Legal Assistant - Litigation and Social Care

Job Title: Legal Assistant: Litigation and Social Care
Grade: £16.71 - (rate dependent on experience)
Location: Hybrid
Contract: Temporary ongoing (initial 6-month assignment with view to extend)
Working Hours: 36 hours per week

Job Overview
Pertemps is currently recruiting for a proactive and detail-oriented Legal Assistant. This is a key career-graded role designed to support HB Public Law by carrying out legal work and developing, implementing, and supporting cutting-edge practice management processes.

The successful candidate will play a central role in conducting a significant caseload across several legal specialisms. This position offers improved career opportunities and the chance to move between teams to cover a wider range of legal specialisms.

Key Responsibilities

• Caseload Management: Advise on and have conduct of legal files for civil and criminal litigation, children's and adults social care, and education matters. Maintain a significant caseload in compliance with Lexcel requirements.
• Legal Support & Research: Provide advice, undertake research, and support lawyers. Provide clear and accurate advice to clients in person, on the telephone, and in writing.
• Representation & Advocacy: Represent clients in court, tribunals, panels, and external meetings. Undertake advocacy.
• Governance & Panels: Clerk Education Exclusion Panel meetings. Provide advice to members, officers, and project teams proactively.
• Systems & Compliance: Provide administrative and systems assistance as a super user of an electronic case management system. Ensure compliance with office procedures and Lexcel & IIP standards.

Requirements
Knowledge

• General knowledge of English law, practice, and procedure in civil and criminal litigation and children's and adults social care and education work.
• General knowledge and understanding of public law principles as they apply to local government.

Experience

• Experience of working in a legal environment; contributing positively in a team; providing written and oral legal advice and guidance to officers/clients; conducting a caseload with minimum supervision covering at least one of the following areas: civil and criminal litigation and children's and adults social care and education work.

Education/Qualifications

• Educated to degree standard, with a qualification in law (e.g., law degree, CPE, LPC) or be studying for/obtained a recognised legal qualification, or substantial experience working in a legal environment in lieu of qualification.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.

Skills & Abilities

• Must be able to manage and prioritise workload; understand and meet Lexcel standards; demonstrate excellent client care skills; conduct legal research; use fully Microsoft products & a case management system; draft legal documents, correspondence, and pleadings; and present a confident and professional demeanour.

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About Us

Pertemps Recruitment Partnership has been a market leader in staffing solutions for nearly 60 years. Recognized by The Sunday Times as one of the Best 100 Companies to work for 14 years running, we pride ourselves on our personal touch and commitment to our employees. We are an accredited 'Investor in People', reflecting our dedication to career progression and employee satisfaction.

Harrow Council is the 12th largest London borough and one of the most culturally diverse local authorities in the UK. Located just 10 miles from the city centre and 13 minutes from Euston via Harrow & Wealdstone station, it offers excellent transport links and accessibility to the M1, M25, and A406.

Data Protection:
Your personal information will be shared with Cifas to prevent fraud and other improper conduct. If detected, you may be refused certain services or employment. Your information will also be used to verify your identity. For more details on how your information will be used and your data protection rights, visit Cifas.