Trainee solicitor

Cumbria Law Centre is a community organisation offering free legal advice and representation to people who live or work in the county.

We prioritise those on the lowest incomes and we focus on civil, social welfare law in housing, debt, employment and welfare benefit matters.

We have an expert team of qualified solicitors and specialist caseworkers who are supported by a group of committed volunteers.

General

Our trainee solicitor will contribute to the delivery of legal services undertaken by Cumbria Law Centre whilst at the same time completing a training contract recognised by the Law Society.

Cumbria Law Centre specialises in social welfare law. The three seats offered are housing, employment and welfare benefits. A training contract at Cumbria Law Centre is very much ‘hands on’ and it will provide real and thorough experience of conducting client casework. 

Main duties and responsibilities 

Under appropriate supervision the Trainee Solicitor will:

• Provide legal advice and assistance to clients and conduct all aspects of casework in the areas of housing, employment and welfare benefits law.
• Maintain accurate written and electronic records.
• Conduct means assessments and ensure that Legal Aid funding is applied for where possible, and that such funding and other costs are claimed and recovered.
• Work in a way that ensures the service is delivered in compliance with regulatory requirements and quality standards.
• Develop knowledge of the law in relevant areas of social welfare law.
• Jointly with other staff maintain proper working procedures to ensure the smooth day to day running of the Law Centre.
• Attend staff meetings and abide by decisions of the management committee.
• Implement the Law Centre’s equal opportunities policy both internally and in the delivery of services to the public.
• On occasion, work outside normal office hours

Person Specification

Essential:

• Successful completion of the Legal Practice Course (LPC).
• Commitment to the provision of public funded legal services
• Ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative
• Computer literacy
• Ability to be calm and resilient in the face of challenging behaviour and to deal sensitively and responsibly with individuals who may be in crisis
• Commitment to equal opportunities principles

Desirable:

• Experience of conducting casework on behalf of clients
• Knowledge of housing, employment, or welfare benefits law
• Understanding of the issues and problems experienced by people living in socially and economically deprived areas
• Experience of time recording work for case management and/or billing purposes

Applications by 23rd September 2016. Application pack by telephone on 01228 515129, via email on [email protected] or via our website www.cumbrialawcentre.org.uk.