Head of Legal Practice

Description

We are a newly formed organisation (newhamcommunitylawproject.org.uk), aiming to launch our legal service in the summer of 2026. This will be our first appointment and will be a key role, helping to shape all aspects of our service. Our Strategic Plan sets out our aim to employ a second solicitor and operational support by the end of 2026. We will also be applying for a legal aid contract. Our longer-term aim is to transition to Newham Community Law Centre, expanding into other areas of law, and possibly recruiting a CEO in the future.

The post holder will be accountable to the Trustee Board and directly supervised by the Chair. They will also work closely with the Treasurer on all financial matters. As we are a start-up, role functions may vary as the organisation expands. We have also budgeted for external mentoring support for this role in the first year.

Our Mission

A fairer Newham where disadvantaged residents experiencing poverty, breaches of their human rights or discrimination can access justice.

Newham Community Law Project Objectives

To provide free or low-cost advice and representation in housing, public law, immigration, and asylum and other social welfare law areas.
To promote legal education and empowerment in the community.
To work in collaboration with grass roots groups, campaigners and frontline agencies.
To campaign to influence law, policy and practice and promote human rights.

What We Aim to Achieve

By 2030, we will provide advice and representation in the main areas of social welfare law: housing, immigration, welfare rights and employment.
The Law Project will receive recognition from the Law Centre Network and become Newham Community Law Centre.
It will have strong governance and a diverse range of funding.
It will be housed in premises that will be welcoming and accessible.
It will be embedded in the local community and have effective partnerships with the other advice providers and community groups in Newham.
Using the evidence and experiences of our clients we will strategically exercise a responsible influence on legislation and the policies of statutory bodies.
We will have a well-developed role as a training provider, encouraging diversity in the legal profession by employing trainee solicitors and providing meaningful volunteer positions.
We will provide training and consultancy to other advice services in the borough, enhancing access to justice at all levels of the community.

Location

Newham, London (with some flexibility for remote working)

Hours

35 hours per week – 5 days a week but with flexibility in hours worked and requirement for occasional evening work

Salary

NJC for Local Government Scale Point 37 (£52,269) – Point 40 (£55,353)

Purpose

To manage the legal practice at NCLP and ensure that the local community benefits from high-quality specialist legal advice.
To ensure that NCLP provides consistently high-quality legal services across the range of its activities, and to assist the Board to ensure NCLP’s development.
To assist the Board to set the strategic goals of the organisation and to implement the business plan.
As the Immigration Solicitor, to provide advice and representation on immigration and asylum matters, and maintain Legal Aid Agency Supervisor status.