Legal Assistant – Court

City of York Council; York and North Yorkshire; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council in York is seeking a legal assistant for a temporary 6-month position within the court team. You will support the litigation team, primarily assisting with prosecutions, and performing various administrative tasks. Ideal candidates should have strong attention to detail, good IT skills, and experience with Microsoft Word. The role offers flexible working arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package including generous annual leave and access to a pension scheme.

Benefits

Generous annual leave allowance

Local Government Pension Scheme

Comprehensive Health & Wellbeing initiatives

Flexible working practices

Discounts and rewards

Qualifications

• ECDL qualification or equivalent experience demonstrating good IT skills.
• Experience using Microsoft Word and bespoke systems is essential.
• Attention to detail and proofreading skills are necessary.

Responsibilities

• Draft summons, information, and possession claims in compliance with the Housing Act 1985.
• Prepare disclosure of housing files and warrant applications.
• Assist with administrative tasks in complex cases.

Skills

Attention to detail

Good IT skills (ECDL or equivalent)

Administrative experience

Experience in Microsoft Word

Job description

Internal Vacancy

INTERNAL VACANCY

If you are an internal candidate interested in applying for this job as a secondment opportunity, please discuss with your current line manager before submitting your application.

We have a 6 month temporary vacancy in our court team. This post offers a broad range of interesting work giving you an opportunity to develop skills in various areas of law.

As a legal assistant in the court team you will support the work of the litigation team.

You will be primarily supporting our prosecutions lawyer with private prosecutions in the Crown and Magistrates court supporting the work that the council undertakes for National Trading Standards as well as other prosecution work.

Key Responsibilities

• Drafting summons and information
• Drafting possession claims in compliance with the Housing Act 1985
• Prepare disclosure of housing files
• Warrant applications
• Notice to Quit for deceased tenants
• PNC – request previous convictions to the police via email
• Research and administrative tasks in more complex cases

The successful candidate must demonstrate their attention to detail and show a high aptitude in their ability to proof read.

We work in a fast paced environment, often with tight deadlines, therefore you will need to demonstrate a willingness to work flexibly.

The post holder will ideally have a qualification such as ECDL, or equivalent experience, to demonstrate good IT skills.

Experience in using Microsoft Word and bespoke systems is essential.

This role would suit someone with administrative experience on a variety of databases, or someone looking to begin their career in a legal environment.

This role is suitable as a job share opportunity.

Working Hours & Benefits

Hybrid working arrangements are available for this role. Each role at CYC is different and your working arrangements will be determined based on the requirements of the role and in collaboration with you and your needs as part of the recruitment process. Your contractual location will be the designated council office for your team.

The Council is committed to investing in the talent and wellbeing of our staff and can offer a generous annual leave allowance, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, comprehensive Health & Wellbeing initiatives and a reward package which recognises your contribution. We can offer flexible working practices, community engagement and volunteer activities and, as part of our commitment to you, promote continuous Learning & Development. In addition we also offer a growing range of discounts, rewards and savings.

Contact & Dates

For further information or an informal discussion please contact Jane Milthorp (Practice Manager) at [e-mail] or on 01904 55 2090.

Closing date: Wednesday 7 Jan 2026 at 12midnight

Interview date: Friday 16 January 2026