Pro Bono Opportunity with St James Legal Advice Centre CIO

St James Legal Advice Centre (SJLAC) has been providing free legal advice in Haringey (Muswell Hill, Colney Hatch and Wood Green) for over 20 years. During that time their pro bono clinics have helped thousands of people with their justice problems – housing, consumer rights, benefits claims, family issues, employment rights; empowering clients to understand their legal rights. Legal aid is now rarely available for these types of issues and so SJLAC’s work is vital in helping to address this ‘justice gap’. SJLAC are made up of a dedicated team of volunteer solicitors, barristers, trainees and law students.

Volunteering opportunity

SJLAC are looking for qualified solicitors (possibly retired or on a career break) to support the clinic.

No experience in the areas of law SJLAC cover is necessary or expected. Current advisers had no experience in these areas before they started volunteering. SJLAC provide training, support and oversight to ensure that volunteer solicitors are confident before they start giving advice on their own. However, volunteer solicitors with expertise in the relevant areas of law are also very welcome.

Volunteer solicitors would be part of a great team, including a wonderful group of law students from Middlesex University and other training organisations, who provide reception, triage, and research backup at the clinics. 

Volunteer advisors give verbal advice to the client during their 30 minute appointment.  Up to two students will shadow during the appointment to help with note-taking.

Time commitment

Volunteer solicitors ideally could give half a day a fortnight or monthly to provide advice. 

The clinics run on:

  • Tuesday mornings (10 am -12 noon) at the Wilton Community Church in Muswell Hill
  • Wednesday afternoons (1-3 pm) at the Salvation Army in Wood Green
  • Saturday mornings (9.30 am - 12 noon) at St James’ Church in Muswell Hill

Next steps

If you would be interested in supporting St James Legal Advice Centre, please contact Rebecca Howell, Head of Clinics Programme at LawWorks: rebecca.howell@lawworks.org.uk 

Details

Opportunity location

Haringey, London
United Kingdom
,
GB

Region

Greater London

Opportunity type