The Legal Advice Centre, Department of Law and Criminology, Royal Holloway, University of London
About Us
Our student-led Legal Advice Centre offers free initial advice and information to the public in the following areas of law:
- Contract, consumer, and civil litigation
- Landlord and tenant disputes
- Family law
- Personal injury
- Wills and probate
We proudly partner with the following law firms and organisations:
- LawWorks
- Duncan Lewis Solicitors, London
- Horne Engall and Freeman Solicitors
- Creighton and Partners
- Circe Law
- Hodge Jones & Allen
- Zakia Khalid, Freelance Solicitor
- Afghanistan & Central Asian Association
For more information, visit our website.
Role Overview
We are seeking 35 volunteer student advisers to join our team of 15 existing legal advisers at our Legal Advice Centre.
Our Legal Advice Clinics are held on Wednesdays from 1:30-4:30 p.m. You will assist in handling real client matters on a rotating basis during Royal Holloway university’s term time.
While attendance every Wednesday is not required, you must attend all training sessions and be present for client interviews when on the rota.
Student advisers typically handle around six client matters per academic year.
Examples of responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Client File Management: Review and maintain client files, ensuring all information is accurate and up to date.
- Conflict Checks: Conduct conflict of interest checks to ensure there are no conflicts.
- Legal Research: Perform research on legal issues relevant to the client's case, using legal databases and resources.
- Preparation for Client Meetings: Prepare for client interviews by reviewing case details and drafting relevant questions.
- Client Interviews: Conduct client interviews and taking detailed attendance notes.
- Drafting Advice: Prepare written legal advice or referral briefs for partner law firms based on client interviews and research.
- Follow-Up: Complete follow-up tasks on client cases, including correspondence and updates.
- File Closure: Ensure that all necessary documentation is completed, and the client file is properly closed.
- Team Collaboration: Work with other student advisers to discuss case progress and develop strategies for handling client matters.
- Self-Reflection: Complete self-reflection forms to assess your performance and identify areas for improvement.
- Training Participation: Attend training sessions to enhance your legal knowledge and skills.
Work carried out on real client matters at our Legal Advice Centre can count towards your Qualifying Work Experience.
Key Attributes
- Must be a student enrolled in a course within the Department of Law, Criminology, and Social Sciences at Royal Holloway University
- No prior legal experience required
- Hardworking, empathetic, and compassionate
- Strong team player
- Excellent listening
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Commitment to social justice
- Strong organisational skills
- Proficiency in legal research and analytical thinking
Training Opportunities
You will receive training on:
- Contract, consumer, and civil litigation law
- Landlord and tenant law
- Family law
- Personal injury law
- Wills and probate law
- Client interview techniques
- File management and GDPR compliance
- Legal research skills
- Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)
Reporting Structure
You will report to Ms Thanh Pham, Director, and Supervising Solicitor of the Legal Advice Centre.
Enhance Your Employability
This role provides valuable experience working alongside our director and professional partners, with opportunities for work placements and potential job offers with our partner law firms.
You will also receive regular one-on-one supervision from our director, offering feedback on your performance and guidance on career progression.
How to Apply
To apply, please complete the application form.
Application Deadline
5:00 p.m. on Tuesday 8th October 2024
