Close
Applications for this opportunity are now closed.
About the Project
Advice For Renters tackles housing inequality by providing a range of direct support services to vulnerable tenants, as well as campaigning for policy change and the rights of the people and communities we represent. Our activities include:
- Providing legal and financial support and advice to vulnerable tenants facing eviction
- Assisting with a wide array of housing matters, including serious disrepairs, homeless decisions, and landlord isues
- Lobbying government and policy makers for policy change
The core of our legal support work is carried out by our Housing Advice Centre, assisting vulnerable renters under legal aid. We helped 168 clients last year. Of the cases concluded during the year, living conditions were improved for 72 clients, 26 clients moved to a better home, we prevented 27 clients being made homeless and made 31 better off financially. Our success rate at tribunal is 97%.
How does it work?
We are actively looking for volunteer legal assistants. Volunteers will have the opportunity to assist with casework and research. The role will be based in our office at Kilburn, but volunteers can expect to do some home visits, as well as housing and court appointments. Volunteer legal assistants will:
- Take notes at interviews and Court hearings
- Carry out basic searches on Land Registry and Companies House databases
- Prepare letters to clients, opponents, and Courts
- Office administration such as filing, photocopying, and scanning
- Make enquiries of relevant third parties such as Councils and the Legal Aid Agency
- Carry out additional basic research where required
What we are looking for…
We are looking for passionate individuals who are ready to make a difference. Applications will be open to LLB students in Year 2, 3 or 4 and all LLM students.
Time Commitment:
In-person 1 full day or 2 half days per week. Research can be undertaken remotely. Students will start in November 2023 and the placement will end in March 2024.
Training and Qualification:
Selected candidates will undergo comprehensive induction training covering the areas of law involved in the advocacy, essentials such as safeguarding and GDPR, advocacy role play and multidisciplinary training from the other team members. You will also be required to undergo Basic DBS checks.
How to apply
Applications for this opportunity are now closed. Should you have any questions, please contact Ram Sabaratnam at ram.sabaratnam.19@ucl.ac.uk.