As my days as a trainee come to an end, it is quite amazing to look back at the experience I have gained over the last two years.
I have spent my second year “seat” within the Immigration Department. When I started my second seat, I saw a definite increase in pace, workload and responsibility. I was passed a selection of my own cases and began prioritising the applications.
The Immigration Department prepares a variety of applications to submit to the Home Office under both the Immigration rules and the European Regulations, as well as applications for naturalisation as a British Citizen. I have also dealt with clients who wish to claim asylum in the UK and prepared human rights applications.
If an application is refused, there may be prospects to appeal a decision of the Secretary of State. I have assisted in preparations for appeal hearings by advising the client on what documents we require and lodging Inventory of Productions to support the client’s position and to address any points raised in the refusal.
I have also covered Court of Session work, enrolling motions, corresponding with Counsel, local agents and solicitors at the Office for the Advocate General. I have attended Judicial Review hearings with Counsel.
I have had regular client contact to progress cases, take statements and finalise applications. I also assist in submitting Legal Aid applications online as well as dealing with privately paid clients.
My experience in preparing asylum claims and asylum appeals is also developing. A claim for asylum is made if the individual is at risk of persecution if they were to return to their country of origin due to their race, religion, sexual orientation, membership of a particular social group and/or their political involvement. This can be quite complex, requiring a knowledge of the country’s social and political situation which is obtained through extensive research, and speaking with country experts.
Due to the nature of immigration law and the cases I work with, I have been involved in cases from beginning to end which has been incredibly satisfying, from meeting with the client until they receive a decision from the court or the Home Office.
With a couple of weeks left of my traineeship, I am delighted that I will remain with the Immigration Department as a newly qualified solicitor.