Legal Assistant (SC4) – Legal

 Job Category:   Legal
Job location 1 Catford Road, Catford, London, Greater London, SE6 4RU,
United Kingdom
Lewisham Council
Hours per week: 35

Start date: Immediate start
Salary: £17.78 per hour

 Property Legal Assistant

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB      

To work at the direction and with supervision of the Senior Lawyer, to deal with routine legal and administrative work and assist members of staff with legal work, as assigned.  

PERSONAL DUTIES

1.            Under supervision and direction of the Senior Lawyer assist in a range of legal duties as required by the Senior Lawyer including interviewing witnesses and preparation of witness statements and other evidential material; assistance with, preparation and defence of proceedings in the Magistrates, Family Proceedings, Youth Justice, County and High Courts; co-ordinating the attendance of witnesses, Counsel and others in Court; representing the Council at hearings of minor or straightforward cases, directions appointments and applications; service of notices or proceedings as required; preparation of documents and liaising with parties in respect of lease extensions, collective enfranchisement and right to buy matters; assistance with straightforward property transactions; assistance with straightforward contract and procurement matters; preparation of bundles and contract documentation. 

2.            To carry particular responsibility under supervision for more straightforward cases which involves legal work of less complexity.

3.            Undertake legal research and assist more senior staff within Legal Services in respect of more complex transactions.

4.            Provide all necessary support to staff within Legal Services as required.

5.            Operate computerised case management and case progression systems, and input relevant data including time recording as required, adhering to current procedures for the scanning, storage and maintenance of all file records

7.            Maintain awareness of relevant legal and procedural developments.

8.            

Produce performance monitoring reports, collate and produce financial and other information and carry out such statistical recording and reporting as maybe required.

KNOWLEDGE

Basic knowledge of local authority office procedures or general office administration                                                                               S

APTITUDE

Ability to learn and understand quickly                                            S

Ability to prepare routine reports/statistics

Ability to work on own initiative

Ability to undertake casework and associated tasks under direction and supervision 

Dedication, commitment and a capacity for hard work                     S

An analytical approach to problem solving with the ability to apply critical thinking to problems

      on day to day basis

SKILLS

Ability to use standard Microsoft Packages in order to produce a high standard of work.

Good standard of      literacy with ability to produce accurate work       S

Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in writing, in person and on the telephone

Ability to manage own time effectively                                            

Experience of working in a legal environment                                  S

Experience of document preparation                                              S

Experience of dealing with a wide range of people                              

Experience of dealing with confidential issues appropriately             

Experience of working methodically under pressure to meet

EXPERIENCE

     deadlines                                                                                           S                                                                                               

PERSONAL QUALITIES

Ability to communicate effectively and succinctly in writing               S

Ability to follow instructions accurately and effectively

Ability to work as an effective member of a team dealing with a variety 

      of duties                                                                                       

Willingness to learn new skills and commitment to continuous personal development                                                                                

Commitment to service excellence

Special Requirements

Ability, on occasions, to work late to deal with urgent deadlines

Generally candidates must meet standard Lewisham requirements for

the post

Professional Qualification(s) 

Obtained or studying for ILEX, Law degree, Diploma in Legal Studies or other relevant qualification.