Paralegal / Legal Executive - Property Team

This role has a hybrid working arrangement. We will expect you to attend our Chelmsford offices approximately 1-2 days per week.

The Role

Essex County Council (ECC) is one of the largest and most dynamic local authorities in the UK, serving a population of 2 million residents, and has a very successful track record of delivering transformational change. ECC anticipated change was needed in the public sector and has worked to deliver better quality at lower cost. We have an ambitious transformation agenda - one with the scope to reach every part of the council. We are changing the way we think, the way we work, and the ways in which we deliver our services. We are committed to becoming a place where individuals, partners and communities feel proud to play their role and genuinely want to belong. We're immensely proud of our flexible working options.

As ECC's in-house legal service, we pride ourselves on providing a comprehensive legal service to the Council - most of our work is done in-house. We value the people who work for us and provide a supportive working environment, where people work hard to do their best for Essex.

As a Paralegal, you will provide and support the provision of a professional legal service that is valued by our clients and improves their business.

Accountabilities

You will be responsible in assisting with the delivery of all aspects of legal work for the Property Team supporting a fast-paced team and carrying your own case load.

Specifically, you will be supporting the property team with the provision of general property advice, property development, acquisition and sales, leases, agreements, licences and planning agreements. You will also carry your own case load of matters that can be progressed with minimal supervision.

Specific accountabilities include: -

• Working closely with colleagues to assist with the delivery of all aspects of routine legal work, including drafting and preparing legal documents for functions across the Council and external customers.


• Responsible for 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.


• Responsible for understanding and interpreting client needs to provide them with a service they value, which supports them in driving the delivery of productivity and efficiency improvements.


• Develop and deliver training packages to other areas of the council relating to appropriate areas of work.


• Contributes to the development of current and future business opportunities, to promote Essex Legal Service's vision to the external market.


• Responsible for delivering personal objectives in support of the function's overall business plan.


• Develops good working relationships across the Council, and the private sector to ensure a quality service is provided to the customer.


• Delegated functions as detailed in the council's constitution (and as amended from time to time).


• Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.
  
  Educated to level 5 (degree) or equivalent, with preferably 2 years' work experience in a legal environment (although consideration will be given to those applicants with other suitable experience).


• Evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in relevant professional area.


• Experience of working within a fast-paced 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.