Lewisham Refugee and Migrant Network

At Lewisham Refugee and Migrant Network we re looking for someone to join us as our Senior Legal Aid Advisor. We will always stand by people standing up to an unjust immigration system. We provide a safe haven for people to rebuild their lives and our Senior Legal Aid Advisor role is a key part of that. Sitting in the immigration team, you will work on our Legal Aid contract alongside a team of Immigration Advisors working on a mix of grant funded projects for migrants unable to afford private representation. You will work within a supportive environment, reporting to our Immigration Manager, and be able to develop your areas of expertise. We re a small and colaborative team so you will have the opportunity to work closely with other members of the organisation. Main Roles Manage a full caseload of complex immigration matters funded by legal aid, including asylum, human rights, and deportation cases. Ensure compliance with regulatory and contractual obligations (IAAS, SRA, LAA). Complete funding applications, manage provider submissions, track time, prepare and submit legal aid bills and ensure compliance with LAA obligations. Provide ad hoc supervision, mentoring or training to members of the immigration team working on related immigration matters. Specific Duties 1.Manage a full caseload of complex immigration matters funded by legal aid, including asylum, human rights, and deportation cases. a.Manage a complex caseload across the field of immigration, nationality and asylum law. b.Prepare, draft and file appeals to the First-tier and Upper Tribunals and conduct appeals hearings as required. c.Own legal aid processes for each case: complete funding applications, provider submissions, billing, time recording and compliance with funder requirements. d.Provide expert legal advice and represent clients in hearings; instruct counsel when necessary and manage counsel budgets. e.Interview and advise clients regarding immigration and asylum law procedure, and practice in a sensitive and professional manner. f.To maintain accurate and detailed case records of clients for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval and statistical monitoring, using Advice Pro as appropriate and as required by management. g.Advocate on behalf of clients by telephone, letter and email with appropriate agencies. 2. Ensure compliance with regulatory and contractual obligations (IAAS, SRA, LAA). a.Maintain Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in line with IAA, IAAS registration or similar professional body, e.g. SRA b.Keep up to date at all times with changes in the law by reading and attending training events relating to asylum and immigration. c.Adhere to casework procedures as outlined in LRMN s policies, the IAA, SRA, IAAS, SQM and AQS. d.To maintain accurate and detailed case records of clients for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval and statistical monitoring, using manual or/and computerised systems (Advicepro) as appropriate and as required by management. e.Produce reports to meet funder s and LRMN requirements. f.Work closely with the Immigration Manager and/or external evaluator in gathering data and information to produce accurate monitoring and evaluation reports. g.To assist LRMN in liaising with its funders and to provide statistical information and updates as required. 3. Complete funding applications, manage provider submissions, track time, prepare and submit legal aid bills and ensure compliance with LAA obligations. a.Complete initial funding applications and any subsequent variations or exceptional funding requests; gather and upload supporting evidence; ensure eligibility and means assessments are correctly recorded. b.Submit and monitor claims through the LAA portal (or other relevant portals), respond to queries or requests for further information, and liaise with LAA caseworkers or contract managers as required. c.Draft detailed bills in the required format, check calculation of fees and disbursements, obtain necessary approvals, and submit within contractual deadlines. d.Maintain documentary proof to satisfy LAA audit requirements (attendance notes, advice records, evidence of means), respond to audit enquiries, and implement remedial actions where required. 4. Provide ad hoc supervision, mentoring or training to members of the immigration team working on related immigration matters. a.Maintain close liaison with the Immigration Manager to ensure a unified approach to leading and developing the team. b.Provide occasional mentoring or supervision to individuals working on legal aid cases. c.Provide occasional training to individuals working on legal aid cases. 5. Other Duties a.To participate in LRMN staff meetings, maintaining a high level of professionalism and contributing skills and knowledge towards best practice for the organisation. b.To attend supervision and appraisal meetings and other relevant activities. c.To be able to perform your own administrative duties. d.Work flexibly as agreed to meet the demands of the service this may involve occasional evening, weekend and outreach work. e.Maintain confidentiality in all matters relating to the work of the organisation. f.Comply with LRMN s policies and procedures. g.Adhere to LRMN s vision and mission and positively promote its work. h.Undertake any other work as may be reasonably requested.