At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Legal Team with compliance work and provide high-quality legal support.
- Company: Riverside, a leading housing association enhancing communities for 90 years.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, 28 days holiday, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with excellent career growth and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in social housing while developing your legal skills.
- Qualifications: Degree from a recognised university and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 33619 - 37101 £ per year.
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £33,619.98 per annum (£37,101.35 is achieved after 12 months successful performance in the role)
Working Hours: 35 hours per week
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday - Hybrid
Location: Speke, Liverpool
If you share our values and are excited about making a significant impact at Riverside, please ensure you attach a current CV and covering letter. At Riverside we recruit to potential not just on skills and experience, so we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the essential criteria on the job description.
Please note that whilst we will accept applications based on any form of valid legal permission to work in the UK, we will be surrendering the Riverside Sponsorship licence, so for the avoidance of doubt, we are unable to apply for any further sponsorships whether on behalf of existing colleagues or candidates.
The difference you will make as a Paralegal
You will be part of and support the in-house Legal Team with building compliance work, including but not limited to, access for damp and mould inspections, electrical inspections, gas safety checks, fire safety work and stock condition surveys. You will provide high quality, responsive and consistent legal support on access matters from start to conclusion. This will include checking receipt of legal documentation such as legal packs and Court Orders, accurately drafting Court paperwork, including claim form, particulars of claim, draft orders and witness evidence.
About you
- A Degree from a recognised UK university or equivalent (or qualification gained from a non-UK university).
- Excellent database management skills.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- High level of IT literacy and excellent research skills.
- Ability to build strong working relationships within TRGL and with external stakeholders and advisers.
Why Riverside?
At Riverside, we’re a housing association with a difference – enhancing the everyday for all our customers. For 90 years, we’ve been revitalising neighbourhoods and supporting communities by providing the homes they need to live full, fulfilling and rewarding lives. We have a portfolio of over 75,000 affordable residential and retirement homes across the UK. Our work ranges from homelessness services to social care, employment support to retirement living, and we need the best people on board to help us.
Working with us, you’ll enjoy:
- Competitive pay & generous pension
- 28 days holidays plus bank holidays
- Flexible working options available
- Investment in your learning, personal development and technology
- A wide range of benefits
Diversity and Inclusion at Riverside: We are inclusive. At Riverside, we value diversity in all its forms. We foster a workplace where all individuals are respected, empowered, and heard. Our commitment to inclusivity drives our success and enriches the lives of our customers and colleagues. Riverside is a Disability Confident Employer and operates a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for any applicant who declares they have a disability. If the applicant meets the minimum requirements for the role (as set out in the role profile and/or person specification) they will be guaranteed an interview.
Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.
Role Profile
- Provide high quality, responsive and consistent legal support on access matters from start to conclusion. This will include:
- Checking receipt of legal documentation such as legal packs and Court Orders.
- Accurately drafting Court paperwork, including claim form, particulars of claim, draft orders and witness evidence.
- Updating our electronic case management system and customer relationship management system (Salesforce) to ensure case information is up to date at all times.
- Preparation of Court bundles.
- Updating the Legal Team’s diaries with hearing dates.
- Attendance at Court to represent TRGL.
- Drafting Briefs to Advocates.
- Instructing Process Servers.
- Liaising with the Court about applications and discontinuing cases where necessary.
- Work closely with other members of the Legal team and colleagues in the Building Compliance team to help develop an efficient, cost-effective process using internal systems for handling access matters and support with identifying and overcoming any issue with the process.
- Ability to handle a high volume of work with competing priorities / deadlines.
- Adhere to any applicable internal timescales/service standards.
- Ensure that use of the Legal case management system and customer relationship management system (Salesforce) is maintained and optimised to deliver an excellent service for access matters, including using templates.
- Attend meetings with the Housing Litigation team and Building Compliance team to discuss access matters as required.
- Assist with managing the Housing Litigation Team’s SharePoint and intranet pages.
- Be an effective team player and contribute to the wider team, which may include providing support with matters other than Building Compliance work, as and when required.
- Be an excellent ambassador for the Legal team and support the business positively and constructively in achieving its corporate objectives.
- Work towards personal and team objectives and attend training opportunities, as required.
- Adhere to the business’ policies and procedures.
Person specification
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Essential
- Degree from a recognised UK university or equivalent (or qualification gained from a non-UK university).
- Excellent database management skills.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- High level of IT literacy and excellent research skills.
- Ability to build strong working relationships within TRGL and with external stakeholders and advisers.
- Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills. Ability to work under pressure, deliver to strict deadlines and manage conflicting priorities.
- Outcome focussed with strong analytical skills, including the ability to analyse, sort and summarise information.
- Ability to work independently, using own initiative, taking ownership for decision-making and proposing solutions to issues identified.
- Demonstrates high level of motivation, resilience, and commitment to provide a high performing service.
- Excellent team player who can work flexibly to meet business requirements.
- Customer focussed and ability to engage with internal and external stakeholders alike in an honest and transparent manner to inspire confidence, trust, and respect.
- Demonstrates a commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in the workplace and in the delivery of legal services.
Desirable
- Law Degree, Graduate Diploma in Law or Legal Practice Course (or other relevant housing law experience).
- Knowledge and experience of the access process for compliance work such as electrical, gas and damp and mould matters.
- An interest in social housing.
- Knowledge of the relevant statutory, regulatory and common law applicable to the housing management functions of a social landlord.
- Aware of and/or experience of compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018.
- Experience of working successfully in a complex organisation, ideally in or for a housing association of local authority, or for tenants in private practice.
- Commitment to continual professional and personal development within the TRGL Legal Team on a long-term basis, with the possibility of an in-house training contract for the right candidate over time.
Paralegal in Liverpool employer: The Riverside Group
Riverside is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development, offering a competitive salary and generous benefits package, including 28 days of holiday and flexible working options. Our inclusive work culture fosters diversity and empowers individuals to make a meaningful impact in the community, particularly in the vital area of housing support. Located in Speke, Liverpool, we provide a supportive environment where you can thrive as a Paralegal while contributing to our mission of enhancing lives through quality housing services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Paralegal in Liverpool
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Riverside on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common paralegal questions. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using online resources to get comfortable with your answers and showcase your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for social housing during interviews. Talk about why it matters to you and how you can contribute to Riverside's mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Riverside team.
We think you need these skills to ace Paralegal in Liverpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Paralegal role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially your legal support and database management skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're excited about the role at Riverside and how your background aligns with our values and mission.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent written communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear, concise, and free of errors. This is your first impression, so make it count!
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We may close applications early, so get your CV and cover letter in as soon as you can through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Riverside Group
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on relevant housing law and compliance processes before the interview. Familiarise yourself with the access matters mentioned in the job description, like gas safety checks and damp inspections. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also understand the legal landscape you'll be working in.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent written and oral communication skills are essential for this role, prepare to demonstrate these during your interview. Think of examples where you've effectively communicated complex information or resolved conflicts. Practising your responses out loud can help you articulate your thoughts clearly.
✨Highlight Your Team Player Attitude
Riverside values collaboration, so be ready to discuss how you've worked successfully in teams before. Share specific instances where you contributed to a team goal or supported colleagues in achieving their objectives. This will help convey that you're not just a lone wolf but someone who thrives in a collaborative environment.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions about the role and the team. Ask about the challenges the Legal Team faces or how they measure success in this position. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
