Paralegal/Legal Executive in Chelmsford

Essex Legal Services (ELS) is part of Essex County Council (ECC) and offers flexible working practices in line with ECC's policy including hybrid working – in all cases this is offered in line with business needs. We will expect you to attend our Chelmsford offices approximately 2-3 days per week.

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.

We are currently recruiting for a paralegal to be part of a specialist Dispute Resolution/Civil Litigation section within the Dispute Resolution and Employment Law Team. You will work closely with colleagues to ensure the delivery of a high performing, client facing legal service which proactively embraces change.

As a paralegal, you will be able to prepare court bundles, assist on litigation matters, draft and advise on agreements and provide a professional legal service that is valued by our clients and improves their business.

Educated to degree level, with experience of working within a legal environment, the successful applicant will have the ability to build strong working relationships both with colleagues and clients and a proven track record in delivering excellent customer service.

Job Purpose

You will be responsible in 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 and will cover a full range of dispute resolution matters but with a particular focus on debt recovery matters, judicial reviews and supporting with commercial dispute matters.

You will be predominantly based within the Dispute Resolution/Civil Litigation section of the Dispute Resolution and Employment Law Team. You will work alongside solicitors in the team dealing with routine advisory queries, assisting with small claims and fast track cases. Additionally, you will provide support and assistance to the solicitors in the team on large and more complex multi‐track litigation and judicial review cases. You will assist with all aspects of the litigation process such as drafting statements of case, witness statements and court forms, the disclosure process, reviewing evidence, briefing counsel, preparation of court bundles and attending trials where necessary.

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.

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. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

Once you’ve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.

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.