Tuesday 31st January 2023 & Tuesday 7th February 2023
Dundee Law Centre has been established, in some form, for nearly 30 years. We provide free legal advice, assistance and representation to the people of […]
Organisation Detail
Dundee Law Centre has been established, in some form, for nearly 30 years. We provide free legal advice, assistance and representation to the people of Dundee. The Law Centre deals with a vast and varied case load which include preventing and defending evictions, benefit entitlement and challenging wrong benefit decisions, various other housing issues and debts.
A large proportion of Dundee citizens live in poverty and regularly require legal services but are unable to afford to pay for these services. We help a wide variety of people forced into the civil legal system as a result of adverse circumstances who need advice to navigate the complex system. We take on their legal issues and work with clients to overcome their worst situations by preventing eviction, maximising household income and alleviating debts. We work closely with other advice and support agencies in the city and have strong links with the social landlords in the city as well as with the Scottish Prison Service. We aim to provide a holistic service which not only resolves the legal issue at hand but also provides the client with the support and assistance to prevent re-occurrence of the legal issue.
Any questions regarding this organisation or the position should be directed to enquiries@dundeelaw.org
Job Description
OVERALL PURPOSE OF JOB:
The post holder will advise and represent clients by telephone, email, in writing and in person in respect of social welfare law to include housing, evictions, debt and welfare benefits. You will also have the opportunity to appear in Social Welfare and Housing tribunals. Also, in year two, you will have the opportunity to appear in court. You will work with experienced colleagues in a fast-paced environment to gain knowledge in Social Welfare and Housing Law and provide legal advice and representation to a variety of clients.
DELIVERABLES
The post holder will manage your own caseload (under supervision) and be encouraged to lead on project work. You will use our client management system and engage with key stakeholders locally.
ADVICE-The post holder will work on assigned legal services available to clients via telephone, email, and face to face. In the case of enquiries/appointments where the post holder requires to carry out research before giving advice, s/he will agree to respond to the client within a timely manner.
CLIENT PORTFOLIO CARE- the post holder will be responsible for maintaining a portfolio of clients. These duties will include the provision of advice and ensuring documentary and procedural compliance. The post holder will be responsible for working with case management staff to maintain ongoing communication with client and maintain regular contact with clients as required by face to face or telephone ongoing appointments.
TRIBUNAL/COURT WORK- the post holder will be involved in defending evictions, resolving disputes, preparing for, and providing representation at tribunals and court on behalf of the client. This will also include drafting submissions, defences and other court documents. This might also include the drafting and agreement of terms and negotiating settlements. This will be completed under strict supervision of supervising solicitors.
TRAINING-the post holder will have an opportunity to be involved in the design and delivery of training programmes for in-house, public and inter-company delivery, on all aspects of social welfare and housing law. This might also include undertaking law centre project work as required.
SERVICE DEVELOPMENT- the post holder will be encouraged to make an input into the development of the services at the Law Centre as required by the principal solicitor or a senior solicitor.
These key tasks are not intended to be exhaustive, but they highlight several major tasks that the post-holder may be reasonably expected to undertake.
JOB CHALLENGES AND PROBLEM SOLVING
The post holder is required to maintain a high degree of flexibility in relation to client demands. Clients who require assistance in this area of law can be challenging and demanding. The post holder will be able to explain legal complexities to a varied client base.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WHICH IS SIGNIFICANT BUT NOT COVERED ELSEWHERE IN THIS DESCRIPTION.
Due to the nature of work involved, there might be a requirement to travel to spend time on outreach sites (e.g., local community centres) within the city of Dundee. This will also involve attendance at tribunal and court hearings, mostly within Dundee but may be outwith from time to time.
Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS
ESSENTIAL
Must hold an LLB in Scots Law together with a valid Diploma in Legal Practice.
Ability to work independently and use good judgement.
Must be able to handle pressure, work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to deal with clients who may have a varying degree of vulnerability in a calm, professional manner.
DESIRABLE
Knowledge of social welfare law or
A desire to help individuals, make a difference and an understanding of the complex issues of our clients would be an advantage.
PERSONAL CHARATERISTICS/COMPETENCIES
ESSENTIAL
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to work to tight deadlines and to prioritise your workload
Driven and highly motivated to deliver
Excellent time management and organisational skills
Confident and approachable
Good team worker
Experience with MS programmes, Word, excel and Power point
