At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the litigation team with exciting legal work in court.
- Company: Join a dynamic council team focused on justice and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, and health initiatives.
- Other info: Flexible working practices and continuous learning opportunities available.
- Why this job: Kickstart your legal career while making a real difference.
- Qualifications: Attention to detail and good IT skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
If you are an internal candidate interested in applying for this job as a secondment opportunity, please discuss with your current line manager before submitting your application. We have a 6 month temporary vacancy in our court team. This post offers a broad range of interesting work giving you an opportunity to develop skills in various areas of law.
As a legal assistant in the court team you will support the work of the litigation team. You will be primarily supporting our prosecutions lawyer with private prosecutions in the Crown and Magistrates court supporting the work that the council undertakes for National Trading Standards as well as other prosecution work.
Key Responsibilities
- Drafting summons and information
- Drafting possession claims in compliance with the Housing Act 1985
- Prepare disclosure of housing files
- Warrant applications
- Notice to Quit for deceased tenants
- PNC – request previous convictions to the police via email
- Research and administrative tasks in more complex cases
The successful candidate must demonstrate their attention to detail and show a high aptitude in their ability to proof read. We work in a fast paced environment, often with tight deadlines, therefore you will need to demonstrate a willingness to work flexibly. The post holder will ideally have a qualification such as ECDL, or equivalent experience, to demonstrate good IT skills. Experience in using Microsoft Word and bespoke systems is essential. This role would suit someone with administrative experience on a variety of databases, or someone looking to begin their career in a legal environment. This role is suitable as a job share opportunity.
Working Hours & Benefits
Hybrid working arrangements are available for this role. Each role at CYC is different and your working arrangements will be determined based on the requirements of the role and in collaboration with you and your needs as part of the recruitment process. Your contractual location will be the designated council office for your team. The Council is committed to investing in the talent and wellbeing of our staff and can offer a generous annual leave allowance, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, comprehensive Health & Wellbeing initiatives and a reward package which recognises your contribution. We can offer flexible working practices, community engagement and volunteer activities and, as part of our commitment to you, promote continuous Learning & Development. In addition we also offer a growing range of discounts, rewards and savings.
Contact & Dates
For further information or an informal discussion please contact Jane Milthorp (Practice Manager) at jane.milthorp@york.gov.uk or on 01904 55 2090. Closing date: Wednesday 7 Jan 2026 at 12midnight Interview date: Friday 16 January 2026.
Legal Assistant – Court employer: City of York Council
City of York Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises the professional growth of its employees. With flexible hybrid working arrangements and a strong focus on health and wellbeing, this role not only allows you to make a meaningful impact on children's lives but also ensures a balanced and fulfilling work experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Assistant – Court
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to colleagues and connections in the legal field. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities, and who knows? They might just have the inside scoop on openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the court team and the specific work they do. Being able to chat about their recent cases or initiatives shows you're genuinely interested and ready to jump in.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your skills! Brush up on drafting summons and possession claims. Maybe even do some mock scenarios with friends or family to get comfortable with the legal jargon and processes you'll be dealing with.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and ready to contribute to the exciting work we do in the court.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Assistant – Court
Some tips for your application 🫡
Chat with Your Manager:Before diving into your application, have a quick chat with your current line manager. It’s a good way to get their support and ensure you’re on the right track for this secondment opportunity.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Focus on your attention to detail and any administrative experience you have, especially in legal contexts. We want to see how you fit into our court team!
Show Off Your IT Skills:Since good IT skills are essential, don’t forget to mention your experience with Microsoft Word and any bespoke systems you’ve used. If you have qualifications like ECDL, make sure to include those too!
Apply Through Our Website:When you're ready to submit your application, do it through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at City of York Council
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Brush up on the key areas of law relevant to the role, especially around private prosecutions and the Housing Act 1985. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your genuine interest and understanding of the position.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
Since the role requires a high level of proofreading and attention to detail, prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed complex documents or tasks. This will help demonstrate that you can handle the responsibilities of the job.
✨Be Ready for Fast-Paced Questions
Expect questions about how you handle tight deadlines and work flexibly. Think of specific instances where you thrived under pressure, as this will highlight your ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment.
✨Familiarise Yourself with IT Skills
Make sure you're comfortable discussing your IT skills, particularly with Microsoft Word and any bespoke systems you've used. If you have experience with databases, be ready to share how you've utilised them in previous roles.
