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- Tasks: Assist the litigation team with drafting cases for court and managing a varied caseload.
- Company: Join Canterbury City Council's supportive Legal Services team.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a fantastic pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic legal environment while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Background in litigation law and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to equality.
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. 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 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 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 council's recent cases and initiatives. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute. Plus, it gives you great talking points to impress the interviewers!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a paralegal, you'll need to convey complex information clearly. Try mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable discussing your experience and skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Paralegal - Litigation in 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 match the specific requirements of the Paralegal role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experience!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves liaising with clients and drafting legal documents, it’s crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect your ability to convey complex information effectively.
Highlight Your Time Management Abilities: The job requires managing a varied caseload and meeting court deadlines, so be sure to mention any experiences that showcase your time management skills. We love to see examples of how you prioritise tasks and handle multiple responsibilities!
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. Familiarise yourself with common terms and processes, especially those related to housing matters and court functions. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Drafting Skills
Prepare examples of your drafting work, whether it's court bundles or correspondence. Be ready to discuss how you approach drafting documents and any challenges you've faced. This will highlight your attention to detail and ability to communicate effectively.
✨Demonstrate Client Interaction Experience
Think of specific instances where you've worked with clients or taken instructions. Be prepared to share how you ensured clear communication and managed expectations. This will show your interpersonal skills and ability to handle client relationships.
✨Time Management is Key
Be ready to discuss how you prioritise tasks and manage a varied caseload. Share strategies you've used to meet deadlines, especially in high-pressure situations. This will illustrate your organisational skills and ability to thrive in a busy environment.
