Legal Officer; Paralegal

Positive Employment is currently recruiting for a Paralegal for our client, a local government organisation based in Newton Abbot.

The successful post holder will assist in the smooth operation of the Legal department by providing a wide range of legal services support, particularly across civil and criminal litigation, planning, licensing, prosecutions, conveyancing, complaints and legal content management. The post holder will manage and progress legal matters, undertake legal research and advocacy, and provide effective legal support to officers, members and senior legal colleagues.

This role is a temporary contract with an initial contract length of 3 months with the possibility to extend. Hybrid working with 3 days per week in the office.

Duties and Responsibilities but not limited to:

• Prepare and progress cases to be dealt with in the Civil Courts, including injunctions, debt recovery proceedings and landlord and tenant matters.
• Arrange and participate in telephone conferences and represent the organisation at Court where appropriate.
• Prepare cases for the Criminal Courts, including prosecutions relating to environmental protection, housing standards, education welfare, anti-social behaviour, trading standards, fraud and other regulatory matters.
• Analyse and advise upon evidence in respect of civil and criminal matters.
• Draft legal documentation including summonses, informations, statements of case and originating applications.
• Attend pre-hearing meetings and provide appropriate legal advice and support.
• Undertake advocacy at the County Courts, Magistrates’ Court and Tribunals, including preliminary hearings, interim applications and trials.
• Carry out legal research and provide advice at the appropriate level to services across the organisation.
• Ensure compliance with Court directions and legal deadlines in a timely and efficient manner.
• Prepare briefs for Counsel attending Court, Tribunal Hearings and Public Inquiries.
• Attend conferences with Counsel and assist at Hearings and Public Inquiries.
• Work jointly with Senior Legal Officers on Employment Tribunal cases.
• Support Senior Legal Officers on licensing and prosecution matters.
• Advise the organisation’s Licensing function on matters relating to licensing and gambling.
• Act as Legal Adviser to members of the organisation’s Licensing Sub-Committee where required.
• Develop and support the development of legal policies and procedures.
• Keep up to date with relevant legislation, case law and policy developments, advising officers and members accordingly.
• Provide assistance and support to Senior Legal Officers across Legal Services as required.
• Undertake legal work in other areas of law as directed by the Head of Legal and Democratic Services.
• Assist with planning, conveyancing, complaints and other legal services work as required.
• Maintain relevant professional standards and contribute to the organisation’s commitment to continuous development and collaborative working.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the general level of responsibility of the post.

Personal Requirements:

• Relevant legal qualification, such as an LLB, BA Law or CPE/GDL obtained within the last 7 years, or completion of CILEX Advanced Level or Level 6 Professional Higher Diploma in Law and Practice.
• Alternatively, candidates with substantial relevant experience as a Paralegal and experience managing their own caseload may be considered.
• Experience of managing and progressing legal cases with a good level of independence.
• Experience or knowledge of civil and criminal litigation procedures.
• Ability to analyse evidence, undertake legal research and provide clear and practical advice.
• Experience of drafting legal documentation and preparing cases for Court or Tribunal proceedings.
• Ability…