At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist the litigation team with drafting cases for court and managing a varied caseload.
- Company: Canterbury City Council, committed to equality and diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and local government pension scheme.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and make a real impact in legal services.
- Qualifications: Experience in litigation law and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent training and development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 35064 - 38638 £ per year.
An exciting paralegal job opportunity in Canterbury within Legal Services at Canterbury City Council. In this supporting role to the litigation team within Legal Services, you will be assisting with drafting and preparing cases for court on a variety of civil and criminal court functions related mainly to housing matters, debts, anti-social behaviour and prosecutions. You will primarily be progressing Housing Conditions (Disrepair) cases at Pre-Action Protocol stage and in proceedings as this is a particularly busy area for the team. There will also be opportunity to work on a wide variety of matters due to ever-changing priorities. The variety of the work makes this an exciting role within a supportive and friendly team.
What’s in it for you?
- Salary range of £35,064.26 - £38,638.08
- Cost of living pay award negotiated annually as a salary increase
- Flexible, hybrid working - we understand the importance of a good work-life balance.
- Generous annual leave entitlement: 23 days annual leave which increases with service, plus bank holidays, PLUS 3 given days usually used over the Christmas period when our main offices are closed. Option to buy more annual leave.
- No work on Bank Holidays.
- A fantastic local government pension scheme.
- Support and encouragement for your career through excellent opportunities for training and development, as well as covering your Professional Body Membership fees where essential to the role.
- Employee perks, including multiple retailer and lifestyle discounts.
- An easier commute: free use of Canterbury's Park and Ride, flexi bus tickets, and a cycle to work scheme.
- Stay healthy: Access to free counselling, advice and webinars through our employee assistance programme, as well as contributions to the cost of Flu Jabs.
About this Legal Officer job opportunity in Canterbury, Kent:
This role assists the Litigation team in providing an efficient and proactive litigation service to the Council. Here’s what you’ll get up to:
- Receiving instructions from clients, preparing court bundles and other papers for matters before the courts;
- Legal research and drafting advice notes to clients;
- Drafting correspondence within proceedings and at pre-action protocol stage.
- Adapting to working on different areas of litigation to focus on particularly busy areas.
- Helping meet the demands of the civil and criminal courts processes including meeting court deadlines and drafting documents to initiate court processes and statements.
- Prioritising workloads to ensure that urgent matters take priority as necessary whilst routine work continues to meet deadlines.
- Liaising with clients to receive further instructions to fill any gaps in the information provided.
- Advising clients on procedure.
Working pattern:
- Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays.
- This is a full-time permanent post at 37 hours per week.
- The team works in a hybrid way with a mix of some days in the office and some days working from home which may change to meet the demands of the service and ensure cover.
About you, the ideal person for the job:
- A background in litigation law and procedures or work experience in a similar role.
- Experience of working well with clients and familiar with taking clear instruction.
- Excellent drafting, negotiation and communication skills.
- A proven ability to manage a varied caseload with minimal supervision.
- Strong time management skills.
- A levels (or similar) qualification or equivalent skills gained by experience.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at Canterbury City Council. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity in everything we do. We provide a safe and welcoming environment where everyone is valued, included and respected. Our diversity strengthens our ability to serve the diverse communities we support through our work. To demonstrate this through our actions, all applications are anonymised for the shortlisting panel, allowing all applicants to be assessed on merit alone.
If this Paralegal job opportunity in Canterbury looks right for you, please apply today! Simply click the Apply button and you will be redirected to the council's website to begin your application form.
Locations
Paralegal - Litigation in Canterbury, Kent employer: Canterbury City Council
Contact Detail:
Canterbury City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Paralegal - Litigation in Canterbury, Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its recent cases. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work and ready to contribute to their litigation team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to litigation and client management. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the Canterbury City Council team specifically.
We think you need these skills to ace Paralegal - Litigation in Canterbury, Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in litigation law and procedures. We want to see how your skills align with the specific requirements of the Paralegal role, so don’t hold back!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves liaising with clients and drafting documents, it’s crucial to showcase your excellent communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to demonstrate your ability to convey information effectively.
Highlight Your Time Management Abilities: We’re looking for someone who can manage a varied caseload with minimal supervision. Be sure to mention any experiences where you successfully prioritised tasks and met deadlines, as this will show us you can handle the demands of the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Just click the Apply button and get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canterbury City Council
✨Know Your Litigation Basics
Brush up on your knowledge of litigation law and procedures. Be prepared to discuss specific cases or scenarios related to housing matters, debts, and anti-social behaviour. This will show that you understand the core responsibilities of the role and can hit the ground running.
✨Demonstrate Your Drafting Skills
Since drafting is a key part of the job, bring examples of your previous work if possible. Discuss your approach to preparing court bundles and correspondence, and be ready to explain how you ensure accuracy and clarity in your documents.
✨Showcase Your Time Management
The role requires managing a varied caseload with minimal supervision. Prepare to share examples of how you've prioritised tasks in the past, especially under tight deadlines. This will highlight your ability to handle the demands of the position effectively.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the types of cases you'll be handling, and opportunities for professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.