At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal support, manage caseloads, and assist in court proceedings.
- Company: Harlow District Council, a vibrant local authority with a supportive team.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, professional development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a thriving town with great transport links.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable legal experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in a legal environment and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Location: Harlow
Full time, Temporary – 37 Hours per Week
9 Month Contract
£17.25 PAYE / £22.12 Umbrella Per Hour
Closing Date: Wednesday 3rd June 2026
Essex County Council (ECC) are delighted to be supporting Harlow Council to recruit a paralegal on a full-time, temporary basis. Please note that this post requires the successful individual to be based on site a minimum of 3 days per week.
Harlow is a district of contrasts and an ideal location to both live and work. The town itself is thriving, with excellent shopping and leisure facilities for all ages. We have good road links to the M11 and M25 and excellent rail connections to London and Stansted Airport, just 35 minutes and 20 minutes away from Harlow respectively.
Purpose
To provide high-quality, timely and professional legal support to Harlow Council by managing a caseload of routine and some non-routine legal matters under supervision, supporting solicitors and lawyers across Legal Services, and contributing to the effective delivery of legal advice and representation.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a personal caseload of routine and some non-routine legal matters under supervision
- Provide clear, accurate and timely legal advice to internal council clients
- Draft legal documentation, correspondence, pleadings, reports and instructions
- Undertake legal research and analysis
- Assist lawyers with the preparation and conduct of legal cases, including court and tribunal proceedings
- Attend court or tribunal hearings, with counsel or alone where appropriate
- Undertake basic advocacy on behalf of the Council where required
- Prepare and manage court bundles and supporting documentation
- Deliver briefs and file documentation with courts and counsel
- Use legal case management systems and maintain accurate records
- Comply with Lexcel and other applicable practice management standards
- Contribute to meeting individual and team performance targets
- Escalate legal, governance or reputational risks to senior officers as appropriate
- Work cooperatively with colleagues and attend team meetings and briefings
- Comply with council policies including health and safety, equality, data protection and codes of conduct
- Undertake other duties appropriate to the grade
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Essential:
- Experience working in a legal environment, ideally within local government
- Knowledge of at least one local authority legal practice area
- Experience drafting legal documents and correspondence
- Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to explain legal issues clearly to non-legal colleagues
- Good IT skills including use of case management systems
Desirable:
- Experience of advocacy or support to litigation
- Experience of residential/commercial property work
- Understanding of local authority decision-making and governance
- Familiarity with Lexcel or similar standards
Paralegal – AR in Harlow employer: Carrington Blake Recruitment
Harlow District Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment where legal professionals can thrive. With a focus on employee growth and development, the council provides opportunities for meaningful contributions to the community while enjoying the vibrant amenities of Harlow, including excellent transport links to London. Join us to make a difference in local governance and enhance your legal career in a dynamic setting.
Contact Details:
Carrington Blake Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Paralegal – AR in Harlow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience with local government. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your legal knowledge and understanding of local authority practices. We recommend practising common interview questions and scenarios you might face as a paralegal.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along examples of your previous work, like drafted documents or case studies, to demonstrate your capabilities during interviews. This will help you stand out from the crowd.
✨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 are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Paralegal – AR in Harlow
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 a legal environment and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Showcase Your Legal Skills:When writing your application, emphasise your ability to draft legal documents and manage caseloads. Mention any specific areas of local authority law you've worked with, as this will catch our eye and show you're ready for the role.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your experiences and skills. We appreciate applicants who can communicate effectively, especially when it comes to legal matters!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington Blake Recruitment
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of local government law and the specific legal areas relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss your experience in drafting legal documents and managing caseloads, as this will show that you understand the job requirements.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll need to explain legal issues to non-legal colleagues, practice articulating complex legal concepts in simple terms. During the interview, use clear and concise language to demonstrate your strong written and verbal communication skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
This role requires collaboration with solicitors and other team members. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team environment, highlighting your ability to meet deadlines and manage competing priorities.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about real-life scenarios you might face in the role. Think about how you would handle routine and non-routine legal matters, and be prepared to discuss your approach to legal research and analysis, as well as any advocacy experience you may have.
