LawWorks Choices

LawWorks Choices project was designed to enable unemployed solicitors take part in pro bono work whilst seeking permanent employment. Since its launch in July 2009 the project has proved very popular, both with volunteers and organisations benefitting from their assistance. Benefits to the volunteers include a reduced membership fee to LawWorks, free CPD accredited training, and access to a Guaranteed Interview Scheme on completing 40 hours of pro bono work.

How it works

The volunteers range from Newly Qualified solicitors to those with several years post qualification experi¬ence. LawWorks have been able in some instances to arrange professional indemnity insurance for the volunteers, and LawWorks also provides training in areas of social welfare law for the volunteers.

Pro bono opportunities are advertised to volunteers through a members’ only website. Choices volunteers can then apply for opportunities, and the LawWorks team will send their CVs to the organisation offering the role to ensure that they are a good match.

Examples of pro bono opportunities include:
• Advising in Law Centres and Legal Advice Clinics
• Contract review for Charities
• Drafting factsheets on an area of law
• Reviewing leases for not for profit organisations
• Supporting the development of new projects within an NGO
• Internships at Law Centres, and Tribunals

How we can help you

If your organisation could benefit from a legally qualified volunteer, please get in touch with Kathleen Commons. You will need to provide the following information:
• The aims and benefits of your organisation
• The task you wish the volunteer to complete
• Time commitment required from the volunteer, either in hours per week, or hours overall
• Contact details for the organisation
• Whether the role can be completed remotely, or at your organisation
• If the volunteer will require professional indemnity insurance, or will be covered by the organisation
• Whether the volunteer will require a practising certificate

Find out more

Contact: Kathleen Commons on 020 7092 3947 or at kathleen.commons@lawworks.org.uk

www.lawworkschoices.org.uk