Mary Ward Legal Centre

Organisation Detail

In addition to our casework service we also run free advice clinics with the support of volunteer lawyers, for people with problems that fall outside of our traditional casework including employment, small claims, tax, family, consumer and contract law.

‘Resolving the issues has improved both my mental and physical health. The first time I spoke to Mary Ward Legal Centre a huge burden was lifted. They explained to me my rights and gave my choices of how I could deal with the issues that I hadn’t been told before.’

For further information, visit our website.

Any questions regarding this organisation or the position should be directed to paula.twigg@marywardlegal.org.uk

Job Description

Duties & Responsibilities

Under the close supervision to carry out the following:

• To provide high quality legal advice to clients in the following areas of law: Welfare Benefits, Debt and Money Advice, and Landlord and Tenant – Residential.

• To interview clients, take careful instructions, assess suitable courses of action, and advise clients of their rights and responsibilities and legal procedures.

• To draft relevant documents including: attendance notes, confirmation of advice letters, witness statements and instructions to counsel.

• Help prepare cases for the relevant court or tribunal.

• To observe legal proceedings at court and tribunal.

• To research the law specific to a case and review legal documents.

• Manage a caseload, including meeting deadlines and keeping clients informed on case progress.

• To keep accurate case records and follow the Legal Centre’s procedures on opening and closing files.

• To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of relevant changes in law and policy and undertake training as required.

• To ensure information relevant to billing is obtained and logged, e.g. records of disbursements and proof of income for legal aid purposes, and assist with case billing.

• To ensure that all advice, assistance and representation complies with the requirements of the Legal Aid Agency.

• To work as part of a team.

• To participate in staff and team meetings.

• Work within the policies of the Legal Centre.

• To undertake other duties as may be identified and which are generally compatible with the functions of the post.

Person Specification

1. An understanding of the needs of our clients.

2. An ability to quickly get to grips with a new area of law.

3. An ability to use the law to provide clear and concise legal advice.

4. An ability to deal sensitively and impartially with people accessing our services.

5. Good communication skills, oral and written.

6. An ability to draft clear and accurate case notes and legal documents.

7. An ability to research the law.

8. An ability to manage your own workload, including prioritising tasks and meeting deadlines.

9. A commitment to the Legal Centre’s Diversity and Equality Policy.

10. Good Word processing and IT skills to use the case management system.

11. An understanding of and commitment to professional advice standards including the conflicts of interest and client confidentiality.

12. Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work well in a team.