Trainee solicitor

Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) is a national charity working to end poverty among children, young people and families in the UK. We undertake policy, campaigning, lobbying and media work to raise awareness of the causes, extent and impact of child poverty and advocate strategies for its prevention and eradication. We are a leading provider of specialist advice and information about the social security system through our highly renowned publications, our telephone advice service for advisers, and our national training programme. We also engage in strategic litigation, pursuing test cases to protect or secure the rights families with children in poverty and to ensure that benefits are administered lawfully.

Job Purpose

To successfully complete a training contract with CPAG in order to qualify as a solicitor, and in doing so enhance our capacity to bring test cases that promote the rights of families with children in poverty.

Tasks and responsibilities

• To assist in the conduct of CPAG’s social security and public law test cases under the supervision of CPAG’s Solicitor.
• To maintain cases to standards required by CPAG and the Legal Aid Agency.
• To undertake all necessary training to meet the requirements of the Law Society and Solicitors Regulation Authority.
• To keep up to date with current legislation, case law and policy in relation to public law, social security law and human rights/discrimination law.
• To contribute to CPAG’s welfare rights, social policy and campaign work.
• To assist with the provision of training to advisers (eg judicial review training).
• To contribute towards CPAG’s welfare rights publications and website, as required.
• To be self-servicing, including typing, photocopying and maintaining accurate and up to date records.
• To undertake a project that will be determined and developed jointly with CPAG during the period of the training contract, and which will advance access to justice and improve the lives of families with children in poverty.
• To comply with CPAG’s equality and diversity policies.
• To carry out other duties which contribute to the achievement of and responsibilities within this job description.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

1. Law degree or equivalent and successful completion of the Legal Practice Course.
2. Demonstrable commitment to CPAG’s aims and objectives.
3. Able to demonstrate excellent legal research skills and experience.
4. The ability to think strategically.
5. The ability to communicate (both orally and in writing) complex legal issues in a clear and professional way.
6. The ability to develop sound legal argument.
7. Excellent organisational skills and independent working, including the ability to manage time efficiently, to prioritise and to work under pressure to meet strict deadlines.
8. Computer literate and a willingness to use and to develop skills in the use of information technology.
9. Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
10. Commitment to CPAG’s Diversity & Equalities policy.
11. Ability to spend occasional nights away from home on business.

Desirable Criteria

12. Evidence of, or a strong track record, demonstrating academic excellence.
13. Experience of giving advice or working in an advice centre.
14. Good interpersonal/client skills.
15. Knowledge or experience of social security law and awareness of forthcoming changes.
16. Experience of delivering training.
17. Experience of writing for publication or blogging.
18. Experience of setting up or running a project.

For information regarding this position and to apply, please visit the website.