At a Glance
- Tasks: Support legal professionals with administrative tasks and casework in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Oxfordshire County Council, a values-driven organisation committed to innovation and community service.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 30 days holiday, health support, and great learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team that values integrity, collaboration, and personal growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in a legal setting is essential; strong communication and organisational skills required.
- Other info: We promote equality and diversity, offering guaranteed interviews for eligible applicants.
The predicted salary is between 28163 - 30060 £ per year.
Number of Positions: 1
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £28163 - £30060
Working Hours: 37
Location: Oxfordshire
Business Unit: Law & Governance
About Us
At Oxfordshire County Council, we are proud to serve one of the most dynamic and diverse counties in the UK. Our Legal Services team plays a vital role in supporting the Council’s mission to deliver high-quality services to our residents. We are committed to innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, and we believe in empowering our people to make a real difference. We are a values-driven organisation, and everything we do is underpinned by our core principles:
- Always learning
- Be kind and care
- Equality and integrity in all we do
- Taking responsibility
- Daring to do it differently
We are embracing agile working and are committed to supporting our staff to work in ways that suit both their personal needs and the requirements of their role. Whether you’re based at County Hall or working remotely, you’ll be part of a supportive and forward-thinking team.
About the Role
As a Legal Assistant, you will be an essential part of our Legal Services team, providing high-quality administrative and casework support to lawyers, solicitors, paralegals, and legal apprentices. Your work will help ensure that legal matters are handled efficiently, professionally, and in line with court deadlines and internal standards. Your responsibilities will include:
- Managing and prioritising your own workload to meet critical deadlines
- Maintaining and organising electronic case files and legal documentation
- Supporting caseworkers with court paperwork, redactions, and correspondence
- Handling confidential and sensitive information with discretion
- Liaising with barristers’ chambers, external agencies, and internal departments
- Organising meetings, appointments, and travel arrangements
- Supporting financial processes such as invoice tracking and payment processing
- Assisting with general office duties including scanning, photocopying, and mail handling
- Attending and minuting meetings, and coordinating follow-up actions
This is a varied and rewarding role that offers the opportunity to develop your legal administrative skills in a supportive and professional environment.
About You
We are looking for someone who is proactive, organised, and committed to delivering excellent service. You will need to demonstrate:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent organisational and time management abilities
- A keen eye for detail and a commitment to accuracy
- The ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Confidence in using Microsoft Office and case management systems
- Experience working in a legal environment or similar professional setting
- A high level of discretion when handling confidential information
Qualifications/Experience:
Experience in a legal practice, department, or law firm is essential.
For CILEX Apprenticeship applicants: 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Maths.
If you are passionate about supporting legal professionals and want to be part of a team that values integrity, collaboration, and innovation, we would love to hear from you.
Rewards and benefits
- Culture of flexible working
- Technology to support agile working
- 30 days’ holiday p.a. plus bank holidays
- Option to ‘buy’ additional holiday
- Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support
- Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employer’s contribution of up to 19.9%
- Enhanced family friendly policies
- Local and national discounts for shopping and travel
- Great learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development.
Our commitment to: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.
Our commitment to: Guaranteed Interview Schemes
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.
Our commitment to: Safeguarding
Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.
Our commitment to: Flexible Working
We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, full time and part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.
Legal Assistant - OX1 1ND employer: Oxfordshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Oxfordshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Assistant - OX1 1ND
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the core principles of Oxfordshire County Council, such as equality, integrity, and collaboration. Demonstrating an understanding of these values during your interactions can set you apart as a candidate who aligns with their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the Legal Services team. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the role and the work culture, which you can reference in your discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills by preparing examples of how you've managed workloads or met deadlines in previous roles. Being able to discuss specific instances will highlight your ability to thrive in a fast-paced legal environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current legal trends and issues relevant to local government. This knowledge can help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Assistant - OX1 1ND
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in legal environments. Emphasise your organisational skills, attention to detail, and any specific software or case management systems you are familiar with.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for supporting legal professionals and how your values align with those of Oxfordshire County Council. Mention specific examples of your proactive approach and commitment to delivering excellent service.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have qualifications such as GCSEs in English and Maths or experience in a legal practice, make sure to mention these clearly in your application. This will demonstrate that you meet the essential criteria for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a Legal Assistant role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxfordshire County Council
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As a Legal Assistant, you'll need to manage your workload effectively. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've prioritised tasks in the past, especially under tight deadlines.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
The role requires a keen eye for detail, so be ready to highlight instances where your attention to detail made a difference. This could include proofreading documents or managing sensitive information.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Legal Terminology
Having a basic understanding of legal terms and processes will set you apart. Brush up on relevant terminology and be prepared to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in previous roles.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Show your enthusiasm by preparing thoughtful questions about the team and the work environment. This demonstrates your interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.