Paralegal

Elmbridge; Ewell; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexible working (WFH up to 3 days)

Flexi-time

Professional subscription

Discounted health scheme

Job summary

Tandridge District Council is seeking an enthusiastic Paralegal to join its in-house Local Authority Legal Team, providing support across property, contracts, planning, debts and general legal work. The role offers exposure to diverse council functions and opportunities to work under experienced solicitors.

The successful candidate will build relationships with staff and external contacts, demonstrate initiative, and be a proactive team player able to manage work to deadlines with strong IT

Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will have experience as a legal assistant or paralegal and able to demonstrate their ability to handle a variety of work with minimum supervision working to required timescales.
• They will be confident, professional, and an effective communicator who can deliver on time to all stakeholders including senior officers and elected members as required.
• They will also be a proactive team player, flexible in approach and willing to get involved in all areas of the Legal Service’s work.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth legal research on a range of issues affecting the Council.
• Deal with straightforward property and commercial contract matters under supervision.
• Assist with debt collection, and with the preparation and presentation of cases at tribunals and courts.
• Deal with miscellaneous legal queries and general office duties.

Skills

Legal research

MS Office

Outlook

Communication

Time management

Teamwork

Education

Law degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Job description

We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Paralegal to join our well respected in-house Local Authority Legal Team. The successful candidate will be someone that can provide legal assistance across the range of Council functions, in particular with legal matters relating to property, contracts, planning, debts and other general legal work.

About the role

This role requires you to build and maintain effective working relationships with staff, external contacts and third parties.

There are opportunities to take on a wide variety of work under the supervision of experienced solicitors and within a friendly and supportive team.

• Conduct in-depth legal research on a range of issues affecting the Council.
• Deal with straightforward property and commercial contract matters under supervision.
• Assist with debt collection, and with the preparation and presentation of cases at tribunals and courts.
• Deal with miscellaneous legal queries and general office duties.

Who we’re looking for

The ideal candidate will have experience as a legal assistant or paralegal and able to demonstrate their ability to handle a variety of work with minimum supervision working to required timescales.

As well as having the technical ability they will be confident, professional, and an effective communicator who can deliver on time to all stakeholders including senior officers and elected members as required. They will also be a proactive team player, flexible in approach and willing to get involved in all areas of the Legal Service’s work and to play a prominent role in helping the service to develop and improve.

You’ll have a Law degree, or equivalent level of legal training and excellent IT skills, in particular Microsoft Office suite and Outlook, and the ability to present information in a variety of forms to a high standard.

What we offer

When you join us your expertise, skills and experience will be valued, and your career development will be our priority.

We are committed to creating a collaborative and innovative environment which empowers you to thrive. You will be part of a friendly, supportive One Team culture with the chance to make a real difference.

We use Viva Engage to keep you connected and engaged and we hold regular face to face meetings, such as Chief Executive briefings to keep you in the loop.

We are conveniently located close to Oxted Station and have some on‑site parking.

In addition to the stated pay, we offer membership and contributions towards the Local Government Pension Scheme, flexible working (giving you the opportunity to work from home for up to three days a week), flexi‑time, payment of a relevant professional subscription and access to a discounted health scheme.

Please visit our website for more information about working for us www.tandridge.gov.uk/jobs and download our Working for Tandridge guide.

Diversity statement

At Tandridge District Council, we pride ourselves on maintaining an inclusive workplace, ensuring equality, fairness, and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do and good practice is embedded in the Council’s culture and services.

We welcome applications from all sectors of our community, including BAME, LGBTQ+ and all groups protected under the Equality Act.

Tandridge is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Local Government Reorganisation

The government is reorganising local councils in Surrey. The current two‑tier system where services are split between Surrey County Council and district or borough councils, will be replaced by two new unitary councils - East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council.

East Surrey Council will cover Elmbridge, Epsom & Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate & Banstead and Tandridge District managing all local services, including housing, planning, waste, education, roads and social care.

Although this may lead to some uncertainty for anyone considering a role with us, we need to continue to provide services.

When the new councils are created in April 2027, most staff will transfer to the new council on their current terms and conditions. Being part of a larger organisation may offer additional opportunities for career development and variety.

The majority of the roles we currently have will still be needed whether that is for planning, housing, recycling and waste, finance, IT, HR etc. Find out more about what local government reorganisation means for us

Find out more about what local government reorganisation means for us.

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We understand that some applicants may use AI tools to assist with preparing their applications.

All submitted information, whether supported by AI or not, must accurately reflect the applicant’s own skills, experience and qualifications.

Recruitment decisions will be based on how well applicants demonstrate these attributes during the interview and selection process.