At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal support, manage caseloads, and draft legal documents for Harlow Council.
- Company: Join Harlow District Council, a vibrant local authority with a supportive team.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible working, and a chance to make a difference in your community.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on legal experience while contributing to meaningful local governance.
- 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
2-3 Month Contract
£17.25 PAYE / £22.12 Umbrella Per Hour
Closing Date: Monday 18th May 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 - Harlow District Council in Essex employer: Essex County Council
Harlow District Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work environment where legal professionals can thrive. With a focus on employee growth and development, the council provides opportunities to manage a diverse caseload while contributing to meaningful community outcomes. Located in the vibrant town of Harlow, employees enjoy excellent transport links and a range of leisure facilities, making it an ideal place to balance work and life.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Paralegal - Harlow District Council in Essex
✨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 related to the role of 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 - Harlow District Council in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Paralegal role at Harlow District Council. Highlight your relevant experience in a legal environment and any specific skills that match the job description, like drafting legal documents or managing caseloads.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use examples from your past experiences to show how you’ve successfully managed competing priorities or provided clear legal advice. This will help us see how you can contribute to our team.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We want to understand your qualifications without having to decipher complex sentences!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key legal areas relevant to local government. Familiarise yourself with the specific legal practices Harlow District Council deals with, as well as any recent cases or changes in legislation that might come up during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll need to explain legal issues to non-legal colleagues, practice articulating complex legal concepts in simple terms. You could even prepare a few examples of how you've done this in the past to demonstrate your ability during the interview.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific legal situations or case management tasks. Think through some scenarios related to routine and non-routine legal matters, and be ready to discuss your approach and thought process.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Harlow Council values teamwork, so be prepared to talk about your experience working collaboratively. Share examples of how you've contributed to team goals or supported colleagues in a legal environment, highlighting your ability to work cooperatively.
