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Volunteer with us

SWLAC is a registered charity, and we rely entirely on the the advice of volunteer lawyers, trainees and support staff, all of whom give up their own time to attend our face-to-face advice sessions, which run from 6pm to 9pm at our premises near Westminster Abbey. It is a friendly and supportive atmosphere. There will always be an experienced Supervising Lawyer who runs the advice sessions.

Solicitors, barristers, trainees, and paralegals

We welcome solicitors and barristers as well as trainees from both professions who have done at least 6 months of their training, and paralegals. It does not matter if, in your professional practice, you have a speciality of little application to the problems of the man in the street. It is likely that you will know more about contracts and torts and will be able to assist with advice and writing a letter to the counter-party.

Not a lawyer? (or not yet?) – no problem!

We need helpers who are interested in dealing kindly with our clients on arrival, who will help with the admin or taking notes of the interview/consultation with the qualified lawyer.

Please note that we are very over-subscribed in this category at present, and that we may not have any vacancies for a considerable period of time.

Administration Support – Help needed!

We don’t only need people to help at the advice sessions: we urgently need some help with administration out of our clinic hours (i.e. in your own time). In addition, we also need IT professionals, and people willing to help us fund-raise.

Sign up now

Please select the relevant form below so that we can process your application.

Solicitor/Barrister/Trainee Lawyer Volunteer

Law Student Volunteer

Paralegal/Working in a Legal Context Volunteer

Non Law Student Volunteer

Other Volunteer

Benefits of volunteering

Clients come to SWLAC because, for many and various reasons, they are having difficulties in accessing justice: they really need help as to what their rights are in their unique circumstances.

Their problem may seem impossible for them, but readily resolvable by you. At the end of an advice session, you will feel fulfilled: you have really made a positive difference to people’s lives.

Attending at the Centre can be good for your personal confidence and development. It can be sociable – our volunteers may go out for a drink afterwards – and a source of useful professional advice and contacts. It looks great on your CV too (and we are often contacted for references). We are always happy to speak enthusiastically about those we know well – this usually means regular attendance at the Centre for at least 6 months.

Our advisers usually come once per fortnight. But we do understand when work commitments intervene.

Considering a career in Law?

Volunteering has clear benefits to society; but it also has proven benefits to those who volunteer.

As well as fantastic work experience, volunteering offers an opportunity to meet people, has a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing, and can even increase life expectancy!

And if you are considering a career in law, this is an opportunity to gain experience and grow your skills at a very established and high profile legal advice centre.