At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal support, manage caseloads, and assist in court proceedings.
- Company: Join Harlow District Council, a vibrant local authority.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible working, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on legal experience while making a difference in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in a legal setting and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ 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: 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.
PurposeTo 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
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
If you are interested in finding out more about this role, we would love to hear from you. Please apply via the Working for Essex website. If you have any queries relating to this post please email.
Paralegal - Harlow District Council, Harlow 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 projects in a vibrant town with excellent transport links. Enjoy competitive pay and the chance to make a real impact in local governance, all within a collaborative and dynamic team culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Paralegal - Harlow District Council, Harlow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience with local councils. They might have insider info or even know about unadvertised roles that could be perfect for you.
✨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, so you can showcase your skills confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance at landing the job. We’ve got all the resources you need to make your application stand out, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Paralegal - Harlow District Council, Harlow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in a legal environment, especially within local government. We want to see how your skills match the specific requirements of the paralegal role at Harlow District Council.
Show Off Your Writing Skills:Since strong written communication is key for this position, ensure your application is clear and concise. Use proper grammar and structure to demonstrate your ability to draft legal documents and correspondence effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to mention any experience you have with legal research, drafting documents, or managing caseloads. We’re looking for candidates who can hit the ground running, so make your relevant experience stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply via the Working for Essex website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of local authority legal practices. Familiarise yourself with the specific areas of law that Harlow District Council deals with, as this will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll need to explain legal issues to non-legal colleagues, practice articulating complex legal concepts in simple terms. Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully communicated legal advice or drafted clear documentation.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Think about potential scenarios you might face in the role, such as managing a caseload or preparing court bundles. Be ready to discuss how you would handle these situations, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. This could be about the team dynamics, the types of cases you’ll be handling, or how success is measured in the role. It shows you're engaged and serious about the position.
