Paralegal

Paralegal

Location: Widnes WA8 7QF

Salary: £31,067 - £33,366 per annum

Halton is a vibrant local authority with a rich history and heritage, featuring two iconic bridges that connect communities across the River Mersey. Located in Cheshire, Halton boasts excellent transport links between Liverpool and Manchester, as well as close proximity to both Liverpool John Lennon and Manchester Airports.

Their progressive community strategy aims to bring about meaningful, long-term improvements that enhance lives. It’s an exciting time to join them as they develop new policies and transform the way people access services.

They are immensely proud that when asked what’s great about working for Halton, the most popular response from their workforce has been 'our colleagues’.

The Role

They are looking for both Adult Paralegal and Children’s Paralegal

The Legal team at the Borough Council plays a vital role in supporting the Authority by delivering high-quality, timely, and business-focused legal and procedural advice. They are looking for a Paralegal to manage cases, support legal drafting, liaise with stakeholders, prepare court documents, and ensure compliance with legal procedures, all while contributing to a collaborative team environment. The team is committed to delivering advice in a cost-effective and efficient manner, ensuring best value for the Council while helping to meet the complex and evolving needs of the community.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading and managing your own caseload as well as liaising with internal and external stakeholders to ensure cases are managed in a joined-up way.
• Preparing letters, emails, reports, and other documents to a high standard.
• Conducting thorough legal research to support case handling and preparation of reports.
• Preparing and revising drafts of legal documents to be reviewed by Lawyers, and ensuring all documents are filed correctly.
• Redaction and preparation of court bundles and documentation.
• Dealing with all internal and external enquiries, chambers, courts, and other third-party organisations and representatives.
• Record keeping, tracking and monitoring of deadlines.
• Assisting with the administration and management of workflow.
• Appearing in court for routine and non-routine matters as required.
• Ensuring confidentiality, sensitivity, and a professional approach in all activities.
• Creating and maintaining document filing using the Council’s Case Management system.
• Ensuring compliance with all legal regulations and guidelines and adherence to the Legal Services practices and procedures as set out in the Office Manual.
• Building effective working relationships both within your team and across the wider organisation.
• Supporting team members and providing on-the-job training.
• Undertaking all core learning and development programmes as required.
• To undertake any other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time which are commensurate to with the grade of the job.

Skills and Qualifications

• A law degree, CILEX, or equivalent or significant Casework experience
• Gained a range of transactional Casework experience of at least 1+ year within Adult law.
• Gained a range of transactional Casework experience of at least 1+ year within Child Care law.
• Excellent communication skills, and have a confident communication manner handling verbal and written enquiries from clients and third parties.
• A high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• A proactive and collaborative approach to problem-solving and working within a team.
• Be proficient with Outlook, Word and preferably Excel.
• An ability to operate document and case management software.

As this role involves regular travel across the borough and sometimes further afield, a driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential requirements. Where appropriate, reasonable adjustments will be made in accordance with the provisions of the Equality Act.

Benefits

• A generous annual holiday allowance starting at 34 days per year (including bank holidays), increasing with long service;
• Membership of their defined benefit, salary-linked Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with generous employer contributions;
• 3 x Salary Life Cover via Local Government Pension Scheme;
• Investment in your personal development;
• Free Car Parking at HBC sites;
• Flexible working arrangements;
• Extensive employee benefits platform including discounted shopping, car leasing, gym memberships, wellbeing hub and Employee Assistance Programme.

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for this reputable council, please click apply to be redirected to their website to complete your application.

The Council and its schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults and expect all staff, workers and volunteers to share its commitment.