Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit (GMIAU) exists to advise, support, represent, and campaign with people who are subject to immigration control. We were set up in 1989 and we provide specialist legal advice on all aspects of immigration, asylum, human rights and nationality.
Organisation Detail
We are passionate about the work that we do and we are committed to providing the best possible service to people in need in the north west of England. We represent adults, families, and children in their immigration and asylum matters in the Immigration and Asylum Chamber and in the High Court and Court of Appeal.
We provide services during very challenging times. The political climate is hostile to immigration and this is having a harmful impact on those who seek to be reunited with family, or who seek protection in the UK. Lack of legal aid threatens the integrity and capacity of organisations such as ours to take on new and challenging work and to represent those who are most in need. We do however try to combat some of the harmful effects of this by securing grant income from other sources and developing services to meet the needs of particular groups of people.
We work closely with others to promote access to justice for all people subject to immigration control and campaign for improvements in the law and the treatment of people within the asylum system.
GMIAU is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. All our services are free.
The Staff Team
There are currently 23 staff including 15 caseworkers and solicitors.
Services
We take on individual cases and carry a caseload of about 1000 cases at any one time. Our main office, where you will be based, is in Crumpsall, North Manchester. We identify groups of people who are most at risk and develop services to meet need. Currently we prioritise people claiming asylum, including unaccompanied asylum seeking children; people who are homeless and destitute; people who are in need and who have ‘no recourse to public funds’; people who have been given refugee status and who want to reunite with family; people who are at risk of violence and exploitation.
Campaigns and Influencing
This is an essential part of our work. We speak out whenever and wherever we see injustice.
Any questions regarding this organisation or the position should be directed to denise@gmiau.org
Job Description
Purpose of the Post
The main purpose of this post is to
successfully complete a Training Contract with Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit (GMIAU)
qualify as a solicitor
enhance GMIAU’s capacity to advise and represent people in their immigration, asylum, and human rights cases.
The post carries with it the opportunity to develop a project which will develop your skills, knowledge and understanding of the wider context in which organisations such as GMIAU operate and where ‘access to justice’ is under threat for people in need.
Duties and Responsibilities
To assist in the conduct of immigration, asylum and human rights cases, under the direct supervision of the Senior Solicitor.
To register as an immigration adviser with the Law Society (IAAS accreditation scheme) and to gain accreditation to Level 2 within the first 12 months.
To develop and maintain case management systems.
To carry out eligibility assessments.
To carry out research to assist with cases, as directed by the Senior Solicitor.
To keep up-to-date with developments and changes in UK immigration, asylum, human rights and nationality law and practice.
To conduct casework in accordance with agreed office practice.
General
To be self-servicing, including typing, photocopying and maintaining accurate and up to date records.
To attend staff meetings and training sessions
To provide information and reports on work undertaken to the Senior Solicitor
To carry out all duties with due regard to equality and challenging discrimination.
To carry out all duties with due regard to health and safety, data protection, and all GMIAU policies
To carry out other duties which are commensurate with the duties of and responsibilities within this job description as directed by the Senior Solicitor, or Chief Executive.
The successful holder of the post at the Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit will be sponsored by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP through Skadden's Justice First Skadden Trainee Programme (JUST Programme), and will take up the position as a JUST Trainee. Through the JUST Programme, the JUST Trainee will be given the opportunity to visit the Skadden London office and make connections with Skadden attorneys at social and educational events. The aim of the JUST Programme is to support the training of the next generation of social welfare lawyers whom we hope will become leaders in their field and important advocates for access to justice. Skadden looks forward to welcoming the JUST Trainee into the Skadden network.
Person Specification
This is an exciting opportunity to make a difference as a solicitor practicing in immigration law. We are looking for someone to join our team of 12 immigration caseworkers and solicitors who has passion and commitment to this area of work. Your attitude and approach matter as much as your skills and qualifications.
This is what we are looking for:
Essential
Desirable
1. Skills and Abilities
Excellent verbal communication skills
Yes
Excellent written communication skills
Yes
Ability to relate to people who are under great stress
Yes
Ability to demonstrate empathy and understanding
Yes
Ability to work well within a team
Yes
Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
Yes
2. Knowledge and Understanding
Understanding the main issues affecting people who seek asylum, refugees, and people subject to immigration control.
Yes
Motivated to learn and take additional exams to qualify as a legal immigration practitioner in year one.
Yes
3. Experience
Personal or voluntary work experience that demonstrates you have an understanding and commitment to challenging discrimination and fighting for equality including access to justice.
Yes
4. Professional Standards
Commitment to maintaining high professional standards of practice.
