Hammersmith and Fulham Law Centre 2022

Organisation Detail

Hammersmith and Fulham Law Centre is a vibrant law centre located in the heart of our community.

We have a 40-year history of providing an excellent, specialist legal service.

There will be an opportunity to work in each of the three teams:

• Housing
• Asylum and Immigration
• Employment

Our housing work aims to reduce homelessness, debt and poverty and to keep people in their homes. Our immigration team work with young asylum seekers, as well as representing vulnerable victims of domestic violence and trafficking. Our trainees gain experience through case work and advocacy experience through the housing court duty scheme.

We believe that the client’s voice sits at the heart of the work we do.

This Fellowship is hosted in partnership with Southall Black Sisters (SBS) which was founded in 1979 as a specialist centre for Black and minoritised women. Campaigning by SBS have highlighted and brought about change in the social, political, economic and cultural constrictions faced by these women and helped them assert their individual freedom and rights.

For further information, visit our website.

Any questions regarding this organisation or the position should be directed to sara.taylor@hflaw.org.uk

Job Description

This is a unique opportunity to train with 2 vibrant organisations. Hammersmith and Fulham Law Centre are legal specialists who provide people in need with legal advice and representation and give support and training to other community groups. We aim to help to overcome the obstacles faced by those most disadvantaged who need access to the legal system.

There will be an opportunity to work with each of our 3 teams: Housing, Asylum and Immigration and Employment. Our housing work aims to reduce homelessness, debt and poverty and to keep people in their homes. Our immigration teamwork with young asylum seekers, as well as representing   vulnerable victims of domestic violence and trafficking. Our Employment work focusses on discrimination.

This Fellowship will be hosted in partnership with Southall Black Sisters (SBS). The selected candidate will be employed by Hammersmith and Fulham Law Centre but will be expected to spend time on placement at SBS.

Responsibilities under supervision:

1. Advice and Casework


• Provide high quality advice and representation to individual members of the public as appropriate.
• To take on associated casework and to make applications for public funding as required.
• Uphold high standards of case management, including keeping the client updated regularly, meeting deadlines and being proactive in progressing the matter.
• To represent clients in the County Court and Tribunal as required.
• To provide representation under supervision at the Housing Possession Court Duty Scheme.
• Conduct legal research where necessary.
• Assist in the preparation of papers, formal responses to consultations, reports and other materials and participation in meetings, conferences, seminars, training sessions and other events as appropriate.
• To undertake any other duties as may reasonably be required by the CEO and the board.


2. Training and development

The Trainee will seek to maximise opportunities for learning and development – both self-directed and via formal supervision and training. 
The Trainee will: -

• Keep a record of training and review progress with their supervisor and the Training Principal.
• Undertake all training necessary to qualify as a solicitor within two years, and attend courses on new legislation, specialist skills and the use of information technology.
• Keep up to date with the changes in relevant legislation and read relevant online resources, journals and updates.


3. Engagement in the wider work of the Law Centre

The Law Centre runs a number of services and projects, and the post holder will be given the opportunity to be involved in a range of work and strategic projects.


4. Equality and Diversity

The Law Centre's clients are largely on low incomes and come from a diverse range of minority ethnic groups. The post holder will be expected to show a particular interest in working with this type of client group and to show an understanding of equal opportunities issues.


5. Confidentiality

The post-holder will be required to comply with the Law Centre’s confidentiality policy in relation to client information.  They will also be expected to ensure that commercially sensitive information is treated confidentially.


6. All employees have a duty to: -


• Ensure that their work conforms to SRA, Lexcel and the LAA Quality Assurance standards and other Hammersmith & Fulham Law centre approved policies and procedures.
• Work within the spirit of our Equal Opportunities Policy.
• Take due care of their own Health and Safety and that of others in their working environment.

Person Specification

Person Specification:   Social Justice Trainee Solicitor
Essential (E) or Desirable (D)
 

1.	Undergraduate degree at 2:2 or above; to have successfully completed the Legal Practice Course by the commencement of the training contract.	E
2.	Good understanding of social welfare law and experience of working in the areas of immigration and asylum.	D
3.	Excellent communication skills (written, spoken and telephone).	E
4.	Ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines.	E
5.	Ability to work as part of a team.	E
6.	Ability to use own initiative.	E
7.	An understanding of and commitment to equal opportunities issues and its relevance to legal advice.	E
8.	Ability to communicate effectively with the organisation’s client group.	E
9.	Understanding of the issues affecting low income communities in inner cities, as well as the needs of specific client groups.	D
10.	An understanding of legal aid and the impact of cuts to legal aid on access to justice.	D
11.	Ability to speak another language relevant to our client base.	D
12.	Excellent IT skills.	E