Bristol Law Centre 2023

Use the buttons below to display more information

Organisation Detail

Bristol Law Centre is a charity offering free signposting/referrals, legal advice and representation (advocacy) to some of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable in our communities. We work in Bristol and the wider region, including the entire South West of England for some services. We deliver vital and free legal support, often where no other option of similar services exist. We work to achieve incredible outcomes for local people.

For further information, visit our website.

Any questions regarding this organisation or the position should be directed to ginaj@bristollawcentre.org.uk

Job Description

What can a trainee expect by training at Bristol Law Centre?

1. To conduct legal advice and representation under supervision in at least 3 areas of law while gaining competencies to practice as a solicitor using a framework provided.
2. This work will be in compliance with the Law Centre’s policies, Legal Aid Agency and Solicitor’s Regulation Authority requirements, and will include
• Meeting with clients to take instructions
• Drafting case documents including witness statements, advice letters, instructions to counsel and experts
• Advocacy
• Ensuring file keeping of a high standard
• Applying for costs (legal aid); reviewing and monitoring costs of the case
• Providing consultancy advice to statutory and voluntary agencies
3. To keep up to date on the relevant areas of law, and conduct research and provide support to other caseworkers.
4. To contribute to the charity’s income targets where appropriate
5. To develop and deliver a project, the topic of which will be agreed with the CEO, and which furthers the strategic aims of the Law Centre
6. To comply with case management systems and procedures including time recording, as required by funders and the Law Centre; and to undertake own administration
7. Attend relevant Justice First Fellowship training and events.

General duties and tasks

1. Actively contribute and participate in staff and team meetings, and to organisational work such as policy development, strategic planning and developmental activities
2. Work within allocated teams (areas of law) as agreed but also to take part in cross team working and learning, including supporting ‘non-legal’ teams especially triage
3. To attend regular supervision meetings to discuss job performance and personal career development
4. To participate in learning & development activities, including cascading training and other learning internally to teams as appropriate
5. To ensure that the Equality and Diversity policy of the Law Centre is implemented in all aspects of the work of the postholder.

Person Specification

Essential

1. A commitment to access to justice and an understanding of why this is particularly important for vulnerable people
2. Completed law degree (or equivalent) and Legal Practice Course
3. Have some experience of, or show an aptitude for, working in a legal office environment
4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills – especially using the phone and email to communicate for advice and support
5. Be able to deal and work with clients from diverse backgrounds and experiences/current circumstances including those who may be vulnerable and have experienced harm
6. Be committed to high quality legal casework, advice giving and client care
7. A flexible approach and the ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines and adapt to changing priorities – whether working individually or as a team
8. Commitment to working inclusively, under our equality and diversity policy
9. Excellent IT skills and experience of working with a range of IT applications including Word, Excel and Outlook (the post holder will do their own admin)
10. Experience of working to targets

The postholder must be entitled to work in the UK.
This post will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check.