Legal Advocate at Justice Defenders

Job summary 
The Legal Advocate will support the Legal Practice Manager in systematizing the support provided to indigent members of the community in handling cases in the Justice Defenders Community Legal Office. 
Main duties and responsibilities 

• Under the direct guidance and supervision of the legal Practice Manager, the Legal Advocate will be responsible for representing Justice Defenders clients in court and supporting paralegals in offering legal services in the community. 
• Offer legal services and representation to Justice Defenders clients. 
• The Legal Advocate is responsible for supporting the implementation of the charity’s strategic initiatives around our Community Legal Office.
• These include: assisting in managing new offices and ensuring that the operations are effective and efficient; 
• Ensuring activities are managed well; and working at all times within our policies and procedures. 
• He/she will engage as assigned, in appropriate committees, working groups and other activities to maintain strong and productive external networks. 
• Responsible for ensuring that standards and quality of legal aid delivery is maintained and developed. 
• Support the Legal Practice Manager in creating training materials and manuals and help to conduct necessary trainings and workshops required for the efficient and effective implementation of activities in the Legal Offices. 
• Lead on the filing, follow up and recording of cases, to ensure timely outcomes. 
• Support the research on relevant cases and other supporting authorities/material 
• Required to enable the provision of quality advice within the legal office. 
• Support in the carrying out of research to understand the current situation including: 
• the prevailing challenges in accessing justice in the project sites; recommend changes and improvements, work with key influencers in the community to inform the design of relevant interventions to address identified gaps. 

Qualifications and experience 

• An honors Degree in law and a valid practicing certificate in Kenya. 
• Enrolled advocate of the high court of Kenya with 5 years’ experience post admission. 
• At least 4 years’ experience in criminal law practice. 
• Proficiency in working with Microsoft office suite 
• Proven ability to take initiatives in developing relationships, initiatives and options for action that might benefit the legal offices. 

Key competencies and abilities 

• Excellent communication skills oral and report writing. 
• excellent interpersonal skills; 
• Confidentiality 
• Ability to work independently 
• Report writing skills 
• Ability to work in a diverse environment as a team 
• Ability to work under pressure and to make informed and accurate decisions 
• Focused and goal oriented 
• Good interpersonal skills and communication skills 
• Analytical skills 
• Integrity 
• Networking skills 
• Proactive decision-making skills 
• Flexibility, openness and broad – mindedness