As a paralegal, you will be able to prepare court bundles, fix listing appointments for hearings and provide a professional legal service that is valued by our clients and improves their business., You will be responsible in assisting with the delivery of all aspects of routine legal work including some advocacy. Work will be contentious in nature and will cover both civil litigation and personal injury claims as well as employment law matters. You will be predominantly based within the Personal Injury section of the Dispute Resolution and Employment Law Team. You will manage a caseload of fast track and small claims track cases. This will involve the analysing of evidence, drafting defences and witness evidence, briefing counsel and attending small claims trials. In addition the post may also involve assisting other parts of the Dispute Resolution and Employment Law Team as appropriate. This position will be fast-paced and it is therefore imperative you are confident in the following matters:

• Drafting and preparing legal documents for functions across the Council and to external customers.
• Interpreting the legal and business impact of changes in law and assessing these on the operations of Essex Legal Services, our partners, stakeholders and client base.
• Understanding and interpreting client needs to provide them with a service they value.
• Attending Court or public inquiries in appropriate cases.
• Contributing to the development of current and future business opportunities to promote ELS.
• Developing good working relationships across the Council.
  
  Educated to degree level, with experience of working within a legal environment, the successful applicant will have the ability to build strong working relationships both with colleagues and clients and a proven track record in delivering excellent customer service., Educated to degree level or equivalent.
• Evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in relevant professional area.
• Experience of working within a legal setting in a public service or private sector environment, providing routine legal advice is desirable although not essential.
• Proven track record of delivering excellent customer service.
• Works collaboratively with colleagues and the client base, to understand customer needs with a strong focus on delivering positive outcomes.
• Ability to develop working relationships across a large, complex organisation and with internal and external partners/ stakeholders and clients to maintain and develop business streams.
• Experience in either civil litigation or prosecution/enforcement cases.
  
  Please note this is a part time role 29.6 hours per week with a pro rata salary of £25,520.00 to £30,024.00 Per annum. This is a fixed term contract for a period of up to 12 Months (Maternity Cover).
This is a hybrid working arrangement with the expectation to attend offices in Chelmsford 2-3 days per week. Essex Legal Services (ELS) provide high quality, professional, legal advice across the council and to increasing numbers of external clients, providing a client facing legal service which proactively embraces change.