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- Tasks: Assist the litigation team with drafting cases and preparing court documents.
- Company: Join Canterbury City Council's supportive Legal Services team.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in civil and criminal court matters while developing your legal skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in litigation law and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Hybrid working model and excellent career development opportunities await you.
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, and 3 additional days usually used over the Christmas period.
- Option to buy more annual leave.
- Local government pension scheme.
- Support for career development, including training opportunities and cover for Professional Body Membership fees.
- Employee perks, including retailer and lifestyle discounts.
- 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.
- Meeting 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 while 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.
So, if this Paralegal job opportunity in Canterbury looks right for you, please apply today!
Paralegal - Litigation employer: Canterbury City Council
Contact Detail:
Canterbury City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Paralegal - Litigation
✨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 how it relates to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Paralegal - Litigation
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 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: The job requires managing a varied caseload, so be sure to mention any experiences where you successfully prioritised tasks or met tight deadlines. We love seeing candidates who can juggle 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 the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at Canterbury City Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Canterbury City Council
✨Know Your Litigation Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of litigation law and procedures. Familiarise yourself with common terms and processes related to housing matters, debts, and anti-social behaviour. This will not only show your enthusiasm for the role but also demonstrate your understanding of the key areas you'll be working in.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of specific instances from your past experiences where you've successfully managed a caseload or dealt with clients. Be ready to discuss how you prioritised tasks and met deadlines, especially in high-pressure situations. This will help the interviewers see how you can handle the demands of the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a paralegal, strong communication is crucial. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. During the interview, make sure to listen actively and respond thoughtfully to questions. This will highlight your ability to liaise effectively with clients and colleagues alike.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or the council's approach to litigation. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage with the interviewers on a deeper level.
