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Justice First Fellowship: Trainee Solicitor
We are looking for a Trainee Solicitor to join our team of caseworkers and solicitors who has passion and commitment to this area of work.
Do you want to use your skills to defend people’s rights, challenge injustice and support communities affected by immigration control?
You could be the next Justice First Fellowship Trainee Solicitor to join GMIAU in April 2027!
The main purpose of this post is to
successfully complete a period of recognised training with Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit (GMIAU
qualify as a solicitor
enhance and build GMIAU’s capacity to advise and represent people in their immigration, asylum, human rights and public law cases for the future.
The post carries with it the opportunity to develop a project which will develop your skills, knowledge and understanding of the wider context in which organisations such as GMIAU operate and where ‘access to justice’ is under threat for people in need.
In this role, your responsibilities will be:
To assist in the conduct of immigration, asylum, human rights and public law cases, under the supervision of experienced solicitors.
To register as an immigration adviser with the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) and with the Law Society IAAS accreditation scheme. The trainee is expected to obtain IAA level 3 asylum & immigration and IAAS Senior Caseworker within the first 12 months in post
To develop a case load of appropriate cases once qualified to do so.
To develop a comprehensive understanding of the immigration and public law legal aid contract, including Exceptional Case Funding (ECF).
To carry out research to assist with cases, as directed by supervisors.
To keep up-to-date with developments and changes in UK immigration, asylum, human rights and nationality law and practice.
To become familiar with and use effectively the case management software used by GMIAU.
To conduct casework in accordance with agreed office practice.
To ensure compliance with SRA, IAA and IAAS requirements as required
Trainee Areas of Law: Immigration / Asylum;Human Rights;Public and administrative law
To apply:
Read the person description and apply for the role via the portal.
Application deadline: 14 December 2026.
Interview Dates: 22 January 2027 and 29 January 2027. If successful, the fellowship will begin in April 2027.
Contact for Enquiries: David Pountney
Contact Email: david@gmiau.org
Key Details
- Job Title:
- Justice First Fellowship: Trainee Solicitor
- Reporting To:
- GMIAU supervisor
- Responsible To:
- CEO
- Location:
- Manchester
- Salary Scale:
- Starting Salary: £27,709
- Deadline:
- 14 December 2026
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