HCLC News

An Open Evening is being held at the Law Centre on the evening of Monday 23 March 2020 from 7.00 p.m.

 

The evening is usually a 15 – 20 minute informal talk about what the Law Centre does and how it is funded. It is also an opportunity to hear what is required of our volunteers and interns and how our scheme works.  The evening usually has up to 20 potential candidates sitting in.  Attendance at the open evening is designed to answer questions that potential candidates may have about the centre, our work but most importantly, what our volunteer programme involves.   

 

For those unable to attend on 23 March it is still possible to volunteer at the centre but all prospective candidates will be expected to attend a one to one interview which should last about 30 minutes or so and this will be followed by a standard written test in English.  The law will not be examined.

 

Given the nature of our work and the pace set here, our interns must have completed their LL.B or GDL (or equivalent) by the time they attend for interview.  The interviews are to be conducted during the day on Thursday 26 and Monday 30^th March 2020.  There will be interview slots organised throughout the day on both days.

 

Interviews cannot be conducted over Skype or other remote circumstances.  We apologise for this.   

 

Application is by CV in word or pdf formats only.  The deadline for receipt of CVs is Saturday 28 March 2020.  Please send emails to admin@hclc.org.uk  In the subject header please specify “intern application” so that your CV stands out and goes to the correct person.  The deadline extends past the start of interviews but we often get persons who only opt to apply after the open evening. 

 

The law centre will be providing actual work experience from the first day of the internship commitment and so some level of maturity and communication skills will be a standard requirement.   As the interns will be assisting solicitors and experienced caseworkers, aptitude for written text as well as reading up on the relevant law is required. 

 

This position is to give a proper opportunity for persons wanting to move towards a pupillage or training contract.  It is not fair to offer this to people who are already qualified as solicitors or barristers. 

 

The commitment is 12 weeks.  Prospective candidates are to pay attention to the dates set.  There is not going to be an opportunity to negotiate an alternative period.  If these dates are likely to conflict with other pre-arranged schedules i.e. weddings, foreign travel or exams, we recommend you apply at another time as we try and keep opportunities as regular as we can.   As those applying to intern with us expect to get references to boost their chances in the industry, we equally expect honesty and commitment in return. 

 

Please note that students currently on demanding, full-time courses will not be prioritised.   Students for obvious reasons, are not expected to commit to the placements fully and the consequences of this to us are costly.

 

Our internships are not paid.  We appreciate this places a barrier to the most able candidates but daily expenses are paid on a weekly basis.  Interns are not guaranteed a job at the end of the internships but we have a fairly extensive list of persons who have been through our programme and are now pursuing successful careers at the bar and as solicitors or CILEX professionals.  The internship commitment is 12 weeks 3 / 4 days per week.