0841 Legal Assistant

We are seeking a legal assistant to join our Legal Practice Team to undertake varied, high quality legal administrative work., The Legal Services Team is made up of 4 teams: (1) Legal Practice Team; (2) Commercial; (3) Safeguarding; and (4) Regulatory. The Practice Team provides an administrative and supportive 'hub' for the legal teams. Our Team Ethos We are committed to providing excellent public service and making a difference within our local community and region. We provide a supportive environment for the development and maintenance of your professional skills and career at all stages. We have a number of trainee and solicitor apprentices successfully working towards qualification. Hybrid working and flexible working options are available. It's usually what you do, not where and when you do it that matters! We offer a modern, open plan working environment with opportunities to use technology to work in a flexible and agile way. We have a strong culture of teamwork and you may be called upon to assist your colleagues in related areas covered by the team according to demand. A degree of flexibility is therefore required. You may also be asked to provide support and guidance to other team members.

You will support colleagues in providing excellent public service and making a difference within the local community. It is essential that you have a genuine enthusiasm for a career in law and an excellent approach to public service and client care. Candidates from both the public and private sectors are encouraged to apply. Previous legal experience (whether in work or education) is desirable, but not essential as full training will be given. Each of the teams cover several areas of law, so flexibility and a willingness to learn and develop in the role is essential. In return you can expect to receive learning and development opportunities, interesting and varied legal work, gain in-depth knowledge and experience in different areas of legal practice and responsibility commensurate with ability. You will also support the Land Charges Officer in maintaining the register of local land charges, assisting customers with searches and enquiries of the register and dealing with the standard legal enquires made to the local authority in property conveyancing transactions. Prior experience in Land Charges is not required as full training will be given, but you should be willing to develop in the role, undertake the necessary learning and development and bring with you an excellent approach to customer service.

It includes four towns, North Shields, Whitley Bay, Killingworth and Wallsend and has a population of 205,000. We have an outstanding coastline with award winning beaches that drive our visitor economy with Whitley Bay recently announced as the best place to live in the North East (The Sunday Times 2023). We are an ambitious local authority that listens to, cares for and represents our residents in everything we do. We have vibrant communities, a strong heritage and bright future. Working in the Legal Services Team We will strive to make you feel valued from the moment you join us. We have a comprehensive induction process and an experienced and approachable team to ensure you are supported in your role from day one. In return for your valuable contribution you will have access to our excellent benefits package:

• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (for contracts of 3 months or more)
• A supportive Occupational Sick Pay scheme
• A generous annual leave allowance, which increases with service, plus bank holidays
• Annual pay increments up to the top of the salary grade
• A range of flexible working and leave options, including part-time working, to support work/life balance (subject to business requirements)
• Access to Occupational Health services including physiotherapy and counselling
• Our Employee Assistance Programme which includes a telephone helpline and extensive online resources for support and advice
• Extensive training and development opportunities including access to our Learning Pool online platform
• Supported career progression
• Discounted membership of our Leisure Centres including 5 gyms; 4 pools; 1 spas and over 250 classes every week
• The 'Benefits Plus' Scheme enabling salary sacrifice for Car Leasing; Cycle to Work Scheme; additional annual leave, public transport season tickets, and professional subscriptions
• Credit Union Savings Scheme