
• Continuing personal development opportunities
• Enhanced maternity/adoption and paternity leave pay

Please see attached Recruitment Pack for more details and specifications about the role.

The Events and Fundraising Assistant helps to improve, develop and organise our events, including the London Legal Walk, Great Legal Bake, Great Legal Quiz and many more across London and the South East. They work to maintain contact with our wide network of dedicated supporters, keeping our database up-to-date with contact and event information. They update our website and produce content for printed materials to promote our events programme, and assist with the recruitment and management of volunteers.

Main duties and responsibilities (see recruitment pack for more detail)

• Organising events
• Improve and maintain website and online presence
• Administrative duties
• General support

About you

Essential criteria

• Enthusiasm for the cause and our work; commitment to social justice and equal opportunities for all
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including written and oral communications skills
• Confidence with IT including Microsoft Office suite
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to work well under pressure; strong organisational skills to work in a busy environment with competing demands
• Proven ability to communicate with a wide range of people and to liaise effectively with other organisations
• Highly motivated, with ability to work on own initiative and as part of a small team
• Flexibility and willingness to learn new skills
• Professional, reliable and responsible
• Ability to work outside office hours as required (with time off in lieu), particularly in the build up to events, on the days of events and in other busy periods
• A positive attitude to problem solving and finding new solutions

Benefits

• 25 day of annual leave (pro-rata for part time) plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part time). Allowance increases due to years of service to 27 days for 2+ years, 29 days for 4+ years and 31 for 6+ years.
• 5% Employer pension contribution
• Hybrid working
• Flexible working options
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Continuing professional development opportunities

How to apply:

To apply for this role, click the ‘quick apply’ button and submit a copy of your CV with a covering letter of no more than two pages of A4, describing how you meet the requirements of the role and the criteria outlined in the person specification. Please read the Recruitment Pack for full details before applying.

Recruitment timeline:

Closing date: 10am, 02 December 2024

Please note applications will be considered on a rolling basis and we may close for applications in advance of the above date if a suitable appointment is made. 

The successful appointment is subject to satisfactory written references and right to work checks.

We are looking for an experienced Immigration and Public Law Solicitor to join our team in London. RLS has experienced tremendous growth in the past 3 years, including the award of an Immigration and a Public Law Legal Aid Contracts. As we go from strength to strength, we strive to become further embedded in the communities we work with and to keep fighting individual and collective injustices. 

The successful candidate will provide supervision and assist with the management of our developing and expanding UK casework teams, whilst working on a small targeted caseload of their own, and overseeing regulatory compliance. This includes acting as the LAA supervisor role for our legal aid contracts; both Immigration and Asylum, and Public Law. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to work in a collaborative environment with colleagues who share the same commitment to advancing migrant justice.

The Casework Supervisor role is for an experienced solicitor who wants to work in a dynamic and innovative legal organisation which prioritises staff wellbeing and high quality client care. People with lived experience of migration are strongly encouraged to apply.

Job purpose and responsibilities

The central objectives of this post are:

1. Supervision of Immigration and Public Law Casework: Working with the Legal Director to supervise the Immigration and Public Law casework provided by RLS in the UK through legal aid and other funding arrangements; and ensuring full compliance with relevant regulatory frameworks.

2. Team Management and Supervision: Working closely with the Legal Director to help lead  and manage RLS casework teams in the UK and internationally, to help ensure the delivery of high-quality casework that meets project goals and objectives; and the development of high-quality legal information materials and other legal resources.

3. Contract and Regulatory Compliance Management: This includes responsibility for the management and delivery of: 

(i) RLS's Legal Aid Agency (LAA) contracts, including maintaining Specialist Quality Mark (SQM) standards, financial compliance and ensuring Peer Review standards are met:

(ii)  LAA billing processes for both controlled and licensed work

(iii) OISC and SRA compliance

1. Personal Casework: Have personal conduct of a limited but strategic caseload, contributing to the overall objectives of RLS.

2. Strategic Litigation Development: Collaborate with the RLS Legal Director to identify emerging trends and issues in immigration and asylum law, and develop strategic litigation aligned with RLS’s mission.

3. Sector Support and Development: Provide second-tier support to other immigration advice organisations, leveraging RLS's expertise to enhance sector capacity.

4. Legal Aid and Pro Bono: To contribute to development and improvement of procedures and protocols for our innovative legal services which aim to combine multiple funding sources to sustainably contribute to addressing the increasing shortfall in the legal representation available for the people RLS works with. 

General duties:

• Supervision of RLS legal casework in the Immigration & Asylum and Public Law category to the highest standards

• Maintain such financial records and financial information as may be required by inter alia the LAA

• Conduct file reviews as per RLS’s Independent File Review procedure, OISC and SQM requirements

• Together with the RLS Legal Director, identify developing immigration and asylum law issues / themes and develop strategic litigation in line with RLS’s mission

• Ensure LAA contract quality and financial compliance, including responsibility for oversight of LAA billing (both controlled and licenced work)

• To act as RLS’s Quality Representative; and as result: 

• Be responsible for ensuring caseworkers and casework procedures are up to date and compliant with the SQM requirements

• Act as point of contact with the LAA; and 

• Overseeing any actions arising out of LAA audits, reviews or visits.

• To fully comply with and ensure that all casework teams and processes are also fully compliant with OISC (and SRA) standards of regulation, professional conduct and ethics at all times.

• Work collaboratively and supervise pro bono volunteer lawyers.

Team work

• Work effectively with other RLS legal and non-legal staff and contribute to broader organisational initiatives and those involving legal information and community legal support in particular

• Attend and contribute to regular and incidental team meetings and discussions

• Maintain and develop excellent relationships with frontline agencies and grassroots groups to enable effective joint working

• Attend training internally and externally as agreed with the Legal Director and maintain and make available to RLS, a record of all training undertaken and CPD points obtained

• Deliver training for colleagues or externally as and when required

• Undertake other duties which may be regarded within the nature of the post, in discussion with the Legal Director.
   

Who we are looking for 

RLS relies on the energy, skills and enthusiasm of people who share our vision and are drawn to striving together for change. If you share our values, ethos and objectives, and feel like you can contribute to RLS strategically and practically, we would love to hear from you. 

Person specification - essential requirements

• Be a solicitor qualified in England & Wales with around 3-5 years of experience (or more) as an immigration caseworker, paralegal or solicitor within a legal aid environment

• Be IAAS accredited and hold an up to date accreditation (senior caseworker and supervising senior caseworker  level)

• Have immigration casework and supervision experience sufficient to meet  the relevant Legal Aid Supervisor standards as specified in the 2024 standard civil contract here and eligible immediately to satisfy the LAA Supervisor Standard for both Immigration and Asylum, and Public Law

• A comprehensive understanding of all relevant regulatory and quality standards, including SRA, SQM, LAA Immigration Specification, OISC Code of Standards, and Peer Review Process Document Criteria

• A dynamic and innovative self-starter

• A highly organised individual

• Fluent in English

• A strong commitment to upholding the human rights of people who migrate and people at risk; and access to justice and empowerment through the delivery of high-quality, client-focused legal services

• The successful candidate will be required to obtain an enhanced DBS certificate (we cover the cost). However, a criminal record is not necessarily a barrier to recruitment but should be disclosed on application

• Have the right to work in the UK

• Experience and understanding of pro bono legal projects.

Person specification - desirable requirements

• Lived experience of migration systems

• Experience of management and development of casework teams with diverse experience levels, ensuring the delivery of compliant, high-quality casework

• Skilled in delivering training both internally and externally, with a focus on fostering development-oriented and ambitious casework teams

• Knowledge of languages other than English

• Experience in community legal advice and information projects

• Experience working in OISC regulated environments with a legal aid contract

• Experience of working with volunteers

• Experience in implementing corrective actions from regulatory or quality audits, reviews, or visits.

About A4ID

Advocates for International Development (A4ID) is a charity with a vision to see the law and lawyers play their full part in the global eradication of poverty and advancement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A4ID seeks to be an authoritative voice of the legal community, to inspire and enable lawyers to join the global fight against poverty, and to ensure that legal support is available for those engaged in that fight. A4ID is currently working hard to make its vision and mission a reality through its innovative pro bono broker service and bespoke pro bono projects; its respected education and training programmes, its acclaimed thought leadership and policy work; its Rule of Law Expertise UK Programme; and its international project work.

About the role

The role of the Project Officer - International Development (POID) is to support the PBLS team’s mission to advance the UN SDGs by brokering pro bono legal assistance from legal experts in support of international NGOs. The POID will do this by engaging PBLS’s existing network of international NGOs, expanding this network by connecting with new international NGOs, and providing international development expertise to support and enhance the services and products within PBLS.

The POID will engage CSOs/NGOs globally to build partnerships and identify needs for pro bono legal assistance. This role will also support PBLS objective in brokering international pro bono legal opportunities to fulfil these needs, by connecting legal experts/expertise with CSOs/NGOs, including the weekly circulation of pro bono projects to legal partners or long-term and more complex strategic projects. The POID will conduct due diligence, allocate projects to appropriate legal partners, maintain related records and gather relevant feedback on a periodic basis. The POID will provide support on internal reporting, and will also draft external communications. The POID will also be responsible for other internal administrative tasks as necessary (e.g. updating software and implementing process changes). Other key responsibilities will include: supporting the PBLM with any bespoke projects; assisting with training events for Development or Legal Partners on relevant International Development topics, and engaging with key Legal or Development Partners any on specific areas of legal interest or need. This role will work with other teams as and when needed.

To apply

Interested candidates are requested to send a CV and Cover Letter. The Cover Letter must include why you are interested in this job and how you match the person's specification. We encourage you to draw on specific examples from your professional life in the Cover Letter.

Closing date: 30 November 2024.

Work permit: Required to have the right to work in the UK.

About the Organisation
Civitas Recruitment is proud to partner with a dynamic legal charity committed to promoting access to justice, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring fair systems for all. This charity plays a pivotal role in ensuring that state decision-making is fair and lawful, giving individuals the power to hold public bodies accountable. It supports and represents people who are marginalised through poverty, discrimination, or disadvantage and have been affected by unlawful state decisions.

Role Overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Communications and Engagement Director to join the team. In this role, you will be responsible for developing and overseeing the charity's communications strategy, focusing on brand-building and media outreach. You will also lead external communications efforts, including overseeing grant fundraising initiatives. This is a permanent, full-time or part-time (minimum 4 days per week) role with flexible working options.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications plan to promote the charity’s work.
• Lead media outreach efforts, increasing the charity's visibility and profile.
• Oversee communications across all platforms, including digital, print, and events.
• Lead and support the fundraising communications efforts, with a focus on grant fundraising.
• Work closely with internal teams to align communications strategy with the charity's mission and objectives.
• Provide empowering leadership to the communications team.

Who Are We Looking For?
We are looking for candidates with the following qualifications and skills:

• Proven experience in developing and executing communications strategies.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and empower your team.
• Solid understanding of the voluntary giving sector, ethical giving practices, and the Fundraising Code of Practice.
• Knowledge of key communication tools across mainstream media, digital, print, and events.
• An understanding of the UK legal system is beneficial but not essential.
• Passionate about access to justice and the charity’s mission.

Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to work with a purpose-driven organisation and lead communications efforts that have a real impact on individuals and communities. The charity offers a flexible working environment with the option for full-time or part-time roles, making it a great fit for individuals seeking balance while contributing to a meaningful cause.

How to Apply
If you’re interested in applying or would like more information about the role, please send your application immediately or contact Syed at Civitas Recruitment for a full job description and informal discussion. Early applications are encouraged.