Paralegal

Wigan Council; Wigan; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Wigan is seeking a Paralegal to support legal functions and assist client officers. This role involves drafting legal documents, engaging in negotiations, and conducting legal research for stakeholders. Candidates should possess a degree in Law (2:2 or above) or relevant experience in a busy legal environment. This position offers a supportive environment for career development with potential access to training contracts and apprenticeships.

Benefits

Continuous professional development

Payment of professional fees

Wide range of training opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Experience in a busy legal environment is essential.
• Capable of providing legal advice effectively.

Responsibilities

• Assist client officers and prepare legal proceedings.
• Handle a legal caseload under supervision.
• Perform legal research and liaise with external solicitors.

Skills

Legal drafting

Negotiation skills

Legal research

Client communication

Education

Degree in Law (2:2 or above)

CILEX Professional Diploma (Level 3)

Job description

As a Paralegal you will be part of a client focussed and outcomes driven legal and democratic function.

You will work closely with client officers, Elected Members, partner organisations and other key stakeholders to assist them in the delivery of their service objectives and priorities.

You will co-work cases with Lawyers and handle a legal caseload under supervision. You will need to be able to draft legal documents, engage in negotiations and prepare proceedings on behalf of the Council.

You will also be required to undertake legal research on behalf of colleagues, gather evidence and documentation and liaising with key stakeholders including external solicitors, barristers and courts.

About you:

This role is a fantastic opportunity for individuals who are looking to start or continue their careers in law in a local government setting.

You will need to have a degree in Law 2:2 or above, the Level 3 CILEX Professional Diploma in law or significant experience of working in a busy legal environment working in the areas of law outlined above.

You will be able to operate in a pressurised and deadline driven environment and be able to provide legal advice to assist and guide clients when making decisions. You will co-work cases and handle a legal caseload under supervision drafting legal documentation, engage in negotiations and prepare proceedings on behalf of the Council.

You will also be required to undertake legal research on behalf of colleagues, gather evidence and documentation and liaise with external stakeholders including external solicitors, barristers and courts.

Wigan Council has been voted Overall Council of the Year at the APSE (Association for Public Service Excellence) Awards. We are signed up to the Greater Manchester Continuous Service Commitment ensuring that your service will be continuous or 'unbroken' between the supporting organisations.

The Progress with Unity plan is a place movement for change for the next decade, bringing a new era for Wigan Borough. It draws on the strengths of our individual organisations, recognising that together we can achieve much more for our communities by delivering on our 2 place missions; create fair opportunities for all children, families, residents and businesses and make our towns and neighbourhoods flourish for those who live and work in them.

We aim to offer services which are good value for money, innovative in their approach and delivery, risk aware not risk averse and open to doing things differently. We adopt a collaborative approach with all our clients ensuring we are embedded in all their processes and decision making.

We are committed to the continuous professional development of our staff which includes the payment of professional fees, a wide range of training opportunities and potential for management development.

Salary: Grade 5, 26,824 - 29,540 per annum. 13.90 - 15.31 per hour

5 x 37 hours per week

We’re on a journey to build a workforce reflective of our Borough.

We are committed to fostering diverse teams where everybody can bring their authentic selves to work and feel that they belong. If you want to work for a Council where everybody is encouraged to meet their full potential and make a difference in our neighbourhoods, we would love to hear from you!

Your role:

This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals looking to commence or continue their career in local government. If successful candidates may have access to future internal training opportunities including training contracts and chartered legal executive apprenticeships.

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