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- Tasks: Assist the litigation team with drafting cases for court and managing various legal matters.
- Company: Join Canterbury City Council and make a difference in your community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a fantastic local government pension scheme.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience in a supportive team while making an impact on local legal issues.
- Qualifications: Background in litigation law or relevant experience, strong communication and time management skills.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent training and development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 35064 - 38638 ÂŁ per year.
An exciting paralegal job opportunity in Canterbury within Legal Services at Canterbury City Council. In this supporting role to the litigation team, you will be assisting with drafting and preparing cases for court on a variety of civil and criminal court functions related mainly to housing matters, debts, anti-social behaviour and prosecutions. You will primarily be progressing Housing Conditions (Disrepair) cases at Pre-Action Protocol stage and in proceedings as this is a particularly busy area for the team. There will also be opportunity to work on a wide variety of matters due to ever-changing priorities.
The title of the role within our structure is Legal Officer – Litigation which is the equivalent to a paralegal role.
What’s in it for you?
- Salary range of £35,064.26 – £38,638.08
- Cost of living pay award negotiated annually as a salary increase
- Flexible, hybrid working – we understand the importance of a good work-life balance.
- A generous annual leave entitlement: 23 days annual leave which increases with service, plus bank holidays, PLUS 3 given days usually used over the Christmas period when our main offices are closed.
- Option to buy more annual leave.
- A fantastic local government pension scheme.
- Support and encouragement for your career through excellent opportunities for training and development, as well as covering your Professional Body Membership fees where essential to the role.
- Employee perks, including multiple retailer and lifestyle discounts.
- An easier commute: free use of Canterbury’s Park and Ride, flexi bus tickets, and a cycle to work scheme.
- Access to free counselling, advice and webinars through our employee assistance programme, as well as contributions to the cost of Flu Jabs.
About This Legal Officer Job Opportunity
This role assists the Litigation team in providing an efficient and proactive litigation service to the Council.
Here’s What You’ll Get Up To:
- Receiving instructions from clients, preparing court bundles and other papers for matters before the courts.
- Legal research and drafting advice notes to clients.
- Drafting correspondence within proceedings and at pre-action protocol stage.
- Adapting to working on different areas of litigation to focus on particularly busy areas.
- Meeting the demands of the civil and criminal courts processes including meeting court deadlines and drafting documents to initiate court processes and statements.
- Prioritising workloads to ensure that urgent matters take priority whilst routine work continues to meet deadlines.
- Liaising with clients to receive further instructions to fill any gaps in the information provided.
- Advising clients on procedure.
Working Pattern:
Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays. This is a full-time permanent post at 37 hours per week. The team works in a hybrid way with a mix of some days in the office and some days working from home which may change to meet the demands of the service and ensure cover.
About You, The Ideal Person For The Job:
- A background in litigation law and procedures or work experience in a similar role.
- Experience of working well with clients and familiar with taking clear instruction.
- Excellent drafting, negotiation and communication skills.
- A proven ability to manage a varied caseload with minimal supervision.
- Strong time management skills.
- A levels (or similar) qualification or equivalent skills gained by experience.
If this Paralegal job opportunity in Canterbury looks right for you, please apply today! Simply click the “Apply Online” button and create your account to begin your application form. For an informal chat to find out more about the role or what it’s like to work for Canterbury City Council’s Legal Services team, please contact Jan Guyler by email to jan.guyler@canterbury.gov.uk.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at Canterbury City Council. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity in everything we do. We provide a safe and welcoming environment where everyone is valued, included and respected. Our diversity strengthens our ability to serve the diverse communities we support through our work.
Paralegal (Litigation) in Canterbury employer: South East Employers
Contact Detail:
South East Employers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Paralegal (Litigation) in Canterbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who might know someone at Canterbury City Council. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your litigation knowledge. Familiarise yourself with recent cases related to housing and anti-social behaviour. This will show you’re genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your soft skills! Communication and time management are key in this role. Be ready to share examples of how you’ve successfully managed a caseload or communicated effectively with clients in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the team at Canterbury City Council. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Paralegal (Litigation) in Canterbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in litigation law and procedures. We want to see how your skills align with the specific requirements of the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experience!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves liaising with clients and drafting documents, it’s crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect your ability to convey information effectively.
Highlight Your Time Management Abilities: We’re looking for someone who can manage a varied caseload efficiently. In your application, mention any experiences where you successfully prioritised tasks or met tight deadlines to show us you can handle the demands of the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at Canterbury City Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at South East Employers
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on litigation law and procedures, especially those related to housing matters. Familiarise yourself with common cases and legal terminology that might come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare examples of your drafting, negotiation, and communication skills. Think of specific instances where you've successfully managed a caseload or worked with clients, as these will demonstrate your capability for the role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to court processes or client interactions. Practise how you would handle urgent matters or adapt to changing priorities, as this is key for the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, workload, and opportunities for professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
