At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage legal cases, assist with drafting, and provide legal advice in a dynamic litigation team.
- Company: Join Thurrock Council, a supportive and inclusive workplace committed to employee development.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, flexible working, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the legal field while developing your skills and career.
- Qualifications: GCSEs and A Levels, plus experience as a paralegal in a legal services team.
- Other info: Embrace a flexible work culture with hybrid options available.
The predicted salary is between 39600 - 46800 £ per year.
Salary: per annum
Grade: F
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract - 12 months
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
About the Role
We are seeking an exceptional and committed individual to join us as a Paralegal in a unique and interesting role within the Litigation Team Legal Services. As a Paralegal in the Litigation Team you will be responsible for:
- Undertaking and managing a full caseload of legal work for prosecutions such as education and environmental offences.
- Assisting with drafting and legal work on all other prosecution matters such as trading standards, public protection, health and safety, and enforcement.
- Where appropriate, the preparation and/or conduct of such other appropriate cases as may be referred to the postholder by the team Leader/Lawyer before the High Court, County Court, Magistrates inquiries, and tribunals including advocacy and instructing Counsel in approved cases.
- Carrying out research and providing legal advice to client departments on all related legal transactions.
- Communicating with clients, external Solicitors, and others in person, on the phone, or by email as required.
- Reviewing and updating templates and procedures where appropriate.
- Seeking to protect the Council's interests while taking precautions against potential fraud and money laundering.
- Obtaining court dates and liaising with Magistrates' Courts in relation to Single Justice Procedure (SJP) and miscellaneous listings.
- The collation, checking, and sending of supporting legal and financial documents.
- The recording of all key actions and ensuring data is regularly updated.
- To prepare, negotiate, draft, agree, and process legal documents.
- Provide responsive advice and make decisions in relation to specialist areas of prosecution/litigation law.
- Personally manage a caseload and be able to work unsupervised.
- To notify and advise on any instructions or events that would result in a breach by the Council or an individual of any legislation, common law, standing order, rule, propriety, or would constitute a course of action amounting to maladministration.
- Keep up to date on legal and policy developments within the area of prosecution/litigation law.
- To attend and participate in meetings with Officers of the Council and to provide legal advice when required.
- Be willing and able to work in a flexible and agile way with regards to both hours and location of work including remote and home working as required and subject to service needs and requirements.
What We're Looking For
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and on own initiative.
- Experience of working in a legal office accredited to Lexcel standards and of implementing changes to Lexcel Standards.
- Ability to manage relationships with Senior Management and officers in other Departments effectively and proactively.
- Ability to assist driving the performance management framework.
- Ability to assist on the implementation of best value quality initiatives and improvements to client care.
- Ability to collate and analyse data.
- Ability to assist in driving forward IT and e-government objectives in Legal Services.
- Ability to grasp and assimilate new information quickly.
- Ability to advise Members and Senior Officers.
- Ability to adopt a proactive approach to providing legal advice and support.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Ability to relate the Council's key policy objectives to the provision of the legal service.
- Advocacy.
- Good general level of understanding of IT systems especially case management/time recording packages.
- Excellent numeracy and literacy skills.
- Understanding of Local Government structures and legal frameworks.
- Understanding of Law Society practice management standards.
- Five GCSEs and 2 A Levels.
- Experience as a paralegal within a legal services team in a Local Authority or law firm.
- Experience of working towards achieving/monitoring quality initiatives.
- Experience in a performance management culture.
- To behave in accordance with our values.
- Commitment to the principles of agile working including the ability to work flexibly with regards to both hours of work and location of work including remote and home working as required.
- Paralegal with experience in this field of work.
- Understanding of and commitment to principles of equality and diversity and compliance with Thurrock Council policies.
Benefits of Working with Us
- Generous annual leave entitlement.
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable).
- Ongoing training and professional development.
- Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
- Staff discounts and local offers.
- A supportive and inclusive working environment.
Important Dates
- Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 20th November 2025.
- Closing Date (Internal & External): 30th November 2025.
- Interview Date: To Be Confirmed.
Additional Information
If you have any questions about the role or interview process please contact: Godwin Mangse - Principal Lawyer Litigation Team.
Paralegal Litigation in Grays employer: Thurrock Council
Contact Detail:
Thurrock Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Paralegal Litigation in Grays
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, attend industry events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs, especially in areas like litigation and legal drafting. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your advocacy skills! Whether it’s mock interviews or presenting your case studies, being articulate and confident will set you apart. Remember, communication is key in the legal world, so let your personality shine through.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you that Paralegal position!
We think you need these skills to ace Paralegal Litigation in Grays
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Paralegal role. Highlight your relevant experience in litigation and legal drafting, and show us how you can contribute to our team.
Show Off Your Skills: We want to see your organisational skills and attention to detail. Include examples of how you've managed a caseload or worked under pressure in previous roles. This will help us understand your capabilities.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thurrock Council
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key areas of law relevant to the role, especially litigation and prosecution matters. Familiarise yourself with recent cases or changes in legislation that could impact your work as a paralegal.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples of how you've managed a caseload or organised legal documents in previous roles. Being able to demonstrate your ability to keep everything in order will impress the interviewers.
✨Practice Your Communication
Since you'll be liaising with clients and other departments, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or family to refine your communication style.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific legal situations or challenges. Think through potential scenarios related to the job description and prepare your responses to show your problem-solving skills.