
University of Southampton
Job Overview: Join Southampton Law School and Shape the Future of Legal Education with a Global Perspective
Southampton Law School, part of the prestigious Russell Group and ranked 87th globally (QS rankings), is a trailblazer in legal education and cutting-edge research. With its strong foundation in the UK, the Law School has a clear mission to address the world’s most pressing challenges through impactful and innovative legal education.
As part of its internationalisation strategy, Southampton Law School is seeking a qualified solicitor (or soon-to-be-qualified professional) to join their team and contribute to the pioneering work of the Global Law Clinic (GLC). The GLC, an award-winning initiative, offers students hands-on experience in addressing legal issues spanning human rights law, non-human animals, and environmental concerns. This platform not only trains students in tackling real-world legal cases but also fosters critical thinking about ethical dilemmas and the societal impact of law.
The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in advancing the clinic’s mission by supervising students in either the Employment Law Clinic or the Family Law Clinic. This position is ideal for legal professionals with a passion for education who want to contribute to shaping the next generation of socially-conscious global lawyers while furthering their own development within a dynamic academic setting.
Tips for Applying: Stand Out with an International Education Perspective
Southampton Law School is looking for candidates who are not only highly skilled legal professionals but also globally-minded educators with a commitment to fostering international collaboration and innovation. Here’s how to make your application stand out:
- Highlight Your Global Outlook:
With its strong internationalisation agenda, Southampton Law School values individuals who bring a global perspective to legal practice. Use your application to showcase any experiences that demonstrate your ability to engage with international legal systems, NGOs, law firms, or academic institutions. If you’ve worked on cross-border cases or have connections to global legal networks, be sure to highlight these experiences.
- Showcase Your Clinical Legal Education Experience:
The Global Law Clinic puts an emphasis on experiential learning and reflective education. Emphasise any experience you have in legal education, supervising students, or offering pro bono services. Show how you’ve engaged students in hands-on learning or skill development, particularly in areas like employment or family law.
- Demonstrate a Commitment to Ethical and Social Justice Issues:
The GLC goes beyond typical legal practice by addressing broader issues of ethics and societal impact. Highlight how your legal expertise aligns with addressing global challenges, such as issues related to human rights, access to justice, or sustainability.
- Highlight Multidisciplinary Collaboration and Partnerships:
Southampton Law School is expanding its network of partnerships with law firms, NGOs, and university law clinics worldwide. If you’ve taken part in similar collaborations, describe your role and how these partnerships drove positive outcomes.
- Tailor Your CV to Reflect Innovative and Research-Driven Education:
As a Russell Group university, Southampton places a premium on research-driven teaching. If you’ve contributed to research or creative projects within the legal field, highlight these contributions, especially if they relate to clinical legal education or global legal challenges.
- Show Enthusiasm for Creating Inclusive Education Environments:
Diversity and inclusion are key priorities for the university. Showcase any efforts you’ve made to create equitable or accessible educational spaces. Discuss outreach programs, mentoring, or other initiatives you’ve led that enhance diversity.
Why Join the Southampton Law School?
Apart from the intrinsic rewards of mentoring and shaping the next generation of global legal practitioners, you will benefit from:
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Based at the vibrant Highfield campus, you’ll have access to cutting-edge teaching and research resources, including the Hartley Library and sports complex.
- Investment in Your Future: The University of Southampton is committed to long-term growth and professional development, backed by a significant financial investment in its facilities and programs.
- A Vibrant International Work Culture: Collaborate with legal professionals, educators, and researchers from diverse cultural and disciplinary backgrounds within a university community that values independent thought and global impact.
- Opportunities to Shape Global Partnerships: Be at the forefront of building relationships with legal entities across the globe, fostering mutual development and cross-cultural exchange in legal education.
How to Apply
If you’re a qualified solicitor (or soon-to-be-qualified) eligible for a practicing certificate in England and Wales, and you’re passionate about legal education and global impact, apply by submitting your CV and a tailored cover letter. Be sure to:
- Situate your legal and academic expertise within the Law School’s mission to address global challenges.
- Illustrate your ability to supervise and inspire students through innovative educational methods.
- Convey your enthusiasm for contributing to the growth of the Global Law Clinic.
Further details about the Southampton Law School can be found at www.law.soton.ac.uk. For inquiries about this role, feel free to contact Professor Werner Scholtz, Head of Southampton Law School, at W.Scholtz@soton.ac.uk.
Take this opportunity to join one of the world’s top-ranked universities and make a transformative impact on legal education and practice at both national and international levels
To apply for this job please visit jobs.soton.ac.uk.