Paralegal

NORTH YORKSHIRE COUNCIL; York and North Yorkshire; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid working

Local Government Pension Scheme

Excellent annual leave

Job summary

The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority is recruiting a Paralegal to join our growing Legal Services team. You will provide high-quality legal and administrative support across a broad range of work, assisting with research, document preparation, case management and transactional work.

Join a modern public sector environment delivering high-profile projects across the region. The role offers diverse experience, strong professional development, and flexible, hybrid working arrangements.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a legal environment or similar professional setting.
• Knowledge of legal terminology, processes and procedures.
• Experience undertaking legal research and preparing legal documentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisation and planning skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications and electronic records systems.
• The ability to build positive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
• A commitment to high standards of customer service and professional conduct.
• Experience working within local government or the wider public sector.
• Experience managing your own legal caseload.
• A relevant legal qualification or legal studies background.
• Understanding of local authority governance and decision-making processes.

Responsibilities

• Manage and progress an allocated caseload of legal matters.
• Draft, review and prepare legal documents and correspondence.
• Undertake legal research and present findings clearly.
• Support solicitors and senior legal colleagues with projects and transactions.
• Maintain legal records and case management systems.
• Assist with hearings, tribunals, inquiries and other formal proceedings.
• Liaise with internal clients, external organisations, legal representatives and stakeholders.
• Monitor deadlines and ensure compliance with legal and procedural requirements.
• Identify risks and escalate issues where appropriate.
• Contribute to service improvement initiatives and the development of efficient working practices.

Skills

Legal environment experience

Legal terminology knowledge

Legal research experience

Written and verbal communication

Organisation and planning

Attention to detail

IT skills (Microsoft Office, records系统

Relationship building

Customer service standards

Public sector experience

Managing own caseload

Legal qualification or studies

Local authority governance knowledge

Education

Relevant legal qualification / legal studies

Tools

Microsoft Office

Electronic records systems

Job description

The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority was established as a new organisation in early 2024. It is a public sector employer with access to powers and funding to unlock transport and housing improvements, boost skills provision and help the economy transition to net zero for York and North Yorkshire. The Mayor also holds responsibilities in relation to Policing, Fire and Crime. Making the most of the combined strengths of the city region and rural powerhouse, the Combined Authority is a long-term commitment to shaping a brighter future for generations to come. By working for us you will play a part in making positive changes, unlocking investment, supporting business and communities to thrive and creating new and better opportunities for people that live and work here.

The Opportunity

Shape the Future of York and North Yorkshire

This is an exciting time to join the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. As a new and ambitious organisation, we are delivering transformational change across one of England's largest and most diverse regions.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly organised Paralegal to join our growing Legal Services team. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your legal career while supporting projects that make a real difference to communities, businesses and residents across York and North Yorkshire.

Working alongside experienced legal professionals, you will provide high-quality legal and administrative support across a broad range of work, helping to ensure the Authority delivers its priorities effectively, lawfully and efficiently.

About the Role

As a Paralegal, you will support the Legal Services team in delivering practical, high-quality legal services across a diverse portfolio of work.

You will assist with legal research, document preparation, case management and transactional work, providing support across a range of legal disciplines including:

• Commercial and contract law
• Governance and constitutional matters
• Transport and infrastructure projects
• Public law and regulatory matters
• Corporate and partnership arrangements

This role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in complex and high-profile legal work within a modern public sector environment.

What You'll Be Doing

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing and progressing an allocated caseload of legal matters.
• Drafting, reviewing and preparing legal documents and correspondence.
• Undertaking legal research and presenting findings clearly and accurately.
• Supporting solicitors and senior legal colleagues with projects and transactions.
• Maintaining legal records and case management systems.
• Assisting with hearings, tribunals, inquiries and other formal proceedings.
• Liaising with internal clients, external organisations, legal representatives and stakeholders.
• Monitoring deadlines and ensuring compliance with legal and procedural requirements.
• Identifying risks and escalating issues where appropriate.
• Contributing to service improvement initiatives and the development of efficient working practices.

What you will bring

We're looking for someone who combines strong legal knowledge with excellent organisational and communication skills.

You will have:

• Experience working in a legal environment or similar professional setting.
• Knowledge of legal terminology, processes and procedures.
• Experience undertaking legal research and preparing legal documentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisation and planning skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications and electronic records systems.
• The ability to build positive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
• A commitment to high standards of customer service and professional conduct.
• Experience working within local government or the wider public sector.
• Experience managing your own legal caseload.
• A relevant legal qualification or legal studies background.
• Understanding of local authority governance and decision-making processes.

Why Join Us?

At the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, you'll be part of an organisation that's helping to shape the future of the region.

In return, we offer:

• A varied and rewarding legal workload.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Generous Local Government Pension Scheme membership.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Excellent annual leave entitlement.
• Health and wellbeing support initiatives.
• The opportunity to contribute to projects that have a lasting impact on communities across York and North Yorkshire.

Our Values:

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to achieve their full potential. We welcome applications from all sections of our communities and are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

If you are interested in this fantastic opportunity or would like to discuss the role in more detail, please contact Carol Rehill [e-mail] for an informal conversation.