FLAC: Solicitor - deadline extended to 31 March 2023

FLAC Solicitor

Reporting to: FLAC Managing Solicitor

Role Overview

FLAC is seeking to recruit a solicitor to its specialised legal service to the Traveller community and to continue to develop the knowledge and expertise of Traveller organisations in advocating on behalf of Travellers that they work with. The funding for the position is for a period of three years and the project is supported by a steering group, whose membership is drawn from a number of Traveller organisations that provide guidance and support in delivering the projected outcomes of the project.

Job Description

• Provide legal advice to the Traveller community in relation to equality law, housing, accommodation, evictions, control of horses legislation, planning law, social welfare, the powers and functions of An Garda Síochána and any other areas of law with particular relevance to the Traveller community.
• Provide advocacy and legal representation to the Traveller community in cases before relevant Courts and Tribunals that best advance the interests of that community in achieving equality and vindicating their human rights with the supervision and support of FLACs managing solicitor.
• Coordinate the delivery of legal education to organisations working with Travellers throughout the country including through the development of relevant training and resource material.
• Contribute to policy development in relation to areas of law relevant to the Traveller community.
• Comment on legal issues of strategic importance to the Traveller community, including in the media as required.
• Work with other members of the legal team to maintain systems and contribute to the overall efficient running of the legal service within FLAC and the FLAC organisation in general.
• Collaborate with other members of staff in relation to advancing access to justice for Travellers within FLAC’s other areas of work.
• Work to maximise the availability of legal services to members of the Traveller community throughout the country and collaborate and support other projects advancing access to justice as relevant.

Other General Duties

• To collaborate with other Independent Law Centres, NGOs and the Legal Aid Board on relevant legal issues and referrals.
• To undertake other duties connected to the work of the organisation as required.
• Contribute to the strategic development and review the overall performance and strategic development of FLAC as an organisation
• Complying with FLAC’s Health and Safety Policies and Procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of cases taken/ advocacy undertaken, referrals made and outcomes achieved and other work undertaken.
• Provide periodic reports on work undertaken to the working group supporting the project.

Requirements;

Essential

• Hold appropriate professional legal qualification.
• Have at least 3 years post qualification experience in litigation at all levels.
• Compliance with Law Society regulations regarding professional conduct.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to work flexibly with clients coming from diverse backgrounds.
• Proven ability to engage with key stakeholders.
• Proven organisational skills with good attention to detail.
• Good IT skills, proficiency in MS Office.
• Ability to meet targets and work to deadlines.
• Strong ability to work effectively and collaboratively as a member of a team.
• High level of personal responsibility and integrity.

Desirable

• Experience in housing law/ administrative law generally/ equality or human rights law/public interest law.
• Demonstrated interest in the principle of access to justice and social justice.
• Experience of using and maintaining a case management database.

Further Details:

• The position is full-time
• The position will be based at the FLAC office at 85/86 Dorset Street Upper, Dublin 1.
• The salary range is dependent on skills and experience

To Apply:

Please send a copy of your CV along with a cover letter to recruitment@flac.ie stating what interests you about working with FLAC and how you meet the requirements for this position.

Closing Date for Applications: 22 February 2023

FLAC is an equal opportunities employer.