Wilson Solicitors LLP and Rainbow Migration 2023

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Organisation Detail

Rainbow Migration is one of the leading charities for LGBTQ asylum seekers and migrants. We have partnered with them for this Fellowship.

For further information, visit their website.

Wilson Solicitors LLP is one of the UK’s leading legal aid firms ranked in Chambers and the Legal 500 for our immigration and asylum work, our public law and human rights work, and our family work. We believe in justice for all and in 2021, we won the Excellence in Access to Justice Award from the Law Society.

For further information, visit our website.

Any questions regarding this organisation or the position should be directed to m.davies@wilsonllp.co.uk

Job Description

ASSISTING WITH CASE CONDUCT

Definition:

Every case receives the optimum level of skill and level of professional competence.

Performance Standards:

Performance is satisfactory when:

1. advice and action is kept within the areas of competence identified by the Solicitor with conduct and/or Training Principal
2. the client’s case is attended diligently to achieve the best possible outcome.
3. case deadlines, as identified by the Solicitor with conduct, are achieved.

CASE ADMINISTRATION

Definition:

All cases are efficiently administered

Performance Standards:

Performance is satisfactory when:

1. a case (or file) is opened as requested, all information
accurately and systematically recorded, and the database is kept up to date.
2. any case plan is implemented, as directed by the Solicitor with conduct.
3. the case is progressed within its funding limitations.
4. all time expended on a matter is accurately recorded.
5. if using the services of others you ensure that they are on the firm’s approved list and that their performance is monitored, if appropriate for you to do so.
6. all correspondence and other communication which you are asked to progress is attended to in a timely fashion.
7. all time is accurately recorded on the file and on the office computerised time recording software.

CLIENT CARE

Definition:

All clients are treated to the highest possible professional standards including; adhering to meeting times, level of respect, courtesy, and quality of advice.

Performance is satisfactory when:

1. at the outset of the case the legal issues are established, in consultation with the Solicitor with conduct and/or Training Principal.
2. you ensure that the client is kept updated on case progress as appropriate to the tasks you are requested to carry out.
3. the client is informed in writing of the firm’s complaints procedure, and you ensure that any complaints are processed in accordance with that procedure.
4. you comply with any request by your Training Principal and/or Solicitor with conduct to advise the client in writing at the outset of the case of the cost and updated every six months with regard to costs.
5. client confidentiality is maintained at all times.
6. all other requirements of the Law Society’s Code of Conduct and professional ethics are complied with at all times.

SUPERVISION

Definition:

Support and guidance is received from the Training Principal and/or Solicitor with conduct of the case in order to maximise performance and development as a Trainee Solicitor and provide a professional standard of service to the client.

Performance Standards:

Performance is satisfactory when:

1. you carry out work within the limitations of your training, skills and experience.
2. you seek guidance from your Training Principal and/or Solicitor with conduct of the case (as appropriate) if you are unsure.
3. you attend supervision sessions as requested and act on the supervision received.

COST MANAGEMENT

Definition:

Cases are progressed within the costs conditions which apply to them.

Performance Standards:

Performance is satisfactory when:

all internal financial controls and instructions are followed.

OFFICE MANUAL

Definition:

Compliance with the issues outlined in the office manual where it affects your role.

Performance standards:

Performance is satisfactory when:

1. you are fully conversant with the Office Manual and its contents.
2. you keep up-to-date with changes in the Manual.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Definition:

In consultation with your Training Principal and/or Solicitor with conduct of the case, identification of education and training required to develop professional and administrative skills, knowledge, and competence.

Performance Standards

Performance is satisfactory when:

1. you identify your training requirements and request training through your supervisor.
2. you comply with all Law Society and SRA requirements for Trainee Solicitors
3. you report on courses attended to your departmental meeting.
4. you comply with the requirements of the office manual regarding training

Main Responsibilities & Duties

• Take referrals from Rainbow Migration to represent LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum
• After 6 months, placement for one day a week with Rainbow Migration to give asylum service users one-off advice (not representation / managing a caseload)

Job Description Download

Click on the following link to download a pdf copy of the job description:

Wilson and Rainbow 2023 JFF Trainee solicitor Job Description Document

Person Specification

Essential

• Completed and passed (or expect to pass by 30 November 2023) the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or have an Undergraduate degree and completed and passed SQE Part 1
• Ability to demonstrate a commitment to social welfare law and have a demonstrable passion for access to justice.
• Commitment to assisting asylum seekers and migrants and empathy with their plight (including individuals from the LGBTQ+ community)
• Ability to interview clients and take their instructions.
• Ability to manage your time effectively and record time spent.
• Ability to communicate clearly & effectively in oral English so as to advise clients in terms that they understand.
• Ability to prepare high quality written work such as witness statements in support of asylum claims and letters of legal representation.
• Ability to prioritise own workload – in a busy and deadline driven environment.
• Ability to work as part of a team – with your supervisor and the host organisations as a whole.
• Ability to work with interpreters – since many of our clients do not speak English.
• Ability to work with clients from different cultural backgrounds and political beliefs.
• Ability to work with clients who may be traumatised by past experiences and/or survivors of torture.
• Ability to deal effectively with bureaucracy – such as the Home Office and the Legal Aid Agency.
• Ability to conduct research, both legal and evidential.
• Ability to use IT systems and learn new IT skills.
• Ability to learn about immigration, refugee, and human rights law, and to pass accreditation exams.
• Ability to devise and run a project aimed at increasing access to justice in order to gain programme development experience and potentially to provide a future income stream for the host organisation(s).

Desirable

• Have volunteered at charities or public interest groups in your local community and/or have dedicated time to serving low-income or less privileged communities.
• Wish to effect change in the legal community and have the highest level of skills and the potential to drive innovation in future legal practice.
• Have lived or learned experience of the issues facing the communities that the host organisation serves (migrants, refugees, LGBTQ+, low-income, and socially vulnerable).