Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a caseload of housing and disrepair cases while drafting legal documents.
- Company: Join a local government organisation in Lewisham making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, flexible hours, and competitive pay at £33.43 per hour.
- Why this job: Gain valuable legal experience in a supportive team with potential for contract extension.
- Qualifications: A law degree or graduate diploma in law is essential; previous housing experience is a plus.
- Other info: This role offers a 6-12 month contract with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Positive Employment is currently recruiting for a Legal Assistant/Paralegal for our client a local government organisation in Lewisham.The successful candidate will provide maternity cover for the paralegal in the housing and disrepair team.This role is a 6-12 month contract with the possibility to extend. This role is hybrid working 2 days in the office, 3 from home.Duties and Responsibilities but not limited to:
- Manage a caseload of 40 mixed disrepair and housing cases (supervised by the Principal Lawyer/Senior Lawyer.Drafting defences, witness statements and application notices, settling claims and dealing with costs issues.
- Attending legal, income and housing management meetings.
- Carry out some administrative tasks including:
- Ensuring that an accurate log is kept of all existing and new housing and disrepair cases.
- Arranging for the payment of external invoices.
- Arranging Counsel for hearings and sending bundles to Counsel.
- Entering hearing dates into the Legal Housing Calendar.
- Sharing the monitoring of the dedicated Legal Housing inbox (with the Legal Assistant in the team) to deal with enquiries relating to new and existing cases and assisting external solicitors with clients and escalating matters when necessary.
Personal Requirements:
- A law degree or a graduate diploma in law.
- Previous experience working as part of a housing and disrepair team as a legal assistant/paralegal (Desirable).
- Knowledgeable about relevant housing legislation.
- Previous experience working for a local government organisation.
Working Hours:37hrs / 9:00am – 17:00pm / Monday to FridayPay:£33.43 per hrPlease note this role is within the scope of IR35. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Legal Assistant/Paralegal employer: Positive Employment
Contact Detail:
Positive Employment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Assistant/Paralegal
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific housing legislation relevant to the role. This will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the legal landscape in which you'll be working.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in local government or housing law. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with others in the field, as they may provide insights or even referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience managing a caseload, especially in disrepair and housing cases. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've handled similar responsibilities in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the local government organisation you're applying to. Understanding their values, recent projects, and challenges can help you tailor your conversation during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Assistant/Paralegal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in housing and disrepair law. Include specific examples of cases you've managed or assisted with, and emphasise any previous roles within local government.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that directly addresses the job description. Mention your law degree or diploma, and explain how your skills and experiences make you a perfect fit for the role. Be sure to express your enthusiasm for working in a local government organisation.
Showcase Relevant Skills: In your application, highlight skills such as case management, drafting legal documents, and familiarity with housing legislation. Provide examples of how you've successfully used these skills in past roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a legal role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Positive Employment
✨Know Your Legislation
Familiarise yourself with relevant housing legislation before the interview. Being able to discuss specific laws and how they apply to disrepair cases will demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your previous experience that highlight your skills in managing a caseload, drafting legal documents, and attending meetings. This will help you illustrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the position.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the types of cases you will be handling, and the expectations for the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Adaptability
Since this role involves hybrid working, be ready to discuss how you manage your time and tasks effectively when working remotely. Highlight any previous experience you have with remote work and how you stay organised.
