FLAC are seeking two Public Interest Solicitors - deadline Monday 16 October

Overview

FLAC’s Independent Law Centre is seeking two dynamic and motivated individuals - who are interested in using to the law to advance social change – to join our Independent Law Centre as Public Interest Litigation Solicitors. The positions offer a unique opportunity to undertake litigation aimed at tackling disadvantage and discrimination, and promoting human rights, equality and access to justice.

About FLAC

For decades, FLAC has been at the forefront of public interest law in Ireland and has used litigation to bring about landmark changes in Irish law and society. FLAC remains committed to providing legal assistance to those who may not otherwise be able to challenge injustice and inequality.

As well as being important to the individual clients, FLAC pursues cases which have the potential to benefit a wider community. This includes cases arising from the Roma Legal Clinic, LGBTQI+ Legal Clinic and Traveller Legal Service operated by the FLAC litigation team.

FLAC frequently acts in cases in areas such as Housing, Social Welfare and Discrimination before Irish tribunals and courts, and has also appeared in cases before the European Court of Human Rights and Court of Justice of the European Union.

Job Description

Specific Duties:

• Provide advocacy and legal representation in cases before relevant courts and tribunals with the supervision and support of FLAC’s Managing Solicitor.
• Provide legal advice in relation to equality/anti-discrimination law, housing, accommodation, evictions, social welfare, and other areas of law with particular relevance to the Traveller community, Roma community and LGBTQI+ community.
• Participate in the coordination and delivery of legal education projects, including through the development of relevant training and resource material.
• Contribute to FLAC’s policy development.
• Comment on legal issues of strategic importance, 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 within FLAC’s other areas of work.
• Work to maximise the availability of legal services to members of marginalised and disadvantaged communities, 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.

Salary is commensurate with experience.

The positions are full time, but some flexibility as to hours is possible.

Requirements

Essential Requirements:

• Hold an 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 principles of access to justice and social justice.
• Experience of using and maintaining a case management database.

Closing Date for Applications: 16 October 2023

Please send a cover letter and full Curriculum Vitae to recruitment@flac.ie