UEA Law Student Volunteer Scheme

We’re proud to work in partnership with the Law School at the University of East Anglia (UEA) to give around 50 students the opportunity to volunteer with us and learn practical skills in a legal advice setting.

How do I get involved?

Around March/April each year, a talk is held at UEA providing information about the scheme. After this talk, interested students are invited to make an application.

If successful, they are invited to an interview to fully assess their suitability for the scheme. The process is competitive and applicants are not guaranteed a place.

What does volunteering look like?

If successful, students are assigned to a particular service for the academic year.

They are involved in a range of work from greeting clients, taking attendance notes, administering services and client bookings to attending court and tribunals, as well as research.

Working at NCLS has been the best opportunity that I have had as a student; not only do you get a chance of legal work experience, but you really gain insight and motivation for what you are working towards.
Student Volunteer

Meet some of our student volunteers

I met so many amazing people, varying from staff to volunteers, that have offered me such a range of experiences. I believe my success thus far in the pursuit of my career as a solicitor would not have been possible without the incredible support of the team at NCLS.

Eve Sutherland-Hurren

Student Volunteer

I have enjoyed my time here and have been able to learn a lot from playing a part in helping our clients. I’ve had the opportunity to sit in with solicitors in their advice sessions and work with a range of clients covering a variety of areas of law. It’s been a really rewarding experience.

Ben Truman

Student Volunteer

Working as a volunteer in the Family team at NCLS has been an in valuable experience and given me practical knowledge in working in a legal environment. The skills I have learnt over the year have been not only useful in my degree but will also be extremely useful in my future career in law.

Olivia Roberts

Family Team

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

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to have legal experience to apply?: No previous legal experience is required – just enthusiasm, reliability and a willingness to learn. You’ll receive full induction training before you start and ongoing support from both NCLS staff and your university placement co-ordinator.

How much time will I need to commit?: Placements usually run during term time, and we ask volunteers to commit to a regular weekly or fortnightly session, typically lasting three to four hours. The exact schedule can be arranged around your academic timetable. We understand that exams and coursework take priority, so we aim to be as flexible as possible.

What skills and experience will I gain?: You’ll develop valuable practical skills such as client communication, legal research, case recording and teamwork. You’ll also gain insight into access to justice, the operation of free legal advice services and the challenges faced by people who cannot afford legal representation. Many past volunteers have found the experience useful in applying for training contracts, pupillage or other legal roles.

How do I apply for a placement?: Applications are co-ordinated through the University of East Anglia’s Law School. Calls for volunteers are usually announced at the start of each academic year. Interested students can submit an application form and, if shortlisted, attend an informal interview with the NCLS team. Details and deadlines are shared via the UEA Law School’s student bulletin and on the NCLS website.

Where will I be based, and is travel required?: Most placements take place at our main office in Norwich, close to the city centre and easily accessible from UEA by public transport. Some roles may also involve remote work or outreach sessions in the community, depending on the project you’re assigned to. Any travel expenses incurred as part of your volunteering may be reimbursed in line with our volunteer policy.