Legal Assistant - Disrepair

Leeds City Council is looking to recruit a full time permanent Legal Assistant (Housing Disrepair). The post holder will be required to carry out work within the Housing Disrepair Team , primarily in the area of Housing Disrepair., To assist in the carrying out of legal and administrative work in relation to any of the functions and services of the Council, primarily within the Housing Disrepair team.,

• To undertake a personal workload of matters in relation to Housing Disrepair/Condition claims which will include but not be limited to:
• Drafting, issuing and serving Court and Tribunal documents.
• Preparing cases for hearing in the Courts and Tribunals, including drafting letters, collating documents, arranging for the attendance of witnesses at Court and Tribunals.
• Attendance at Court and Tribunals with Counsel
• Post-Court work to inform Client Departments of all outcomes.
• Maintaining and operating computerised systems.
• Dealing with enquiries/correspondence from external solicitors, members of the public, Council Departments and other agencies.
• Providing administrative support as required.
• To participate in Team meetings and to take appropriate action in relation to matters arising at those meetings as
• To contribute to initiatives within the Team, Section, Unit and Service
• To receive such training as is
• To live the Council's values in demonstrable ways.
• To take personal responsibilities under and abide by the Council's Health and Safety Policy.
To perform all functions and duties effectively and in accordance with the following:
• The Council's Policies and Codes of Practice.
• The Council's Constitution.
• Legal Services' Standards, Objectives, Targets and Timescales.
• Legal Services' Lexcel Procedures.
• To carry out such other duties within Legal Services and the Council, and for other teams and colleagues as, from time to time, may reasonably be required, which are commensurate with the grade, experience training and level of responsibility within the Council identified by the You may be required to attend meetings, tribunals and courts outside the boundaries of Leeds City Council.
  
  It is essential that the successful candidate has good interpersonal skills, is able to prioritise work in the Legal Services Housing Disrepair inbox and work to tight deadlines. They must be able to work as part of a team and be flexible, enthusiastic and committed., Two A levels (A-C) or Paralegal qualification (E.g. Affiliate member of CILEX -includes completion of
5 CILEX level 3 units) or equivalent qualification., Four GCSEs (Grade A-C) or equivalent including Maths and English or appropriate alternative qualifications-for example level 3 NVQ in Administration and the applicant can demonstrate she/he has experience of working in a legal environment. 12 months experience in the past 5 years.,
• Ability to prioritise and organise
• Ability to work within time constraints.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively as a member of a
• Ability to relate effectively to people at different levels inside and outside the
• Possess or have an ability to develop IT
• Ability to grasp and assimilate new information
• Ability to work with minimum supervision within a supportive
• To draft and prepare clear and concise documents, reports, letters and memoranda.
• Liaise with all levels of the Council and other
Behavioural and Other Related Characteristics
• Willing to abide by the Council's Equal Opportunities Policy in the duties of the post, and as an employee of the
• Willing to take personal responsibility under and abide by the Council's Health and Safety
• Awareness of and an ability to respect the sensitive and confidential nature of the
• Conscientious and committed approach towards completing tasks accurately and to deadlines to achieve the Division's
• A commitment to manage change in a positive
• A professional approach and
• A commitment to assist in the development and provision of high quality legal services.
• A willingness to work occasionally beyond normal
• A willingness to adapt an innovative approach to work.
• A commitment to the effective working of Legal and Democratic Services and the objectives of Leeds City
PERSONAL SPECIFICATION DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS: It is desirable that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates are not required to meet all the Desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between acceptable candidates. Knowledge required
• A basic knowledge of general office procedures and
• Knowledge of Quality Management Systems and Best
Experience required
• Experience of working with Quality Management Systems.
• Experience of working as an effective member of a team.
  
  Leeds City Council is an award winning and progressive authority which works closely with local communities and businesses to create a vibrant and economically thriving city.
  
  The post attracts local authority benefits including: access to West Yorkshire Pension Scheme; generous annual leave entitlement; training and development; flexible working, including working from home.