CAREERS
Rape Survivors Independent Legal Advice
Lawyers (Solicitors or Barristers - Civil or Criminal Law)
Salary: £45,000 – £61,573 depending on PQE
Location: Hybrid – home and CWJ’s Bethnal Green office, London. Applications welcomed from candidates across England and Wales, with flexible working arrangements open to discussion.
Contract: Permanent | Full-time. Part time, consultants and secondments also considered.
Closing date: 9am, 26 October 2026
Interviews: Week commencing 2 November 2026
Women only – an occupational requirement under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010
Do you want to help transform access to justice for survivors of sexual violence?
Centre for Women’s Justice (CWJ) is recruiting civil and criminal lawyers (solicitors or in-house barristers) with feminist values to join its new Independent Legal Advice service.
This is a great opportunity to be part of a ground-breaking national programme designed to improve survivors’ understanding of, and ability to exercise, their rights within the criminal justice system.
Working within CWJ, the successful applicants will provide high-quality, independent legal advice to survivors of sexual violence. You will combine legal expertise with a trauma-informed, survivor-centred approach, helping survivors navigate the criminal justice process.
We are looking for collaborative, thoughtful and resilient people who share our commitment to equality and to securing meaningful change for women and girls.
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As an Independent Legal Advice lawyer, you will provide timely, accurate and trauma-informed legal advice, advocacy and casework support to survivors of sexual violence.
You will help survivors understand and assert their rights within the criminal justice system, providing advice and representation on matters including personal and digital material requests, Victims’ Right to Review, complaints, special measures and criminal injuries compensation.
You will also work closely with CWJ colleagues and national delivery partners, including Rape Crisis England & Wales and Victim Support, helping to establish effective referral pathways and deliver a high-quality national service.
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You will be a qualified solicitor or barrister entitled to practise in England and Wales, with a current practising certificate or equivalent professional authorisation.
CWJ is particularly interested in hearing from lawyers with experience of providing legal advice, advocacy or representation within the criminal justice system. This could have been gained through civil or criminal law roles, including criminal defence, prosecution, civil claims against the police or public law.
An understanding of the impact of sexual violence and other forms of male violence against women and girls
The ability to explain complex legal issues clearly and sensitively
A trauma-informed, survivor-centred and empowering approach
Strong organisation and self-management skills
The ability to work independently and collaboratively
A clear commitment to CWJ’s aims, feminist values and approach
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Alongside a salary of £45,000 – £61,573 depending on PQE, CWJ offers 25 days’ annual leave pro rata, increasing year on year, plus bank holidays and three additional days over the Christmas period, together with a 5% employer pension contribution.
This is a hybrid role, and CWJ welcomes conversations with lawyers based outside London about office attendance and flexible working arrangements.
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Click here to download a recruitment pack.
We will also be hosting a webinar to discuss the new legal scheme, the legal roles and answer any questions on Wednesday 21 October at 11am. Please join the Zoom meeting here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86744481744Please submit your CV and a covering letter of no more than 600 words, explaining your interest in the role and how your skills, experience and values meet the essential criteria to Joanne Diver at Vacancies@centreforwomensjustice.org.uk.
CWJ welcomes applications from women of all backgrounds and is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Justice First Fellowship Trainee Solicitor
Starting Salary: £34,600
Location: Hybrid – home and CWJ’s Bethnal Green office, London.
Closing date: 14 December 2026
Interviews: 21 January 2027 and 1 February 2027.
Women only – an occupational requirement under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010
About the role
This two-year Fellowship offers the opportunity to develop as a solicitor while contributing to CWJ’s specialist legal work. Working under close supervision, you will provide legal advice, support casework and research, and gain experience across different areas of practice through a structured programme of training and seat rotations.
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Deliver supervised legal advice to clients and the frontline organisations supporting them, and contribute to CWJ’s wider legal work.
Assist with signposting and referring new enquiries where legal or other support needs arise.
Undertake legal research and prepare clear, accurate briefings.
Draft correspondence, attend meetings, instruct counsel and attend court as directed by the Training Principal or supervising solicitor.
Engage fully with the structured programme of induction, supervision, seat rotations and internal and external training described below.
Undertake tasks and projects allocated by a member of the legal team.
Complete a project in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Justice First Fellowship.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant law, policy and practice.
Comply with the client and file management standards set out in CWJ’s terms of business and official manual.
Assist with the preparation of costs schedules and support the billing of legal cases.
Comply with CWJ’s policies and procedures, including its Equal Opportunities Policy.
Perform all duties in accordance with the requirements of the Legal Aid Agency contract, the Specialist Quality Mark and the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
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Successful completion of the Legal Practice Course in England and Wales.
A clear commitment to access to justice, together with strong skills, aptitude and the potential to contribute to innovation in legal practice.
Willingness and ability to commit to the two-year Fellowship.
Understanding of, and commitment to, the aims, values and approach of the Centre for Women’s Justice.
Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information responsibly.
A self-motivated, enthusiastic, reliable and adaptable approach.
Ability to manage and prioritise a varied workload.
Ability to work effectively as part of a small team, use initiative and seek guidance appropriately.
Good knowledge of the public funding system.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, with a range of audiences.
Willingness and ability to work flexibly, including attending evening meetings when required and travelling within the UK, with occasional overnight stays.
Understanding of violence against women and girls.
Previous experience of working or volunteering in an organisation focused on women’s rights is desirable but not essential.
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Alongside your day-to-day responsibilities, we want you to feel well supported throughout your Fellowship and to have the opportunity to build your confidence, knowledge and practical legal skills. When you join CWJ, we will provide a structured induction covering our systems, policies, sources of support and relevant legal practice requirements. We will take time to understand your previous experience, identify the areas you would like to develop and agree training priorities with you.
As part of your structured training, we aim to offer four seat rotations: two litigation seats, a public law seat and a legal advice team seat. Each seat will give you experience of a different area of CWJ’s work and opportunities to develop practical skills through supervised casework. Depending on the seat, this may include taking instructions, assessing enquiries, carrying out legal research, drafting documents and providing timely advice.Throughout each seat, you will meet with your supervisor every week to discuss your tasks, workload and capacity, as well as any wellbeing or support needs. Approximately every three months, we will also hold a more detailed supervision review with you to reflect on your progress, recognise the skills and experience you have gained, identify any gaps and agree your next development objectives.
Your work will be allocated and supervised with reference to the skills and standards expected by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Across your seats, we will support you to develop skills in advocacy and oral presentation, dispute resolution, case management, communication, professional relationship management, drafting, interviewing and advising, legal research, negotiation, ethical judgement and managing your own work. You will also have opportunities to attend relevant internal and external training. -
To apply, click here .
Rape Survivors Independent Legal Advice
Paralegals
Salary: £32,888 per annum
Location: Hybrid – home and CWJ’s Bethnal Green office, London
Contract: Permanent | Full-time and part-time considered (minimum 3 days / 22.5 hours per week)
Closing date: 9am, 26 October 2026
Interviews: Week commencing 16 November 2026
Women only – an occupational requirement under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010
Do you want to help transform access to justice for survivors of sexual violence?
Centre for Women’s Justice (CWJ) is recruiting paralegals with feminist values to join its new Independent Legal Advice service.
This is a great opportunity to be part of a ground-breaking national programme designed to improve survivors’ understanding of, and ability to exercise, their rights within the criminal justice system.
Working within CWJ, the successful applicants will provide high-quality, independent legal advice to survivors of sexual violence. You will combine legal expertise with a trauma-informed, survivor-centred approach, helping survivors navigate the criminal justice process.
We are looking for collaborative, thoughtful and resilient people who share our commitment to equality and to securing meaningful change for women and girls.
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Working within CWJ, you will support the sexual violence legal team by triaging potential clients, assisting lawyers with their casework and ensuring the service is well managed with excellent levels of client care.
Your work will include taking initial accounts from potential clients, taking statements and instructions, preparing draft letters and legal work under supervision, undertaking research, reviewing evidence and supporting the effective management of case files.
You will combine your skills with a trauma-informed, survivor-centred approach, helping survivors navigate the criminal justice process.
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We are looking for collaborative, thoughtful and resilient people who share CWJ’s commitment to equality and to securing meaningful change for women and girls.
Completed an LLB or GDL (SQE, BVC or LPC desirable)
Paralegal experience and/or experience within a criminal justice setting
Experience of working with vulnerable individuals and communities
An understanding of sexual violence and sensitivity towards clients
Strong written, research, organisational and attention-to-detail skills
A commitment to the aims and values of CWJ
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Alongside the £32,888 salary, CWJ offers 25 days’ annual leave pro rata, increasing year on year, plus bank holidays and three additional days over Christmas, together with a 5% employer pension contribution.
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Click here to download a recruitment pack.
We will also be hosting a webinar to discuss the new legal scheme, the legal roles and answer any questions on Wednesday 21 October at 11am. Please join the Zoom meeting here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86744481744
Please submit your CV and a covering letter of no more than 600 words, explaining your interest in the role and how your skills, experience and values meet the essential criteria to Joanne Diver at Vacancies@centreforwomensjustice.org.uk.CWJ welcomes applications from women of all backgrounds and is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.
azra kemal Legal
internship Programme
Every year we offer two part-time six month paid positions with us for women from Black, Asian and/or minoritised background. Open positions will be advertised on this page.
The legal profession is making strides to improve diversity, promote inclusion and tackle discrimination, although it certainly still has a long way to go before it eradicates inequality.
As part of our anti-racism strategy, which we launched in March 2021, we have created a paid part-time (3-day) internship for women from a Black, Asian and/ or minoritised background. Currently only 21% of solicitors and 14% of barristers come from a Black, Asian and/ or minoritised background. This is not good enough.
We are committed to promoting and increasing diversity in the legal profession and creating an inclusive culture in which everyone regardless of their ethnic background can reach their full potential. We have therefore set up a unique paid internship for women from underrepresented groups to work with our lawyers who focus their work on holding the state to account for violence against women and girls. What sets us apart isn’t just our process—it’s the intention behind it. We take time to understand, explore, and create with purpose at every turn.
How to become an AKLIP intern…
We hope to be able to offer 1 placement every, 6 months subject to funding.
The internship is open to any woman who :
is of Black, Asian and/or minoritised ethnicity, and
has completed or is in the process of obtaining a law degree/or law conversion course, from
a non-Russell Group University (a list of Russell Group Universities is available on the FAQs below)
How Can I Support the Azra Kemal Legal Internship Programme?
The internship programme will be funded mainly by donations. Please do support us as we strive to improve diversity in the legal profession. To donate, please visit https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/azra-kemal
Potential corporate sponsor and major donors are invited to contact Nic Mainwood (n.mainwood@centreforwomensjustice.org.uk) to discuss funding.
We are grateful to the many friends and family of Azra who have enabled this programme to be established, and to The Oak Foundation for providing funding to cover start-up costs.
If you are a lawyer who would like to mentor a women entering the profession, please see details of our mentoring scheme for Black, Asian and minoritised women.
About Azra Kemal
Azra was a force of nature. Although she was thrown out school as a teenager, through grit and determination she graduated in law from the London School of Economics (LSE) in 2019 and was due to begin her LPC. She cared deeply about injustice, wanting to highlight the struggles of people from minoritised and disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds which led her to working as a ‘fixer’ with Sky News home editor, Jason Farrell, on stories about county lines drug dealing. Jason’s tribute to his friend can be read here - Remembering '‘phenomenal’ Azra Kemal
Azra tragically died on 16th July 2020 at the age of just 24 in circumstances which are currently under review.
In 2021 Azra’s mother, Nevres, approached Centre for Women’s Justice after raising £10,000 in her daughter’s name.
Her wish was to give disadvantaged women the opportunity to succeed in the legal profession - a cause she knew was close to Azra’s heart - and so the Azra Kemal Legal Internship Programme was born.
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We are keen to assist the most disadvantaged aspiring lawyers. The perception of Russell Group Universities being more prestigious than others, often puts graduates at an advantage when seeking experience in the legal sector.
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The full list of Russell Group members is as follows:
University of Birmingham
University of Bristol
University of Cambridge
Cardiff University
Durham University
University of Edinburgh
University of Exeter
University of Glasgow
Imperial College London
King's College London
University of Leeds
University of Liverpool
London School of Economics & Political Science
University of Manchester
Newcastle University
University of Nottingham
University of Oxford
Queen Mary, University of London
Queen's University Belfast
University of Sheffield
University of Southampton
University College London
University of Warwick
University of York
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Unfortunately we do not have the resources to offer any other internship schemes at this time.
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Due to the majority of clients we deal with being victims of sexual violence, it is a genuine requirement that this is role is carried out by women only - Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR), Schedule 9 (Work; Exceptions), Part 1 (Occupational Requirements), of the Equality Act (2010) applies.
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This internship is a positive action initiative under the Equality Act 2010 and forms part of our commitment to addressing the under-representation of women from minoritised communities and socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, in the legal profession.
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Within this programme we refer to Black, Asian and minoritised women. We know that language matters, that labels are always problematic and that there are differences of opinion on the most appropriate wording, including within CWJ. In using this expression we refer to political Blackness, we also include Asian to provide recognition to our own staff, and “minoritised” to represent the fact that black and brown people are a majority globally but become a minority in the UK, and also in recognition of other groups who are very much part of the ‘by and for’ sector such as Latin American women, Roma and traveller women, Turkish, Eastern European and others.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
VOLUNTEERING
If you are interested in volunteering at Centre for Women’s Justice please complete the form below.
Please note:
We do not have any Paralegal volunteering opportunities
We are currently unable to offer volunteering placements to under 18s
We do not offer work experience or summer placements
By submitting this form you consent to this data being held on our volunteer database for either 12 months from the date of submission or 12 months from the date you last volunteered with us.