https://www.slab.org.uk/faqs/the-rewards-of-being-a-housing-and-homelessness-solicitor/
https://www.slab.org.uk/faqs/the-rewards-of-being-a-housing-and-homelessness-solicitor/
Solicitor Hazel Bon on her route into a rewarding career helping often vulnerable clients
I wanted to be a lawyer from a young age, after being inspired by the glamour of LA Law.
What attracted me to CLAO was the opportunity to achieve results for clients who have been treated poorly by various systems throughout their lives.
The job is not an easy one (nor a glamorous one) but it is satisfying and I have loved doing it for the past eight years.
Even in a difficult week it is all made worthwhile when, for example, a homeless client is given accommodation as a result of work we have done, or a family facing eviction is able to remain in their home.
Having enjoyed student life in Dundee, I missed my beautiful and exciting home city and so returned to study for my Diploma at the University of Edinburgh.
I have always believed in equality and justice for all. So that was what I wanted to use my legal training and Scotland’s enviable legal assistance schemes for. I knew that I did not want to work at a large firm or in the corporate sector.
That led me to a traineeship and two post-qualifying years with Legal Services Agency’s Mental Health Legal Representation Project for Edinburgh and the Lothians, providing representation at Mental Health Tribunals and assisting people to make, or defend, applications under the Adults with Incapacity legislation.
After deciding I would like to broaden my experience, I spent the next six years practising personal injury and medical negligence law, but found I missed the challenge and sense of purpose of helping vulnerable people to exercise their legal rights.
When I saw the job advertised at CLAO I knew this was for me – as did several friends who all sent me the ad!
When I started at CLAO in 2012 I had no experience in housing or homelessness law but my colleagues helped me understand the legislation.
I soon had my own case load and was dealing with calls from members of the public and from advisors at other agencies seeking legal advice about their own cases.
The team at CLAO is friendly and approachable. Someone is always on hand to give advice or just have a chat about any difficult cases.
The odd rowdy dinner or evening in the pub (or on Zoom) also happens!
We also enjoy collaborative working with various other advice and support agencies to achieve the best possible results for our individual clients, and to try to make housing and homelessness services fairer and more accessible for all.
I would encourage anyone who is interested in social justice and using their law degree to make the world a bit better to apply for a job at CLAO.