At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal services, manage cases, draft documents, and advocate in courts.
- Company: Join South Ribble Council, dedicated to improving community quality of life.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, hybrid working, healthcare cash plan, and free parking.
- Other info: Flexible approach needed; travel around boroughs is part of the role.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your legal skills.
- Qualifications: Degree level education and experience in a legal department required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are looking for an enthusiastic Senior Paralegal to join our Legal team who is committed to the development of a positive, professional, and forward-looking service.
You should be enthusiastic and confident with excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- What you’ll be getting up to
- To provide legal services across the range of council functions.
- Manage a variety of cases for different council functions.
- To clerk Counsel in the courts.
- To draft and interpret legal documents to include but not be limited to information, complaints, particulars of claim, Briefs to Counsel, Court Bundles, and contracts.
- To undertake advocacy in courts and tribunals.
- To instruct external solicitors and Counsel as necessary.
- To prepare responses to Freedom of Information requests and provide appropriate advice.
- Who we’re looking for
- You will have experience of working within a legal department.
- Local government experience is preferred but not essential, but you should have a flexible approach and be able to deliver in a busy an challenging environment.
- We are looking for a candidate with experience of advising in relation to and undertaking work in one or more of the following areas: - Contracts -Public Procurement Law -Civil Litigation -Criminal Litigation -Planning Law -Licensing/Regulatory Law -Data Protection/Freedom of Information -Debt Recovery
- You will have excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of a team to deliver excellent services.
- You will be educated to degree level.
- Otherrequirements
- This role requires some travel around our boroughs. You should have a valid driving licence or the equivalent mobility.
- Our Benefits
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (and Christmas shutdown)
- Hybrid/agile working from day one
- Local Government pension
- Healthcare Cash Plan for cash back on health treatments
- Cashback website access for savings on brands you love
- Volunteering days
- Free parking
About Us
At South Ribble Council, our mission is to provide a first-class service and improve the quality of life for our communities.
Our staff are our greatest resource in helping us achieve this.
They’re at the heart of everything we do and are crucial to the delivery of excellent services.
Working Together
We share a number of our services with Chorley Council.
This allows for improved resilience across both councils and provides numerous benefits to our operations.
Whilst some staff and back-end processes are shared between the Councils, both Councils still retain sovereignty and have separate strategies and corporate plans.
Additional information
Applicants are advised to apply early. We reserve the right to close a vacancy prior to the closing date.
Equal Opportunities
We believe that everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
We are committed to the elimination of unfair and unlawful discrimination and prejudice in all our policies, procedures, and practices.
We’re committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and accessible to everyone.
This includes making adjustments for disabled people, neurodiverse people or people with long-term health conditions.
If you are disabled or your last employer was the armed forces, and you meet all the essential criteria of a post, you will be guaranteed an interview.
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Senior Paralegal employer: South Ribble Borough Council and Chorley Borough Council
At South Ribble Council, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values our staff as our greatest resource. With a commitment to professional development, a supportive work culture, and a range of benefits including hybrid working, generous leave, and a local government pension, we ensure our employees thrive in a fulfilling environment. Join us in making a positive impact in our communities while enjoying the unique advantages of working within local government.
Contact Details:
South Ribble Borough Council and Chorley Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Paralegal
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including South Ribble Borough Council and Chorley Borough Council, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Paralegal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at South Ribble Borough Council and Chorley Borough Council, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in South Ribble Borough Council and Chorley Borough Council and the specific role of Senior Paralegal. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for South Ribble Borough Council and Chorley Borough Council’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Ribble Borough Council and Chorley Borough Council
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at South Ribble Borough Council and Chorley Borough Council.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at South Ribble Borough Council and Chorley Borough Council.
