Legal Officer

Legal Officer

Huddersfield Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our litigation team to handle civil litigation matters, especially housing cases.
  • Company: Kirklees Council Legal Services is a leading legal practice serving the community.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and access to employee healthcare services.
  • Why this job: This role offers growth opportunities and professional development in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Open to solicitors, barristers, FiLex, or experienced paralegals with a positive attitude.
  • Other info: We encourage applications from all abilities and provide support for the application process.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Kirklees Council Legal Services is one of the largest legal practices in the area and is responsible for providing and commissioning the legal work required by Kirklees Council and partner organisations. We are looking for a motivated legal officer to work in our litigation team primarily on civil litigation matters including housing cases with the scope to be involved in a wider range of work in the litigation team.

You should be a confident, skilled and enthusiastic lawyer with a “can do” approach. You could be new to this specialist area or more experienced – full training and support will be available to less experienced candidates. You could be a solicitor, barrister or FiLex or you could be a paralegal with the right experience or aptitude for this work. This is a great platform from which to progress to a more senior job in Legal Services - developing your skills and professional qualifications along the way. There may be the opportunity for suitably qualified candidates to pursue further professional qualifications through supported study.

Joining Kirklees means you have access to a range of employee benefits, including:

  • Generous leave entitlement
  • Flexible working (including working from home)
  • Excellent pension
  • 28.5 days annual leave increasing to 32.5 after 5 years’ service (plus bank holidays)
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Travel and parking discounts
  • Exceptional Maternity and Paternity leave policies
  • Access to Employee Healthcare that offers a range of services from counselling to physiotherapy and health assessments

You will be part of a supportive team – in a service which has a strong commitment to training and further development of our employees. We are based in the town centre, well placed for transport links to the North's leading cities, including Leeds, Manchester, and Sheffield.

We know there’s a wealth of talent among people who have a disability and we encourage applications from people with all differing abilities. So, if you need any support completing an application form, or any other format for the application or Job Description please contact the Recruitment Team for help by email: jobs@kirklees.gov.uk or phone: 01484 221000 and ask for ‘Recruitment’. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Legal Officer employer: Kirklees Council

Kirklees Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work environment for legal professionals in the heart of Kirklees. With a strong commitment to employee development, generous leave entitlements, and flexible working options, you will have the opportunity to grow your career while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. The council's focus on training and professional qualifications ensures that you can advance your skills in a collaborative team dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.
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Contact Detail:

Kirklees Council Recruiting Team

jobs@kirklees.gov.uk

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Legal Officer

Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific civil litigation matters that Kirklees Council deals with, especially housing cases. Understanding the nuances of these areas will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm during any discussions.

Tip Number 2

Reach out to current or former employees of Kirklees Council's Legal Services to gain insights into the team culture and expectations. This can provide you with valuable information to tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for potential interviews by practising common legal scenarios related to civil litigation. Being able to discuss how you would handle specific cases or challenges will showcase your problem-solving skills and readiness for the role.

Tip Number 4

Take advantage of the opportunity to speak informally with John Chapman, the hiring manager. This can give you a chance to ask questions and express your interest, which may leave a positive impression before the formal selection process begins.

We think you need these skills to ace Legal Officer

Legal Research
Knowledge of Civil Litigation
Understanding of Housing Law
Strong Communication Skills
Negotiation Skills
Attention to Detail
Analytical Thinking
Problem-Solving Skills
Ability to Work Independently
Team Collaboration
Time Management
Client Relationship Management
Adaptability
Professional Ethics

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Legal Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the role.

Craft a Strong CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your legal qualifications, experience, and any relevant training. Focus on your achievements in previous roles, especially those related to civil litigation or similar areas.

Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should express your enthusiasm for the position and the organisation. Highlight your 'can do' attitude and any specific experiences that demonstrate your suitability for the litigation team.

Follow Application Guidelines: Since the recruitment process is 'name blind', ensure you remove any personal information from your CV and cover letter before submission. Adhere strictly to the application instructions provided by Kirklees Council.

How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Council

Understand the Role

Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Legal Officer, especially in civil litigation. Familiarise yourself with housing cases and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with these requirements.

Show Your Enthusiasm

Demonstrate your 'can do' attitude during the interview. Share examples of how you've approached challenges positively in the past, and express your eagerness to learn and grow within the role.

Prepare Questions

Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewer. This shows your interest in the position and helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you. Consider asking about training opportunities or team dynamics.

Highlight Relevant Experience

Whether you're a solicitor, barrister, or paralegal, be ready to discuss your relevant experience. If you're new to this area, focus on transferable skills and any related coursework or projects that demonstrate your capability.

Legal Officer
Kirklees Council
Location: Huddersfield
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