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A year with Shelter Scotland's Housing Law Service

What began as a 10-week university placement became a year of making a real difference. As Adrian prepares to begin his career as a trainee solicitor, he reflects on how volunteering with Shelter Scotland's Housing Law Service reshaped his understanding of the impact law can make.

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Every case is urgent

'I support solicitors in challenging 'gatekeeping', which is when local authorities refuse to provide temporary accommodation, despite having a legal duty to do so,' Adrian says.

'My role is mostly behind the scenes, preparing legal aid applications, drafting client statements and correspondence, and handling the administrative work that helps our solicitors spend more time supporting people facing homelessness.'

'Every client comes to us with no secure home to sleep that night. That gives every task a real sense of purpose. You know your work is helping someone at one of the hardest moments of their life.'

Adrian originally signed up for a 10-week university placement but chose to stay because he could see the impact of his work every day.

Adrian said:

'I knew my work mattered. It directly supported the team and ultimately helped people facing homelessness.'

The experience has also changed his view of the legal profession.

'My mentor, John, and the wider team completely changed my perception of what lawyers can be. I'd always imagined the profession to be quite formal and intimidating, but at Shelter Scotland, I found approachable, down-to-earth people who take great pride in their work.

'Volunteering with Shelter Scotland has given me the privilege of contributing to work that does genuinely change lives, while learning from people whose professionalism and commitment I will carry with me throughout my own legal career.'

Your time counts

Volunteers are at the heart of Shelter Scotland's work. Whatever you love, it's a brilliant way to build confidence, find new purpose and make new friends, all while fighting the housing emergency.

Find out about volunteering