We welcome solicitors and barristers as well as trainees from both professions who have done at least 6 months of their training. 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.
We need helpers who are interested in dealing kindly with our clients on arrival, who will help with the admin or taking the initial statement of what the client’s problem might be.
You might be a trainee solicitor or barrister, a law student, or a school or college student looking for a fulfilling role after school hours.
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.
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.
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.
