Providing free legal representation for the public
and advocacy experience for junior lawyers
We are pleased to welcome Andrew Comisky from Linklaters to FRU this week.
Andrew is the latest trainee solicitor to join FRU on a placement from Linklaters LLP, which is a long-standing supporter of FRU. Andrew will be with FRU for the next 6-months after which he will have finished his 4 ‘seats’ or placements. Andrew will be supporting the general work of the office and taking on FRU cases to develop his advocacy skills.
A new reported decision of the Upper Tribunal (Administrative Appeals Chamber) has been published. The decision addresses the treatment of capital for means tested benefits and in particular establishing whether a ‘Quistclose’ Trust exists. It also offers guidance on taking account of the cultural context of claimants when a tribunal makes decisions on issues of credibility.
In the reported decision the Upper Tribunal Judge recognises the quality of the submissions made by FRU assistant legal officer Josh Yetman, describing them as ‘well-crafted’. The decision goes on to state that ‘Given the undoubted legal and evidential complexities of this case, I hope that the Free Representation Unit will be able to continue to provide its invaluable help to the Appellant, both by way of preparation for, and representation at, the First-tier Tribunal rehearing.’
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5aa6311040f0b66b5fb4b348/CIS_0798_2017-00.pdf
FRU was pleased to welcome representatives of a Hong Kong based humanitarian charity who were researching best practice in pro bono work.
On 19 March FRU was delighted to host a visit by 2 representatives from the PathFinders NGO from Hong Kong. PathFinders provides humanitarian support, social and welfare services, access to healthcare, education and legal support. PathFinders serves pregnant, migrant women in distress and their Hong Kong-born children. Most of the women are current or former foreign domestic workers. Despite legal
protections, the women are often dismissed from work unlawfully when pregnant.
Kay McArdle, CEO and Jenny McAlpine, Head of Special Projects from PathFinders met with FRU Chief Executive David Abbott to learn more about how FRU works. Kay and Jenny were working on a fellowship to learn from global best-in-class access to justice models in London, Melbourne, New York, Singapore and Sydney.
After the visit David said “we were pleased to learn that representatives from a charity on the other side of the world knew of FRU’s excellent work. Welcoming Kay and Jenny to our office gave us an excellent opportunity to swap experience and support access to justice”.
Receptionist/Administrator
Salary Range £23,000 per annum
Full Time
FRU provides representation in social entitlement and employment tribunals for people who can’t afford lawyers. We represent approximately 500 clients annually in tribunals across London and the South East.
Most of our work is done by approximately 300 volunteers, generally law students on the Bar Professional Training Course or the Legal Practice Course. They are supervised by our legal officers. More information about FRU can be found at www.thefru.org.uk
An exciting opportunity exists for a conscientious and motivated individual to join our friendly, hard-working team based in Holborn.
This is a challenging role for someone with good organisational and communication skills for whom accuracy is second nature, and who can multi-task.
Interviews will be held on Friday 13th April 2018. The closing date for applications is 10am on Thursday 5th April 2016.
For further details and to apply please download the forms below.
• Job Description
• Person Specification
• Application Form
No Agencies
FRU is inviting the legal community to join us on the London Legal Walk on 21 May.
The London Legal Walk is an essential source of support to free legal services in London and the south east to promote access to justice. We are encouraging lawyers to enter a team in the walk so that we can collectively raise as much money as possible. Although FRU is an important beneficiary of funds raised from the Walk it also supports many other worthy causes. FRU has entered its team – have you? It’s very easy to enter, just go to the link below. We look forward to seeing on this fun event.
http://www.londonlegalsupporttrust.org.uk/our-events/london-legal-walk-2018/