CAJ Flashcards
(12 cards)
What do you think this role will involve?
Primarily working in the clinic in an administrative capacity - working on the reception, dealing with new client enquiries, assisting advisers with their cases by taking attendance notes, keeping case files maintained, closing them once the claim is resolved. Then also some casework - interviewing clients, drafting documents, communicating with the other side, potentially some Tribunal representation. Then some broader CAJ activities - conducting research, helping with the UCL Laws pro bono programme.
Why do you want this role?
I would love to help run a law clinic. I think law clinics and other pro bono providers play a critical role in securing access to justice for those who cannot afford legal representation. Union call re PIP - there is no equivalent to the BLC in Cambridge. I believe that having pro bono legal support can make all the difference in cases like PIP appeals. Then in the case of university law clinics they also have the benefit of training students and hopefully encouraging them to pursue careers in social welfare.
What do you think the biggest problem facing law clinics is?
Demand - managing quality vs quantity. Do you work with lots of people and give less support (signposting, one-off advice) or work with fewer people and give intensive support (drafting, representation)?
Give a time when you have dealt with a tense or hostile situation
LD call
Have you ever dealt with an unhappy client or customer?
LD call
What experience do you think is most relevant for this role?
Substantive law: BLC (welfare benefits) + IPSEA (education)
Tribunal experience: BLC
Admin: Leigh Day
Any questions?
Ratio of administrative work to casework
Biggest challenge?
ECHR
Biggest achievement?
LASP
How would you ascertain the nature of a new client’s problem?
Ask them to explain in their own words; if immediately apparent its not something we can deal with, signpost them to someone else; if it seems like something we may be able to deal with, as follow up questions to get more details e.g., the stage that the dispute is at, the
How would you calm down a distressed client?
How do you relate to clients with different life experiences to your own?
Not sure it’s possible to truly relate when you haven’t experienced what they have experienced. Think all you can do is try to fully understand their position, be empathetic (in normal language e.g., that sounds really exhausting, difficult, stressful etc), be supportive (again normal language e.g., I really hope get the outcome you’re looking for), and be specific about the support we are able to provide (e.g., we’re going to draft this letter, and hopefully that will resolve this issue).
