The Kalisher Trust was set up in 1996 in memory of Michael Kalisher QC and is intended to encourage and assist those intending to practice at the Criminal Bar who demonstrate “exceptional promise but modest means”. 

This is an exciting opportunity for a Kalisher Intern to join the Legal team here at the CCRC on a 12-month fixed term basis.

The role of the Intern is two part - firstly to provide casework assistance to Case Review Managers and to the Investigations and Legal teams. The second part will be to complete a research project agreed at the outset of the internship. 

The role is challenging and varied.  One day you might be carrying out legal research on a developing area of law, another you might be examining material and compiling a summary or chronology, assisting in an interview with an applicant or witness, or involved in our interactions with experts from a range of forensic and scientific disciplines.  You will certainly be responsible for answering queries from potential applicants and for preparing our monthly legal update and you will be expected to carry out an independent research project to support the work of the CCRC.

In return, we offer you a unique and independent perspective on the criminal justice system and criminal cases.  

You will have the opportunity to see a case from all sides: we have unique legal powers to obtain material from the police, the prosecution, the courts and the defence, as well as records from prisons, the NHS and local authorities. 

Some of your responsibilities will include:

• Under supervision, investigating lines of enquiry, assimilating and evaluating potentially extensive and complex material and information relevant to the case, re-evaluating as necessary during the course of the review
• Preparing summaries and chronologies
• Assisting the Case Review Manager (CRM) in drafting Statements of Reasons
• Assisting CRMs and/or the Investigations team to interview and take statements from applicants, witnesses and other relevant parties
• Undertaking a research project based on the work of the CCRC.  The project scope, plan and output will be agreed at the outset of the internship
• Undertaking legal and other research
• Assisting the CCRC’s Legal team with judicial review work and legal updates
• Assisting with casework administration including corresponding with and providing assistance in writing to potential applicants and dealing appropriately with telephone calls when covering the main switchboard

Does this sound like the role for you? If so, we would love to hear from you!