Senior Paralegal (People) - 05654

West Berkshire Council; Newbury; Hybrid; GBP 33,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking a Senior Paralegal to join their dynamic legal team. The role involves supporting the Principal Lawyer with various legal tasks, especially focusing on Special Educational Needs Tribunals. Candidates should possess strong legal research skills and prior experience as a Paralegal. Flexible and hybrid working options are available, and the position offers a competitive salary of up to £39,862 per annum.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Generous annual leave

Wellbeing Programme

Local Government pension scheme

Qualifications

• Previous experience working as a Paralegal, ideally within a public sector.
• Solid knowledge and understanding of Special Educational Needs law.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work to tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparation of legal documents.
• Conduct legal research and provide summaries.
• Manage case files and maintain accurate records.
• Attend meetings and take detailed notes.
• Provide administrative support including bundles.

Skills

Legal research

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Time management

Team collaboration

Education

Experience as a Paralegal

Understanding of Special Educational Needs law

Job description

Overview

Are you an experienced Paralegal looking to take the next step in your career within a dynamic and supportive legal team? West Berkshire Council's Legal and Democratic Service is seeking a Senior Paralegal to provide essential support to the Principal Lawyer - People Team, working on a range of interesting and varied legal matters, with a focus on Special Educational Needs Tribunals.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with the preparation of legal documents such as court/tribunal submissions
• Conducting legal research and providing summaries of findings
• Managing and maintaining case files, ensuring accurate record-keeping
• Attending client meetings and taking detailed notes, including advising clients with supervision as required
• Attending court/tribunal hearings
• Providing administrative support including bundles

In addition to the above, you will have the opportunity to work on more complex legal matters under the guidance of the Principal Lawyer, allowing you to further develop your skills and expertise.

Qualifications

• Previous experience working as a Paralegal, ideally within a public sector or local authority environment
• Solid knowledge and understanding of Special Educational Needs law
• Excellent research and analytical skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work to tight deadlines
• Proactive and self-motivated, with a positive and professional attitude

In addition to the above, you should also be a team player, able to collaborate effectively with colleagues and clients.

West Berkshire Council Offer – Employment Benefits

• Flexible working wherever possible between the hours of 07.00-21.00
• Hybrid working wherever possible, working 40% in the office
• Access to a wide range of training and development opportunities
• Generous Local Government pension scheme
• Family friendly policies
• A range of local discounts
• Wellbeing Programme including Employee Assistance Programme and employee benefits
• Generous annual leave entitlement starting at 29 days per annum (plus public holidays), rising by an additional 5 days after 5 years’ service

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. If you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

In addition to the above, you will benefit from a competitive salary of up to £39,862 per annum, pro rata for part-time hours, and a working week of 37 hours. For the right candidate, there may be future opportunities to gain further qualification.

This post is a Sensitive Post under the Local Government Housing Act 1989 and the post-holder is restricted from engaging in any prescribed political activities. Full details of the restrictions can be found in the Council’s Policy and Guidance on Politically Restricted Posts.

For an informal discussion to learn more about this role, please contact Laura Knowles on 01635 503136 or email [e-mail].

We may consider offering fewer hours than advertised if the candidate meets the role and service requirements, as determined by the recruiting manager.

If you are a motivated and skilled Paralegal looking to contribute to the legal team at West Berkshire Council, we invite you to apply for this opportunity.

How to Apply & Equal Opportunities

Explore everything that a career with West Berkshire Council has to offer here: Working with Us

Equal Opportunities The Council supports equal opportunity of employment and positively encourages applications from people who fall within any of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

How to Apply

Please complete a short online application form. You will then be able to upload your CV. This role has been identified as public facing in accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016; the requirement to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English applies. This privacy notice applies to job applicants applying for vacancies with West Berkshire Council: https://info.westberks.gov.uk/pnapplications