Vacancies

Advocate is seeking dedicated and enthusiastic individuals to volunteer as Casework Volunteers.  This is a remote volunteering programme and the position is for one day a week from 3rd October 2022 – 3rd February 2023.

This Casework Volunteer position is a fantastic opportunity to obtain unique exposure to a wide range of areas of law. You will also learn a great deal about the needs of litigants in person.

You will have an interest in law and be motivated to help those who cannot afford legal assistance.  As a key part of our team you will possess strong inter-personal skills and be ready to adapt to the changing needs of the casework team. It is preferable for candidates to have completed at least one year of law-related study/work and ideally have some experience in the voluntary sector. Click here for the Person Specification. 

The role

The Casework Volunteering programme is split into two streams: the Gateway Stream and the Allocation Stream. Applicants should apply to only one stream.

Gateway Stream:

You will assist Caseworkers with the following tasks:

1. Writing case summaries ready for experienced reviewing barristers
2. Preparing court standard bundles using our online system
3. Completing case reports on our case management system
4. Other Administrative support

Allocation Stream:

You will assist the Casework Team with the following tasks:

1. Advertising cases to volunteer Barristers across England and Wales
2. Sending out Court Papers to Barristers
3. Creating Case Studies
4. Other Administrative support

Previous volunteer’s feedback:

“My time at Advocate has been nothing short of amazing. Structured and incredibly well-organised, the programme provided me with invaluable exposure to a diverse range of practice areas, as well as the opportunity to make a real impact. The programme also helped me grow both as an aspiring lawyer and a person, particularly in terms of perseverance and empathy.”

Maisie (Summer 2022 Volunteer)

“Advocate’s summer volunteering program is such a fantastic, hands-on experience. There was never a dull moment and I learned so much. I am so grateful to the wonderful team for making us all feel so welcome and offering such great guidance throughout the programme. Could not recommend it more!”

Isabella (Summer 2022 Volunteer)

Requirements

• You must be available for one day per week from 3rd October 2022 – 3rd February 2023. You will volunteer on the same day each week. The position is a remote volunteering position with the option of hybrid working. Candidates must be able to work in GMT+1.   
• The deadline for applications is 11.59pm on Sunday 21^st August. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.
• Application is by way of an online application form; CVs and covering letters will not be accepted. Applicants may only apply for one volunteering stream. The application form for our Gateway stream can be found here. The application form for our Allocation stream can be found here.
• Applicants should also complete our online Equal Opportunities form.
• Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed online in the weeks commencing 29^th August and 5^th September 2022.
• Successful candidates will be required to attend a compulsory training session on Zoom on Wednesday 28^th and Thursday 29^th September for the Gateway and Allocation streams, respectively. We would expect prospective volunteers to keep this date free.

Passionate about justice? Skilled in communications and interested in fundraising?  Come and help us deliver a nationwide student fundraising challenge and gain great experience in marketing, communications, events and fundraising, while learning more about the legal sector!

Who we are

Advocate and LawWorks are two leading national charities supporting access to justice through pro bono.

Advocate finds pro bono legal help from volunteer barristers, assisting people with cases in all legal areas, in all tribunals and courts in England and Wales. Pro bono help is only available to those who cannot afford to pay and who cannot obtain legal aid.

LawWorks (the Solicitors' Pro Bono Group) is a charity working in England and Wales working to connect volunteer lawyers with people in need of legal advice who are not eligible for legal aid and cannot afford to pay and with the not-for-profit organisations that support them.  

The Law School Challenge

The Law School Challenge is an annual nationwide challenge where law schools and law students raise funds to support these two charities. Our aim is to encourage as many law schools as possible to take part - and for them to be as competitive as possible to fundraise the most. The winning team receives a special award at the annual Student Pro Bono Awards event at the House of Commons, presented by the Attorney General, which you will also be invited to attend.

Your role 

This is a brilliant opportunity to volunteer with two leading legal charities, and gain experience in fundraising, organising, social media, marketing, and communications. You will be working closely with the teams at LawWorks and Advocate, playing a leading role in delivering the Law School Challenge 2022/23. Ideally you will be available one day per week, from the middle of September until the middle of April 2023. 

Where will I be volunteering?

Both charities are based in shared offices on High Holborn.

What can I gain from volunteering?

You will develop your skills in fundraising and communications, meet new people and learn about the access to justice and legal sector.

About you

We are looking for someone who is organised, can show great attention to detail and accuracy, who has strong communication skills, and who wants to spend time creating and scheduling social media and web content.

Role description

• Plan and promote the Law School Challenge; lead on this nationwide project
• Recruit Law School Challenge teams from across the country
• Motivate Law School Challenge teams using email, phone and a wide range of social media channels
• Produce and send out fundraising resources to assist Law School Challenge teams

What benefits are offered?

- The opportunity to gain great insight into a team working closely with solicitors, barristers and those needing legal help.

- You will be able to lead and improve a well-known existing nationwide initiative.

- Your expenses will be covered

- You will be supported by staff from both charities

How can I apply?

Apply online by sending your CV and cover letter to fundraising@lawworks.org.uk.

The deadline for applications is 23.30 on 29th August 2022.

When can I start?

This role is available to start around the middle of September.

We are not recruiting for full-time caseworkers at the moment. Please keep checking our website for more opportunities. However, should you have a training contract or pupillage starting in 2023, please email recruitment@weareadvocate.org.uk with your CV.