Legal Assistant in Belfast

We are currently recruiting for a Legal Assistant who will provide high-quality legal administrative and support services to the Litigation team in the General Counsel’s Directorate within the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR). The role supports the delivery of independent, effective, and legally compliant advice across civil litigation, public law matters, investigations, and statutory functions. This includes assisting with case preparation, preparation and issuing of legal documentation, and the administration of legal processes in a complex and sensitive environment. A high degree of professionalism, attention to detail, time management to adhere to strict court deadlines and organisational capability, as well as excellent team working skills are all pre-requisites for this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Legal Support
  • Prepare digital briefs for instructed Counsel
  • Prepare court bundles, disclosure lists and bundles, and evidence files in readiness for hearing
  • Support defence of litigation and public law/judicial review proceedings, and assist with the issuing of said proceedings, where required
  • File court documents and manage court fees
  • Organise consultations and attend meetings, preparing the necessary notes and minutes
  • Support responses to statutory disclosure and information requests
  • Deliver legal papers to counsel instructed as and when required
• Case Support and File Management
  • Maintain case management systems and legal records efficiently
  • Manage electronic and manual filing systems in compliance with UK GDPR
  • Monitor legal deadlines such as court timetables and statutory obligations and maintain the court diary system, as required
  • Ensure documentation is accurate, complete, accessible, and securely stored in accordance with UK GDPR and our Directorate’s data destruction policy
  • Support lawyers in progressing litigation, public law, and judicial review matters
• Administrative Support
  • Provide general administrative support (document production, correspondence, scheduling)
  • Liaise effectively and on a timely basis with internal colleagues, external legal advisors, courts, and stakeholders
  • Arrange meetings, prepare agendas, and take accurate minutes
  • Assist with financial administration, including fee processing, requesting payment and liaising with Procurement and Finance colleagues regarding same and cost tracking via a case management system
• Compliance and Governance
  • Ensure compliance with legislation, including data protection/UK GDPR and human rights law
  • Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately
  • Support Commission governance, audit, and accountability requirements
  • Maintain accurate records and audit trails of legal decisions
• Stakeholder Engagement
  • Act as a point of contact for internal colleagues for routine legal enquiries for the Litigation Team
  • Communicate professionally with colleagues, clients, and external stakeholders
  • Provide guidance on legal processes and procedures to internal colleagues
• Continuous Improvement
  • Contribute to service development and improvement initiatives
  • Maintain awareness of legal and public sector developments
  • Participate in internal Commission training

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• Minimum 2 years administrative experience in a legal office environment
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment with strict deadlines
• Collaborative team worker
• Knowledge of legal processes and legal documentation
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information
• CTC clearance required with a willingness to apply for UKSV SC clearance if not already obtained

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in public sector, regulatory, or investigatory environments
• Knowledge of public, administrative, or regulatory law
• Experience supporting litigation in one or more of the following areas: employment law matters, judicial reviews, and/or inquests
• Experience managing large-scale disclosure exercises

ICRIR’s Code of Conduct

• Integrity
• Impartiality
• Openness
• Accountability
• Respect

EEO Statement

We welcome applications from all communities and backgrounds, including underrepresented groups. We value diversity in our workforce as it enhances our ability to serve the communities of Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Contact Email: recruitment@icrir.independent-inquiry.uk

Phone: 02890 362006