At a Glance
- Tasks: Support lawyers in childcare litigation by managing cases and drafting legal documents.
- Company: Join Hertfordshire County Council's Lexcel accredited Legal Team.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £34,434 with opportunities for progression and hybrid working.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with excellent career growth and support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable legal experience.
- Qualifications: Law degree or equivalent, plus previous legal work experience required.
The predicted salary is between 34434 - 37280 € per year.
Hertfordshire County Council’s Lexcel accredited Legal Team provides a full legal service across all specialisms to both the County Council and other public sector bodies and are looking for a Paralegal for our Childcare Litigation team. The child litigation team provides a high-quality litigation and advice service to the Director of Children’s Services and the Children’s Services Department. The team deal with a variety of public law proceedings under the Children Act 1989 and Adoption and Children Act 2002, as well as providing advice and support with the Public Law Outline pre-proceedings process. The paralegals in the team work closely together and individually supporting the lawyers to progress cases and ensuring the needs of our client department are met. The team have excellent working relationships with external stakeholders such as the court service, CAFACSS, police colleagues and others.
As a paralegal in the team, you will work with the lawyer responsible for the case to:
- Maintain and revise court bundles and ensure that these are sent to the Court and parties to proceedings within required timescale.
- Undertake routine case management, e.g. acknowledge receipt of statements and documents, file and serve evidence, and liaise with the Court.
- Draft straightforward legal documents including care order applications, Part 25 applications, letters before proceedings, briefs to counsel, and letters of instruction to experts.
- Obtain costs estimates and availability of expert witnesses.
- Gather evidence and documentation, including taking statements from lay witnesses; preparing witness templates and dealing with the administration tasks necessary to ensure final hearings take place.
- Participate in any other areas of work in the Legal Services Department when required to do so by a Principal Lawyer.
- Manage day-to-day tasks independently without the need for close or prescriptive supervision.
About you
Essential:
- Have as a minimum a law degree or equivalent qualification.
- Previous legal work experience.
- Have excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Forge and maintain relationships with a wide range of professionals.
- Demonstrate the ability to work under pressure and be able to organise and prioritise your workload.
Desirable:
- Have experience or exposure in Childcare Litigation.
- Ability to travel around Hertfordshire and further afield to different offices and courts using your own mode of transport.
- Experience of working in a wide-ranging variety of cases in a dynamic and supportive team.
Additional information
Disability Confident
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.
English Fluency
The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
Paralegal in Stevenage employer: Hertfordshire County Council
Hertfordshire County Council offers a supportive and dynamic work environment for Paralegals in the Child Litigation Team, where you can make a meaningful impact on children's lives while enjoying a competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and excellent relationships with external stakeholders, employees benefit from a culture that values teamwork and continuous development, all within the vibrant community of Stevenage. Join us to be part of a Disability Confident employer committed to inclusivity and providing a fulfilling career path.
Contact Detail:
Hertfordshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Paralegal in Stevenage
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in child litigation. 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 knowledge of the Children Act and related legislation. We want you to feel confident discussing how you can contribute to the team’s success!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring examples of your previous legal work to the interview. Whether it’s drafting documents or managing cases, we love to see what you can do!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate candidates like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Paralegal in Stevenage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Paralegal role. Highlight any relevant legal experience, especially in Childcare Litigation, and showcase your skills in communication and case management. We want to see how you can fit into our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working in Child Litigation and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, don’t forget to highlight your organisational skills and ability to work under pressure. We’re looking for someone who can manage their workload independently, so give us examples of how you've done this in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly, and you’ll find all the details you need there. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hertfordshire County Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the Children Act 1989 and the Adoption and Children Act 2002. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show that you understand the core of the role and can engage in meaningful conversations about the work you'll be doing.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your oral and written communication abilities. Since the role involves drafting legal documents and liaising with various stakeholders, demonstrating your proficiency in these areas will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork
The paralegal role requires collaboration with lawyers and external parties. Be ready to share experiences where you've successfully worked in a team, especially in high-pressure situations, to illustrate your ability to forge and maintain professional relationships.
✨Organise Your Thoughts
Practice answering common interview questions related to case management and prioritisation. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, ensuring you convey how you can manage day-to-day tasks independently while meeting deadlines.
