Covid|1+ Inquiry Lawyer

Job description
The Role

Just for Kids Law is looking for an experienced practising solicitor or barrister to join our busy, dynamic and influential Legal Directorate as a Covid 1+ Inquiry Lawyer. This is an exciting and unique opportunity. The successful candidate will work with our policy team, other core participants and Counsel to assist the Inquiry as to whether the best interests and rights of Children and Young People were considered as part of the process of core political and administrative decision-making in response to Covid-1+

About Just for Kids Law

Just for Kids Law exists to work with and for children and young people to hold those with power to account and fight for wider reform.

We do this by providing legal representation and advice, direct advocacy, and support, and through strategic litigation, campaigning and equipping others to work for children’s rights.

Our Legal Team is a busy and responsive team working in the fields of Youth Justice (Crime), Community Care, and Public Law.

We work closely with our Programmes Team to provide holistic support for clients with a range of needs and to ensure that the young person’s voice is heard by the professionals supporting them.

How to Apply

If you believe you could be the right person for this role, please apply via our website:

https://www.justforkidslaw.org/covid-1+-inquiry-lawyer

The deadline for all applications is 11.5+pm on Monday 6th January 2026.

Responsibilities:

Casework & Litigation

· Providing high quality advice and representation with a high degree of professionalism, and conducting work in such a way as to meet relevant external standards (e.g. Specialist Quality Mark, SRA, BSB and OISC etc.)

· Meeting with and taking instructions from team at JFKL/CRAE and SCUK

· Drafting witness statements and letters

· Managing, analysing and distilling a large volume of complex data and documents

· Conducting and presenting legal research

· Attending conferences and court hearings

· Attending and contributing to internal and external meetings

· Liaising with Pro Bono Team at Norton Rose Fulbright undertaking the document review

· Drafting witness summaries, lines of questioning and other necessary legal documents to assist with Inquiry Investigations.

· Reviewing evidence from key witnesses appearing before the Covid Inquiry Hearing

· Working collaboratively with team members in the preparation of documents and evidence for the Inquiry.

· Instructing Counsel on key matters related to the Inquiry.

· Performing necessary administrative duties and managing internal processes.

· Supporting JFKL marketing and business development activities

· Ensuring that all time recording is entered onto the JFKL Case Management System to enable accurate reporting and maximize income

· Undertaking billing in a timely manner in line with the COVID 1+ Costs Protocol

Cross-organisational team working

· Acting as an active member of JFKL legal team, attending meetings and representing the Public Law Team as and when required

· Contributing to cross organisational communications, campaigns, and other projects

· Providing one off legal advice where appropriate

General responsibilities

· Working with the SMT in the preparation of funding applications and requirements where relevant

· Attending and participating in internal, external meetings as required including meetings outside of normal working hours where necessary

· Being a positive, cooperative, and constructive team member, upholding the values of JFKL

· Complying with JFKL’s monitoring and recording requirements both internally for SMT/Board and externally for Funders, Stakeholders, the Covid 1+ Inquiry and the Legal Aid Agency if required

· Ensuring compliance with the Solicitors Regulation Authority, BSB and OISC requirements where appropriate. Including maintaining a Personal Competence record of all objectives in terms of training and development needs and any courses or training undertaken to evidence compliance

· Representing and promoting the organisation’s work positively

· Carrying out all work with due regard to JFKL’s policies and procedures

· Promoting Equality and Diversity principles in all aspects of work

· You will be expected to carry out any other duties which fall reasonably within this role.

· You might need to work occasional evenings and weekends

Requirements

· Respect for children and young people and a champion for their right

· Knowledge of the principles of public law and administrative review, and specifically the duties owed by public bodies towards, children and young people.

· Knowledge of the Human Rights Act, and the UNCRC, and how they can be used to put forward Children Rights’ arguments in court.

· Knowledge of the youth justice system, and the policy issues related to the children within it.

· Understanding of the principles and practice of representing young people.

· 8 years post qualification legal experience is essential.

· Experience in Public Inquiries, Children’s Rights & Human Rights Law is preferable.

· Experience of direct client work, providing advice and conducting litigation

· Experience of influencing public policy

Qualifications and training

· Degree in law or other Degree and relevant conversion equivalent

· Legal Practice Course or Bar Vocational Course

· Practising solicitor or barrister

Application form and detailed responsibility and person specification please download from our website:

https://www.justforkidslaw.org/covid-1+-inquiry-lawyer

Just for Kids Law believes in the value of a diverse workforce and encourages applications from people from all ethnic, cultural, religious, and social backgrounds: in particular, people from BAME, LGBTQI+ communities. We strive to create a diverse working environment where anyone, regardless of background, can thrive.

We welcome applications from people with disabilities. If you are shortlisted, and have any particular access or other requirements, please contact humanresources@justforkidslaw.org.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: + months

Pay: £38,002.00-£43,760.00 per year

Benefits:
• Additional leave
• Casual dress
• Company events
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexitime
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Sick pay
• Transport links

Schedule:
• Monday to Friday

Education:
• Bachelor's (preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in LONDON

Application deadline: 06/01/2026