Applications now open for The Portal Trust Legal Internship at JUSTICE

The successful applicants will work closely with our legal staff, conducting legal research; providing commentary on draft legislation; assisting with third-party interventions (where relevant); and supporting working parties of our membership exploring critical issues of law reform. The internship will provide the opportunity to develop research and drafting skills, engage with litigation and law-making processes, and be part of a small, friendly, and committed staff.

Applicants must reside in one of the London Boroughs in which the Portal Trust operates: Camden, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Lewisham, Newham, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Wandsworth, Westminster, or the City of London. This includes students who are currently studying outside of one of these boroughs but otherwise would ordinarily be residents there.

For these internships, we particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic candidates, candidates from less advantaged socio-economic backgrounds and/or candidates with disabilities who expect to face additional barriers in securing a career in law.

Given the nature of our work, applications are sought from UK law graduates only. This includes people who expect to have completed a law degree or GDL or are CILEX graduates by the time they start the internship. It also includes those who have passed their SQE1.

Applicants should demonstrate an interest in the challenges affecting the justice system – whether criminal, civil or administrative – and have an understanding of the UK’s constitutional and human rights framework. They should have excellent written and oral communication skills. 

We are recruiting two interns to start in April 2023 – the exact start dates will be discussed with the successful candidates. Please indicate your preference on the application form. The internship is a full-time role for three months. However, we are happy to discuss the possibility of working on a part-time basis over an extended period if required, with a minimum of three days per week commitment. The JUSTICE team are currently working in a hybrid manner. Staff members have access to office space in London, however, attendance is optional. The Legal Intern will have regular video calls with their line manager, the policy team and wider JUSTICE staff. The salary for this role is £21,840 per annum, pro rata.

To be considered for this internship please complete the application form and email it to jobs@justice.org.uk. Please note that due to the high number of applications we receive and our limited resources as a small charity, we are unable to provide individual feedback to applicants who are not interviewed. For tips on applying, visit the Q&A page, and read about our previous interns here.

Download the application form and job description from our website.

Please mark your email with ‘LEGAL INTERNSHIP’ in the subject line.

Closing date: 19 February 2023, 11pm.

Interviews will be held by Zoom the week commencing 20 March 2023.

Please note we will contact all candidates by 8 March regarding the outcome of their application.