At a Glance
- Tasks: Support litigation lawyers and manage a caseload in various legal areas.
- Company: Join one of the largest legal teams in local government, Herts Legal.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with a commitment to quality and attention to detail.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local government while gaining valuable legal experience.
- Qualifications: Law degree or equivalent, with experience in civil litigation or related fields.
The predicted salary is between 34433 - 37280 £ per year.
Job Title: Paralegal - Dispute Resolution
Starting Salary: £34,433 opportunity to progress to £37,280 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Hours: 37.0
Location: Stevenage/Hybrid
Contract Type: Permanent
Directorate: Resources
About The Team
With more than 100 colleagues in the team Herts Legal is one of the largest and most successful legal teams in local government and offers a complete legal service to clients across the County Council, District Councils and other public sector bodies.
Our lawyers, paralegals and support staff are crucial to the County Council\'s continued success. We have high standards for our services and we are pleased to be recognised as a Centre of Excellence by the Law Society\'s Lexcel quality standard assessor.
The Dispute Resolution team sits within Herts Legal and provides a litigation service to Herts County Council and shared service clients. Dispute resolution covers all areas of council litigation including employment tribunals, contentious property matters in the first tier (residential) tribunal, housing possession and disrepair for Stevenage Borough Council, prosecutions and all aspects of civil litigation including debt recovery, commercial leases and contract disputes, judicial review, planning and licensing disputes. In addition, the team supports service departments with effective complaints handling and corresponding with the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.
About The Role
Supporting litigation lawyers in all areas of council litigation including civil litigation, debt recovery employment tribunals, prosecutions, housing conditions claims (for shared service partners), contentious commercial lease and contract disputes, judicial review, planning, property and licensing disputes.
Handling a case load of litigation cases in the above areas.
Playing a key role in county council complaints process liaising with local government ombudsman’s office and local government ombudsman complaints.
Liaising with support staff and preparing bundles for court proceedings, you will be asked to draft documents and witness statements and attend the County Court and Magistrates’ Court on applications and provide legal advice.
About You
Essential:
- Law degree, post graduate diploma in law, Level 3 CILEX qualified or equivalent.
- Previous experience of working in a legal environment.
- Previous experience of working in one of the following: civil litigation, debt recovery, housing, employment law.
- Self-reliant and able to carry out tasks with minimal supervision.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Able to work under pressure, to organise and prioritise workloads and comply with court deadlines.
Desirable:
- Completed legal practice course or equivalent.
- Experience one or more of the following: civil litigation, debt recovery, housing, employment tribunal claims.
- Access to own transport to use for travelling to local courts.
If you are a career paralegal or looking to qualify as a solicitor/legal executive or equivalent and have a strong commitment to local government and litigation and dispute resolution more generally this role is for you. You will gain experience in a wide range of key areas of practise and be able to run your own cases as well as supporting the progress of more complex claims.
You will be required to work at a fast pace often to tight court deadlines without compromising quality and attention to detail and, in turn, supporting the County Council’s wider aims of delivering effectively for its residents.
We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post (for those whose language is a signed language the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required).
Paralegal - Dispute Resolution in Stevenage employer: Hertfordshire County Council
Herts Legal is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment in Stevenage, where you can thrive as a Paralegal in Dispute Resolution. With a commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and the chance to work on diverse legal cases that make a real impact in the community. Our recognition as a Centre of Excellence by the Law Society underscores our dedication to high standards and quality service, making this a rewarding place to advance your legal career.
Contact Details:
Hertfordshire County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Paralegal - Dispute Resolution in Stevenage
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to dispute resolution. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using mock interview tools to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills during interviews by sharing specific examples from your past experiences. Whether it’s handling a tricky case or managing tight deadlines, let them see how you can add value to their team.
✨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 - Dispute Resolution in Stevenage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is up to date and tailored to the Paralegal role. Highlight your relevant experience in civil litigation, debt recovery, or employment law, so we can see how you fit into our team.
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, include specific examples that demonstrate your excellent communication skills and ability to work under pressure. We want to know how you've handled tight deadlines and complex cases in the past!
Craft a Compelling Covering Paragraph:Use the short covering paragraph to give us a snapshot of your skills and experiences. This is your chance to stand out, so make it engaging and relevant to the role!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hertfordshire County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key areas of law relevant to the role, like civil litigation and employment tribunals. Familiarise yourself with recent cases or changes in legislation that could impact your work as a paralegal.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills in handling litigation cases. Whether it’s drafting documents or managing a case load, be ready to discuss how you've successfully navigated similar challenges.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since excellent oral and written communication is essential, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might even want to do a mock interview with a friend to get comfortable discussing legal concepts and your experiences.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, the types of cases you’ll be handling, or how success is measured in the role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the position is right for you.
