Senior Paralegal

Role

Join to apply for the Senior Paralegal (People) - 05654 role at West Berkshire Council

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.

As a Senior Paralegal – People Team, you will be an integral part of the Legal and Democratic Service, providing high-quality legal advice and support in relation to education law, and other areas of law as required. Your key responsibilities will include:

• 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

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and attributes:

• 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.

• Flexible working wherever possible between the hours of 07:00–21:00
• Hybrid working wherever possible – 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
• Competitive salary of up to £39,862 per annum, pro‑rata for part‑time hours, and a working week of 37 hours

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.

Please now complete a short online application form. You will then be able to upload your CV.

For an informal discussion to learn more about this role, please contact Laura Knowles on or email lau

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.

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