Legal Assistant (SC4) - Legal

Nations Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A legal recruitment agency is seeking a Property Legal Assistant to support a local council. Responsibilities include assisting with legal duties, preparing documents, and conducting research. The role requires a commitment to service excellence, and candidates should have or be studying for a relevant legal qualification. This position offers an immediate start with a pay rate of £17.78 per hour, and 35 working hours per week.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of local authority office procedures or general office administration.
• Experience in legal research and assisting in legal documentation.
• Ability to produce accurate work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Senior Lawyer with legal and administrative work.
• Undertake straightforward legal duties and prepare documents.
• Maintain computerised case management systems.

Skills

Ability to use standard Microsoft Packages

Good standard of literacy

Ability to communicate clearly and concisely

Ability to manage own time effectively

Experience of working in a legal environment

Experience of document preparation

Experience of dealing with a wide range of people

Experience of dealing with confidential issues

Ability to work methodically under pressure

Education

ILEX, Law degree, Diploma in Legal Studies

Job description

Job Category: Legal

Job location: 1 Catford Road, Catford, London, Greater London, SE6 4RU, United Kingdom

Lewisham Council

Hours per week: 35

Start date: Immediate start

Salary: £17.78 per hour

Property Legal Assistant

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB

To work at the direction and with supervision of the Senior Lawyer, to deal with routine legal and administrative work and assist members of staff with legal work, as assigned.

PERSONAL DUTIES

1. Under supervision and direction of the Senior Lawyer assist in a range of legal duties as required by the Senior Lawyer including interviewing witnesses and preparation of witness statements and other evidential material; assistance with, preparation and defence of proceedings in the Magistrates, Family Proceedings, Youth Justice, County and High Courts; co‑ordinating the attendance of witnesses, Counsel and others in Court; representing the Council at hearings of minor or straightforward cases, directions appointments and applications; service of notices or proceedings as required; preparation of documents and liaising with parties in respect of lease extensions, collective enfranchisement and right to buy matters; assistance with straightforward property transactions; assistance with straightforward contract and procurement matters; preparation of bundles and contract documentation.
2. To carry particular responsibility under supervision for more straightforward cases which involves legal work of less complexity.
3. Undertake legal research and assist more senior staff within Legal Services in respect of more complex transactions.
4. Provide all necessary support to staff within Legal Services as required.
5. Operate computerised case management and case progression systems, and input relevant data including time recording as required, adhering to current procedures for the scanning, storage and maintenance of all file records.
6. Maintain awareness of relevant legal and procedural developments.
7. Produce performance monitoring reports, collate and produce financial and other information and carry out such statistical recording and reporting as may be required.

KNOWLEDGE

Basic knowledge of local authority office procedures or general office administration S

APTITUDE

• Ability to learn and understand quickly S
• Ability to prepare routine reports/statistics
• Ability to work on own initiative
• Ability to undertake casework and associated tasks under direction and supervision
• Dedication, commitment and a capacity for hard work S
• An analytical approach to problem solving with the ability to apply critical thinking to problems on day to day basis

SKILLS

• Ability to use standard Microsoft Packages in order to produce a high standard of work.
• Good standard of literacy with ability to produce accurate work S
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in writing, in person and on the telephone
• Ability to manage own time effectively
• Experience of working in a legal environment S
• Experience of document preparation S
• Experience of dealing with a wide range of people
• Experience of dealing with confidential issues appropriately
• Experience of working methodically under pressure to meet deadlines S

PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Ability to communicate effectively and succinctly in writing S
• Ability to follow instructions accurately and effectively
• Ability to work as an effective member of a team dealing with a variety of duties
• Willingness to learn new skills and commitment to continuous personal development
• Commitment to service excellence

Special Requirements

Ability, on occasions, to work late to deal with urgent deadlines

Generally candidates must meet standard Lewisham requirements for the post

Professional Qualification(s)

Obtained or studying for ILEX, Law degree, Diploma in Legal Studies or other relevant qualification.