Legal Assistant
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Human Dignity Trust
Hybrid- Career category: Legal
- Job type: Job
- Organisation type: Civil Society
- Remote option: Hybrid
- Right to work requirements: Right to work required in advance
- Remuneration: GBP 37,065 GBP / yearly
- Work schedule: Full-time
- Length of contract: Permanent
- Deadline: 10/06/2026
- Location: United Kingdom
Organisation Overview
The Human Dignity Trust (‘the Trust’) is a legal charity based in London, UK that supports local lawyers and human rights defenders to uphold human rights and constitutional law in countries where private, consensual sexual conduct between adults of the same sex is criminalised. At present, 65 jurisdictions worldwide maintain these criminal laws, a figure that is gradually decreasing due to a combination of litigation and legislative reform.
Legal provisions that criminalise lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) people put them beyond the protection of the law, fostering a climate of fear, stigma and violence. These provisions violate constitutional and international human rights law, including a person's right to dignity, equality, non-discrimination and privacy.
The Trust provides pro bono technical legal assistance at the request of, and in collaboration with, local human rights defenders, their lawyers and other partners who wish to use the courts to challenge these discriminatory laws. We also provide technical legal assistance on request to governments seeking to proactively reform their sexual offence laws and to enact protective legislation, impacting not only LGBT+ people but also women, children and persons with disabilities.
The role
This is an exciting opportunity for an outstanding and passionate individual, who will support the Legal Team to deliver the Trust’s litigation and legislative reform programmes.
You will have experience of working in an administrative/supportive legal role in a common law jurisdiction and interest in human rights. You will be self-motivated and organised, with the ability to solve problems and maintain momentum in your work. You will have the confidence and skills to support the rest of the Legal Team to provide complex technical legal assistance to activists, lawyers and governments. You will work well under supervision, communicating clearly and collaborating effectively with the rest of the team. There may also be the opportunity to travel to work with LGBT+ activists, lawyers, government representatives and other stakeholders around the world including to attend court hearings and plan and deliver workshops to key stakeholders.
Essential skills and experience
• Studies and/or work experience in law or human rights
• Experience assisting senior lawyers in litigation or law reform work
• Experience of providing planning, logistical, administrative, and related support for activities and events
• Exceptional organisational skills and ability to think ahead, prioritise and meet demanding deadlines
• Outstanding organisational and problem-solving skills, creativity and flexibility
• Fluency in English with excellent writing and editorial skills
• Experience undertaking legal research
• Excellent IT skills
• Proven ability to work well in a diverse multi-cultural environment and with sensitivity to local cultures and contexts
• Ability to manage effectively multiple workstreams in a fast-paced environment
• Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with colleagues at all levels, a diverse range of local partners and the general public
• Integrity, professional discretion and ability to handle confidential matters
• Strong commitment to equality and human rights and to the mandate of the Trust
The Human Dignity Trust (‘the Trust’) is a legal charity based in London, UK that supports local lawyers and human rights defenders to uphold human rights and constitutional law in countries where private, consensual sexual conduct between adults of the same sex is criminalised. At present, 65 jurisdictions worldwide maintain these criminal laws, a figure that is gradually decreasing due to a combination of litigation and legislative reform.
Legal provisions that criminalise lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) people put them beyond the protection of the law, fostering a climate of fear, stigma and violence. These provisions violate constitutional and international human rights law, including a person's right to dignity, equality, non-discrimination and privacy.
The Trust provides pro bono technical legal assistance at the request of, and in collaboration with, local human rights defenders, their lawyers and other partners who wish to use the courts to challenge these discriminatory laws. We also provide technical legal assistance on request to governments seeking to proactively reform their sexual offence laws and to enact protective legislation, impacting not only LGBT+ people but also women, children and persons with disabilities.
The role
This is an exciting opportunity for an outstanding and passionate individual, who will support the Legal Team to deliver the Trust’s litigation and legislative reform programmes.
You will have experience of working in an administrative/supportive legal role in a common law jurisdiction and interest in human rights. You will be self-motivated and organised, with the ability to solve problems and maintain momentum in your work. You will have the confidence and skills to support the rest of the Legal Team to provide complex technical legal assistance to activists, lawyers and governments. You will work well under supervision, communicating clearly and collaborating effectively with the rest of the team. There may also be the opportunity to travel to work with LGBT+ activists, lawyers, government representatives and other stakeholders around the world including to attend court hearings and plan and deliver workshops to key stakeholders.
Essential skills and experience
• Studies and/or work experience in law or human rights
• Experience assisting senior lawyers in litigation or law reform work
• Experience of providing planning, logistical, administrative, and related support for activities and events
• Exceptional organisational skills and ability to think ahead, prioritise and meet demanding deadlines
• Outstanding organisational and problem-solving skills, creativity and flexibility
• Fluency in English with excellent writing and editorial skills
• Experience undertaking legal research
• Excellent IT skills
• Proven ability to work well in a diverse multi-cultural environment and with sensitivity to local cultures and contexts
• Ability to manage effectively multiple workstreams in a fast-paced environment
• Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with colleagues at all levels, a diverse range of local partners and the general public
• Integrity, professional discretion and ability to handle confidential matters
• Strong commitment to equality and human rights and to the mandate of the Trust
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