At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist with legal work in Personal Injury/Insurance, drafting documents and attending court.
- Company: Essex County Council, a diverse organisation committed to excellence.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, 27 days holiday, pension scheme, and professional development support.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities in a supportive workplace.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team making a real impact in public service law.
- Qualifications: Degree level education and experience in a legal environment preferred.
The predicted salary is between 40009 - 40009 £ per year.
Part Time (22 hours per week) £34,008 to £40,009 per annum (FTE)
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style: Anywhere worker
Closing Date: 25th August 2026
This is a hybrid-working role contractually based in Chelmsford. You will work from the Chelmsford office or undertake site visits 2-3 days per week, depending on business need. Please note this is a part-time position working 22 hours per week, the pro rata salary will be £20,221 to £23,789 per annum.
Essex County Council (ECC) is a diverse and large organisation that strives for excellence and delivers an outstanding service for residents across Essex. As the in-house legal service, ELS prides itself on providing a comprehensive legal service to the Council – most of our work is done in-house. We pride ourselves on valuing the people who work for us and provide a supportive working environment, where people work hard to do their best for Essex.
You will be responsible for assisting with the delivery of all aspects of routine legal work including some advocacy from time to time. Work will be both contentious and non-contentious in nature. You will be predominantly based within the Personal Injury/Insurance Section of the Dispute Resolution and Employment team. You will work alongside Solicitors in the team dealing with routine advisory queries and providing support and assistance on large and more complex cases. You will assist with all aspects of the Personal Injury/Insurance litigation process such as preparing draft pleadings, witness statements and court forms, the disclosure process, reviewing evidence, briefing counsel, preparation of court bundles and attending trials where necessary. You will manage, with supervision, a case load of fast track and small claims track cases. This post may also involve assisting other parts of the Dispute Resolution and Employment Law Team as appropriate.
This position will be fast-paced, and it is therefore imperative you are confident in the following matters:
- Drafting and preparing legal documents for functions across the Council and to external customers.
- Interpreting the legal and business impact of changes in law and assessing these on the operations of Essex Legal Services, our partners, stakeholders and client base.
- Understanding and interpreting client needs to provide them with a service they value.
- Attending Court or public inquiries in appropriate cases.
- Contributing to the development of current and future business opportunities to promote ELS.
- Developing good working relationships across the Council.
The Experience You Will Bring:
- Educated to degree level or equivalent.
- Evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in relevant professional area.
- Experience of working within a legal setting in a public service or private sector environment, providing routine legal advice is desirable although not essential.
- Proven track record of delivering excellent customer service.
- Works collaboratively with colleagues and the client base, to understand customer needs with a strong focus on delivering positive outcomes.
- Ability to develop working relationships across a large, complex organisation and with internal and external partners/stakeholders and clients to maintain and develop business streams.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this role, so applicants must have current, unrestricted right to work in the UK.
Why You'll Love Working with Us:
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Experience the best of both worlds with our flexible hybrid working arrangements.
- Generous Time Off: Start with 27 days of holiday, increasing with service, plus 8 bank holidays and up to 4 paid volunteer days each year.
- Secure Your Future: Enjoy peace of mind with enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Professional Growth: We cover professional fees for approved professions, supporting your career development.
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process.
At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Paralegal in Chelmsford employer: Essex County Counci
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer for Adults Social Workers, offering a community-focused work environment in the diverse areas of Colchester and Tendring. With a commitment to employee wellbeing, ongoing professional development, and flexible working options, we empower our staff to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive culture that values collaboration and innovation. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to helping individuals achieve independence and live fulfilling lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Paralegal in Chelmsford
✨Leverage Your Local Law Community
Get involved with local legal societies or student law associations; they often have great networking events and workshops. It’s a brilliant way to meet practising lawyers and potentially get referred for part-time roles at firms like Essex County Counci.
✨Showcase Your Skills with Mock Trials
Participate in mock trial competitions or legal clinics while studying. This not only sharpens your skills but also gives you practical experiences to talk about in interviews—perfect for a part-time role in law!
✨Tap Into Internship Networks
Make use of university career services to find internships or part-time opportunities. Many law firms source talent directly from student pools, so getting your foot in the door can lead to a longer-term position at a place like Essex County Counci!
✨Apply Directly on Our Website
Don’t forget to check out Essex County Counci’s careers page for specific listings. Applying directly can often give you an edge—plus, we appreciate candidates who show interest in our firm specifically!
We think you need these skills to ace Paralegal in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Law Experience:When applying for this part-time role, make sure to focus on any legal internships, placements, or volunteer work you've done. Even if it’s just shadowing a lawyer, let us know how these experiences shaped your understanding of law and legal services. Every bit counts and shows your commitment to the field!
Use Clear Legal Terminology:Since you’re applying for a position in law services, it’s important to use appropriate legal terminology in your CV and cover letter. This will not only demonstrate your knowledge but also show us that you’re comfortable with the language of the profession. Avoid jargon overload, though; clarity is key!
Show Your Availability:As this is a part-time position, don’t forget to clearly state your availability in your application. Let us know what days and hours you’re free to work, and make it easy for us to see how you’d fit into our team. The more specific, the better!
Tailor Your Cover Letter Just For Us:Your cover letter is a chance to shine! Make it personal and tailored specifically to our role at Essex County Counci. Talk about why you’re interested in legal services and how your experiences align with what we do. A sprinkle of passion goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Counci
✨Show Off Your Legal Knowledge
Brush up on key legal concepts and current events in the legal realm that may affect your role. Be ready to discuss any relevant case studies or examples, as this demonstrates your engagement with the law beyond just theoretical knowledge.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions where you might be assessed on how you'd handle specific legal situations. Think about practical examples from your studies or previous experiences that highlight your problem-solving skills and ethical considerations.
✨Balance Your Expertise with Flexibility
As this is a part-time role, be prepared to discuss your time management skills and how you can juggle work with your studies or other commitments. Employers will want to see how you can contribute effectively while maintaining a flexible schedule.
✨Highlight Your Commitment to Continuous Learning
Conveying your dedication to ongoing education in the legal field gives a strong impression. Mention any additional courses, certifications, or workshops you've pursued that enhance your legal expertise, showing your motivation for growth in your career.
