Pro bono work with training, supervision, and a partner from the other profession
We are looking for licensed Ethiopian lawyers and psychologists who want to take on a small, well-supported caseload. Your time is valuable. Here is exactly what we ask and what we provide.
Every case is handled by a pair
Each client is assigned one lawyer and one psychologist. You plan the case together, share what is relevant with the client's consent, and decide jointly on pace. You are never the only professional in the room.
A senior staff lawyer and a senior clinical psychologist oversee all volunteer work. You will not be left to carry a difficult matter alone.
Licensed to practise in Ethiopia
- Caseload commitment
- Around 8 to 12 hours a month. Typically one or two active matters at a time, in family law, GBV-related litigation, custody, or human rights cases. You tell us your capacity and we match to it.
- Training before your first case
- A two-day trauma-informed practice training: how trauma affects memory, disclosure, and decision-making, how to interview without re-traumatising, and how to work with a clinical partner.
- Supervision and support
- A senior staff lawyer reviews every matter with you. Monthly case review meetings. Access to our precedent bank, court filing support, and administrative help.
- Working paired
- A psychologist is assigned to every one of your cases. You will plan together and can attend key client meetings jointly.
- Minimum period
- We ask for a twelve-month commitment, so that clients keep the same lawyer through their case.
Licensed clinical or counselling psychologists
- Caseload commitment
- Around 8 to 12 hours a month. Typically two or three clients at a time, seen at our office, in their homes, or in prison, depending on what you are able to do.
- Training before your first case
- A two-day programme: our integrated care protocol, the essentials of Ethiopian family and criminal procedure, what a court process asks of a client, and how to work alongside counsel.
- Supervision and support
- Clinical supervision every two weeks with a senior psychologist. A monthly peer group. Clear protocols for risk, and a senior clinician on call during office hours.
- Working paired
- A lawyer is assigned to every one of your clients. You will plan together, and legal timelines will be shared with you in advance.
- Minimum period
- We ask for a twelve-month commitment, so that clients keep the same therapist throughout.
What you can expect from us
- Training before you see your first client, and continuing education each year
- Structured supervision from a senior colleague in your own profession
- Professional indemnity cover for work done through the organisation
- Transport costs for home and prison visits
- A certificate of pro bono service and a reference on request
- A say in how our model develops
What we expect from you
- A current licence to practise in Ethiopia and good professional standing
- Respect for client confidentiality and our safeguarding policy
- Willingness to work with a partner from the other profession
- Attendance at training and supervision
- Honesty about your capacity, so we never over-assign you
Apply
Tell us who you are and how much time you have. We will reply within a week to arrange a conversation.
Not a lawyer or psychologist? Social workers, interpreters, and researchers are welcome to write to help@thebalance-ethiopia.org.