Join our team of community volunteers

We have a range of interesting and impactful community volunteer opportunities within NCLS.

Why volunteer with us?

We rely on the generous support of volunteers. Our volunteers work in a range of areas such as research, administration and advice. The majority of our roles are based in Norwich, however we also have limited opportunities to work remotely from home.

Volunteering is a great chance to build your skills and find new challenges while making a difference to your community.

What does volunteering look like?

The amount of responsibility you wish to take on will be up to you, however we do ask that you commit to volunteering with us for a minimum of 12 months. NCLS will provide ongoing training, shadowing opportunities and support from our staff and team. We will also pay for your travel and other expenses where appropriate.

A group of volunteers standing behind a stall at and event

What skills do I need?

We look for good oral communication and people skills in our volunteers. Some administrative experience would be helpful but is not essential.
If you are from the UEA Law School and would like more information about the volunteer scheme we run in partnership with the university, please click here.

A group of fundraisers looking up at the camera during a plant sale

Support families

Make a difference. Join our Family Court Support Service as a volunteer and make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals navigating child contact disputes.

Your commitment and compassion will be the driving force – no legal experience is necessary, just your willingness to be there for others.

As a volunteer McKenzie Friend, you’ll provide essential moral and practical support, assisting with paperwork, explaining the court process and being a calming presence during challenging times.

I like the thought that I am giving something back to the community. I have been fortunate to have had a professional job with a decent pension. Not everyone is so fortunate, so I like to give as much time as I can to support those who need it.
Jenny Fraser, Family Court Supporter

Speak to our volunteer co-ordinator, Niahl

He will be on hand to answer any questions you have about volunteering with NCLS.

SEND NIAHL AN EMAIL

The application process

We are happy to have an informal chat if that would be helpful, but these are the stages to signing up.

Step 1:

Get in touch

Contact our volunteer co-ordinator Niahl at niahl@ncls.co.uk for an application form and volunteer pack.

Step 2:

Checks and references

We’ll ask you for references and to sign a confidentiality agreement.

Step 3:

Induction

Once the paperwork is done, we’ll arrange an induction session. For family court supporters this will include shadowing an experienced volunteer.

Frequently asked questions

What volunteer roles are available at NCLS?: We have a range of roles including legal advisors, reception support, admin assistants, caseworkers and outreach volunteers.

Do I need legal experience to volunteer?: Not at all. While some roles need legal training, we also have non-legal roles suitable for anyone with good communication and organisational skills.

How much time do I need to commit?: This depends on the role, but most volunteers commit to a few hours a week. We’re flexible and will work with you to find a schedule that suits.

Will I receive any training or support?: Yes. All volunteers receive an induction, ongoing support from our team and training relevant to their role.

Can volunteering help me build experience for a legal or support career?: Definitely. Volunteering with us offers valuable, hands-on experience that’s great for your CV and future job or study applications.

Can I volunteer if I’m a student or only available short-term?: Yes, we welcome student volunteers and those with limited availability. Some roles may be more suitable than others, but we’ll do our best to match you with the right opportunity.

Providing pro-bono advice allows me to give back to the community and support people in Norfolk who might otherwise struggle to access the help they need.
Laura Tuddenham – Family FLA Lawyer

The benefits of volunteering

Make a real difference by helping vulnerable people access free legal support.

Gain valuable legal experience in a respected community-based organisation.

Build professional skills while supporting social justice and equality.

Join a dedicated team passionate about making law accessible to all.

Enhance your CV with hands-on experience in the legal and advice sector.

Contribute to a fairer society while giving back to your local community.

Why volunteer with us

Volunteering is a great chance to build your skills and find new challenges while making a difference to your community. If you think you can spare a few hours a week we would love to hear from you.