Paralegal (SC6-SO2)

The salary scale spans from SC6 to SO2 (£20.55 PAYE up to £24.24 PAYE) depending on experience. Should the hiring manager conclude that the candidate fulfills all the criteria for SO2, this will be indicated in the job offer rate. Job Description Job Title: Paralegal Grade: SC6 � SO2 Function: Corporate Resources / Legal Services Reporting to: Senior Lawyer Responsible for: N/A Main Purpose � To assist in providing an efficient and effective legal service to the Council by providing paralegal support to the lawyers and the team � To conduct routine legal work under supervision of the Senior Lawyer � To attend court and instruct counsel as and when required. � To provide support to the Principal and Senior Lawyers in the administration of team procedures, team meetings and implementing team Lexcel procedures � To carry out the duties of the post in a pro-active and enabling manner and within the policy objectives of the Council. Principle Accountabilities Scale 6

1. Carry out legal and support tasks in one or more of the fields of civil and criminal litigation, planning, housing, social services, information governance, employment, regeneration, contracts and conveyance or any other function within the Council�s duties.
2. Carry out a range of legal duties as allocated to include dealing with routine legal enquiries by way of telephone and correspondence, obtaining and recording key dates (including hearing dates), writing letters, obtaining statements under the supervision of the senior lawyer.
3. Prepare bundles in accordance with court rules, arrange service of documents and arrange attendance at court, liaise with parties and witnesses concerned as appropriate
4. Attend Court to issue applications and lodge documents, and to assist Counsel as and when required. 2
5. Liaise with officers and managers in other departments, keeping them informed of progress of cases and taking any other appropriate measures to ensure continued client satisfaction
6. Collect and present all necessary statistical data and reports for the team as required.
7. Maximise the use and effectiveness of information technology systems including maintaining electronic court diaries
8. Ensure that all duties are carried out with due regard to the provisions of health and safety legislation, the Council�s Equal Opportunities and Customer Care Policies; quality service objectives and other Council and Directorate requirements
9. Undertake tasks and projects as allocated by the Senior Lawyer in accordance with instructions and to undertake any other duties that may be required consistent with the overall purpose and duties of the post to meet the exigencies of the service.
10. To assist in the drafting of routine pleadings, statements, applications, leases, and the conveyance of property Principle accountabilities for S01 All of the accountabilities for SC6 as well as:
11. Organise and manage their own workload to enable legal services to be delivered in a timely way, maximising resources
12. Draft routine pleadings, statements, applications and leases and conveyances and conduct routine negotiations under the supervision of the senior lawyer.
13. Provide cover the workload of colleagues as required
14. Assist in preparing instructions for Counsel as required with supervision
15. Design, develop and implement effective administrative procedures for the team
16. Assist in the development of, to operate and be conversant with the case management system and other working practices to ensure the efficient and effective use of such systems by the team.
17. Undertake legal research and assist senior staff within legal services in respect of their work and the training they provide to clients as required
18. Make use of materials provided by the Service, eg electronic products, journals to ensure that they are conversant with the most current law in their area of work to enable them to give effective and efficient legal support 3 Principle accountabilities of SO2 All of the accountabilities for SC6 and SO1 as well as:
19. Undertake non-defended common law/litigation matters and routine undefended matters, attending at criminal and civil courts of competent jurisdiction on interlocutory matters, representing the Council where appropriate and drafting routine documentation and pleadings
20. To provide legal advice, guidance and support preparing orders and notices, drafting and similar agreements and legal work necessary for the performance of the team�s functions.
21. Instruct Counsel for the presentation of cases in court, appeals, inquiries, tribunal and other hearings, negotiations or arbitrations
22. Prepare briefings for the team on developments and changes in legislation
23. Prepare reports for managers as required and to accompany and support Legal Officers in meetings and briefings
24. Assist the Legal Service to achieve the goals set out in its Business Plan including participating in projects to ensure the continuous improvement of the Service.
25. Contribute to the training and induction of new members of staff to ensure a seamless service provision to the Council
26. Contribute to the development of the Legal Service through identifying opportunities for improvement and contributing to the design and delivery of the Business Plan 4 Person Specification � Paralegal It is essential that your written application give evidence or examples of your proven experience in each of the criteria marked application. Evidence of other areas will be sought at interview and/or test (as highlighted). For link/career graded post, please mark knowledge, experience, and behaviours clearly for each grade. Criteria Short List Criteria Key knowledge Knowledge 1 (SC6) Knowledge of practice and procedures in a legal setting (SO1) Knowledge of local government legal services and practice and procedures (SO2) Good understanding and knowledge of one or more of the fields of civil and criminal litigation, planning, housing, social services, employment, regeneration, contracts and conveyancing preferably in a local government setting (SC6) Knowledge of practice and procedures in a legal setting ??Application/ Interview Experience Experience 1 (SC6) Recent and relevant experience of working in a support role within a legal department (SO1) Demonstrable and recent experience of working in a legal support role preferably within a public sector legal department. (SO2) Demonstrable and recent experience of handling casework in a paralegal capacity preferably within a public sector legal department ??Application/ Interview Qualification Qualification 1 (SC6) Educated to A Level standard ??Application/ Interview 5 (SO1) Educated to law degree level or equivalent experience (SO2) Relevant vocational training ie Legal Practice Course, Bar Vocational Course, FILEX Key Behaviours Focuses on Citizens: Level 1 Responds appropriately to citizens � Gives friendly and polite advice � Follows up customer enquiries or requests for information � Seeks ways of helping citizens rather than sticking rigidly to the �rules� � Corrects problems promptly and without getting defensive ??Application/ Interview Takes Ownership: Level 1 Is motivated to do a good job � Responds to problems in own area of responsibility. � Suggests solutions even if outside area of responsibility. � Willingly takes on tasks outside job scope. ??Application/ Interview Works collaboratively: Level 1 Works well with others � Is a good team player and does their share of the work � Shares relevant or useful information with others � Values others input and expertise ??Application/ Interview Integrity: Level 1 Acts with openness and honesty ??Application/ Interview 6 � Is open and honest with colleagues and citizens � Consistently delivers on promises � Does what they say they will do Committed to the Borough: Level 1 Talks positively about the Borough � Talks positively about the Borough e.g. to citizens or people in other organisations � Expresses pride and/or commitment to delivering excellent services Interview Manages performance for outcomes: Level 1 Delivers tasks well � Delivers tasks to agreed deadlines and quality standards � Is reliable and delivers on commitments ??Application/ Interview Influences: Level 1 Communicates clearly � Thinks about their personal impact and uses this to the best effect � Uses clear and logical arguments to influence and engage Interview Thinks strategically and creates clarity: Level 1 Is logical in their thinking � Is able to identify the underlying cause and effect of a problem or situation � Prioritises work based on the importance or urgency of the situation Interview 7