Legal Officer (Paralegal)
Hours: 37 Hours Per Week, Mon – Fri, 09:00 – 17:00
Contract: Temporary (12 Weeks, with potential extension)
Rate: PAYE £19.81 per hour
We're recruiting a Legal Officer (Paralegal) to support Council's Legal & Democratic Services team. This is a career-graded role, ideal for someone with legal training and experience who can provide efficient paralegal support across civil and criminal litigation, licensing, conveyancing, and council functions.
About the Role
As a Legal Officer (Paralegal), you'll assist in the smooth operation of the Legal department by preparing cases, advising on evidence, undertaking advocacy, and supporting senior legal officers across a wide range of matters.
What you'll be doing:
- Preparing cases for Civil and Criminal Courts, including injunctions, debt recovery, housing standards, and regulatory prosecutions
- Drafting summonses, statements of case, applications, and legal documents
- Undertaking advocacy at County Court, Magistrates' Court, or Tribunal hearings
- Conducting legal research and advising council services
- Preparing briefs for Counsel and assisting at Hearings and Public Inquiries
- Supporting licensing functions, including acting as Legal Adviser to Licensing Sub-Committees
- Working jointly with senior legal officers on employment tribunal and prosecution matters
- Developing council policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with law and regulation
- Keeping up to date with relevant legislation and advising Members and Officers
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone proactive, resilient, and committed to delivering high-quality legal services.
You'll ideally have:
- A relevant law qualification (LLB, GDL, or CILEX Level 6/7)
- Experience managing your own caseload independently
- Knowledge of civil and criminal litigation, licensing, and conveyancing
- Strong advocacy, mediation, and negotiation skills
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft 365 and legal database software
- Excellent communication skills and a professional approach
- Ability to work collaboratively with senior officers, councillors, and external stakeholders
Why Apply?
- Full-time hours in a structured legal environment
- Short-term contract ideal for gaining varied legal experience
- Career-graded role offering progression based on qualifications and experience
- Opportunity to contribute to Teignbridge District Council's Legal Services team
Benefits
- Weekly Pay
- Company Pension
- Ongoing Agency Support
- Temp-to-Perm Opportunities
- Professional registration fees covered (approved legal body)
Order - 5303678
Job Type: Temporary
Contract length: 4 months
Pay: £19.81 per hour
Expected hours: 37.0 per week
Benefits:
Experience:
- civil and criminal litigation, licensing, and conveyancing.: 1 year (required)
- advocacy, mediation, and negotiation skills: 1 year (required)
- managing your own caseload independently.: 3 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- LLB, GDL, or CILEX Level 6/7) (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
