Vacancies

Advocate is seeking dedicated and enthusiastic individuals to volunteer as Academic Casework Volunteers (Allocation Stream). This is a remote volunteering programme and the position is for 1 day(s) a week for three month between November 2024 and February 2025.

 This programme presents a fantastic opportunity to obtain unique exposure to a wide range of areas of law and 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 interpersonal skills and be ready to adapt to the changing need of the casework team. It is preferable for applicants to have completed one year of law-related study or work, but this is not essential. Click here for the Person Specification and Information Sheet.

 Who we are

 Advocate is the Bar’s national charity which helps to find pro bono legal assistance from volunteer barristers. We can assist with:

·       Advice, drafting, representation and help at mediation

·       Cases in all areas of law

·       Cases where proceedings have not yet been started

·       Cases in all tribunals and courts in England and Wales

Pro bono assistance is only available to those who cannot afford to pay and who cannot obtain public funding (legal aid). We are a small staff dealing with over 2,000 cases each year and rely a great deal on casework volunteers. You will be supervised by a caseworker but carry out a lot of work independently.

 The role

 The Casework Volunteering programme is split into two streams: the Gateway Stream and the Allocation Stream.

 Allocation Stream:

 You will assist Casework Team with the following tasks:

-          Promoting cases to volunteer Barristers across England and Wales

-          Bundle Support

-          Creating Case Studies

-          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

1)    It is essential for applicants to have completed at least one year of law-related study or work. 

2)    You must be available for at least one day a week between November 2024 and February 2025.  The available slots are: 

1.     Tuesdays (5^th November 2024 until 11^th February 2025)

2.     Wednesdays (6^th November 2024 until 12^th February 2025)

3.     Thursdays (7^th November 2024 until 13^th February 2025)

You may state a preference for which day(s) you would like to volunteer on at interview and we will do our best to accommodate it. 

3)    The position is remote so open to all applicants willing to work from 10am to 5pm BST (GMT +1). We cannot accommodate working outside of these hours.

4)    Please apply using the form here by midnight on Friday 30^th August 2024. CVs, covering letters and applications submitted after this date will not be considered.

5)    Applicants are also encouraged to complete our Equal Opportunities Form.

6)     Interviews will take place online from Monday 23^rd September 2024. Successful candidates will be required to attend a compulsory online training session in the week before their start date.