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Applications for this opportunity will open in September 2024.
About UCL iLAC
The UCL Integrated Legal Advice Clinic (iLAC), based in central Stratford, offers local residents free face to face general legal advice on all aspects of social welfare law including welfare benefits and housing.
Staffed by UCL law students working under the close supervision of qualified lawyers and advisers, the Clinic offers students a rich educational opportunity while also providing a valuable and much needed service to members of the local community.
Whilst volunteering at iLAC, students will gain valuable hands on experience and develop a greater understanding of legal needs while providing a much needed service to one of England's most deprived boroughs.
The Role: iLAC Assistant
Our assistants will be based at the UCL Integrated Legal Advice Clinic in central Stratford.
- When working at our Stratford Clinic, iLAC assistants (IAs) will be the first point of contact for clients seeking legal advice and play an integral part in the day-to-day running of a busy legal advice centre.
- IAs will be responsible for answering the clinic phone, manning the reception desk and taking new enquiries from clients over the phone and in person under the supervision of iLAC staff.
- You will be assisting with administrative tasks such as data collection, sending routine letters, making client appointments and file management.
- You may on occasion be asked to assist Advisers during advice sessions and with casework, with cases covering welfare benefits, housing, education and community care law.
- iLAC Assistants will complete training on working with vulnerable clients, confidentiality, data protection and client management as well as our case management system, letter writing and case file management.
Time commitment and schedule:
We are looking for students who are able to commit to volunteering in person in Stratford for at least one half day per week (10am-1pm or 2pm-5pm) during university term-time for both Term 1 and Term 2. Students are usually welcome to continue volunteering beyond this date but many prefer to focus on revision in term 3.
Pro Bono Skills Development Framework
The Centre for Access to Justice now offers all students engaged in extra-curricular pro bono the opportunity to participate in the Pro Bono Skills Development Framework. This framework allows you to reflect on the skills gained during your placement, aligned with the Aurora Competence Framework. Completing it earns you a Certificate of Commitment to Pro Bono, acknowledging your dedication and skill development. Your participation will help you document and showcase the valuable competencies you've developed, however, please note that participation in the PBSDF scheme is entirely voluntary and will not affect your placement in any way.
Eligibility:
This opportunity is open to all LLB and LLM students.
We are looking for volunteers who can demonstrate;
- friendliness and approachability;
- a commitment to or an awareness of social justice issues;
- willingness and ability to be flexible, open minded, and non-judgemental regarding clients and their problems;
- Attention to detail
- Awareness of the potential needs of, and demands placed on, vulnerable clients;
- reliability and commitment, good interpersonal and communication skills, including written and oral;
- ability and willingness to work as part of a team; and
- strong administrative skills.
How to apply:
To apply, please complete the online application form. Applications for this opportunity are open. The deadline is 16th October 2024 at 11:59PM. Interviews will take place from the 21st - 22nd of October 2024. Training for selected applicants will be on 30th October 2024.
When applying, please make sure you have completed the CAJ Equality and Diversity Monitoring Questionnaire. You only need to complete this once per academic year.
If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact Jennifer Akinola at jennifer.akinola@ucl.ac.uk