Volunteer programme

Volunteers play an important role in assisting the solicitors with various aspects of their casework in asylum and human rights law.

How to apply to volunteer with the department

The department recruits volunteers twice per year, usually around April and October.  Completed applications should be submitted by the deadline, which is advertised in advance. We do not accept applications outside the recruitment periods. 

Volunteering duties 
 
Duties are varied but include:

• Objective evidence research – including the compilation of country background profiles, research into specific aspects of a client’s case, and sourcing required experts and agencies
• Legal research – including ad hoc research into aspects of immigration and asylum law, case law research and case summaries
• Case preparation assistance – including the compilation of court bundles, drafting correspondence, and where appropriate, attendance at the First Tier Tribunal or Court of Session
• Carrying out administrative tasks

• An interest, or experience in the area of asylum, refugee and human rights law
• Strong legal and general research skills
• Good administrative and organisational skills
• Effective communication and listening skills  
• An understanding of the importance of confidentiality
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Reliability, punctuality and a commitment to the work of the department. 

Selection process

• Shortlisting
  All applications submitted by the deadline are reviewed to determine who will be shortlisted. 

• Interview
  If your application is shortlisted we will invite you to an informal interview with a solicitor from the department.  At the interview you will have an opportunity to expand on any relevant skills and experience you have and also ask any questions.  The interview will last around 20 minutes.   

• Induction
  If you are successful at interview we will invite you to the volunteer induction.  To be able to volunteer with the department you must be able to attend the volunteer induction.  We will provide dates for volunteer induction in advance.
  
  The volunteer induction covers an introduction to LSA and the Women and Young Persons` Department, office practices, key polices, and a basic overview of the current immigration and asylum landscape.
  
  Volunteers will arrange suitable weekly volunteering days after the induction.  Volunteering will start the week following the induction.