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- 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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. Candidates with the experience or relevant job titles of Legal Assistant, Paralegal GDL, LPC, Legal Executive, Legal Support, Litigation Paralegal may also be considered for this role.
Paralegal - Litigation in Canterbury 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
✨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 council and its litigation team. Understand their recent cases and challenges they face. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a paralegal, you'll need to convey complex information clearly. Try mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your pitch and responses.
✨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 team at Canterbury City Council. So, hit that Apply button and get started!
We think you need these skills to ace Paralegal - Litigation in Canterbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Paralegal role. Highlight your experience in litigation law and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Show Off Your Skills: Don’t hold back on showcasing your drafting, negotiation, and communication skills. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you've successfully managed a varied caseload or worked with clients.
Keep It Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Make sure your points are easy to read and straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that get to the heart of your qualifications without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember 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. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
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.
✨Showcase 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 legal documents, and be ready to explain how you ensure accuracy and clarity in your writing.
✨Demonstrate 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 Team Spirit
This position is within a supportive and friendly team, so be sure to express your enthusiasm for collaboration. Share experiences where you've worked well in a team setting, and emphasise your communication skills, as these are crucial for liaising with clients and colleagues alike.
