About the Role
Devon & Cornwall Police are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Paralegal to join our Legal Services team. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the delivery of justice and support the operational effectiveness of the Force through high-quality legal assistance.
Location: Middlemoor Police HQ, Exeter (Hybrid Working Available)
Job Type: Full‑time, Temporary (37 hours per week)
Salary: £19.78 per hour (approx. £38,000 per annum)
Responsibilities
The principal responsibility of the Paralegal is to investigate and handle a caseload of files against, and on behalf of, the Chief Constables and Offices of the Police and Crime Commissioners of both Forces, and to provide general advice as required by the organisations. Paralegals report to Legal Advisors within the Legal Services Department between Devon and Cornwall Police and Dorset Police. The role holders support Legal Advisors and Senior Legal Advisors in other contentious matters.
Paralegals operate within the three teams that exist within the Legal Services Department; Litigation, Operations and Vulnerability. The skillset required within each area is commensurate with the level of work across the entire remit of the role. Each Paralegal will primarily work within one of the three teams but will be required to undertake work in the other areas when necessary, according to business need.
* Liaise with, advise and influence the decision making of staff at all levels of the Forces and OPCC, including the Chief Constable, members of the Executive, Police and Crime Commissioner and the Head of Alliance Audit, Insurance and Strategic Risk Management.
* Research and prepare legally sound advice on a wide range of different legal issues, as required by the organisation and within stipulated timeframes, including as part of the 'duty advice scheme' and within ongoing policing operations, overseen by a Legal Advisor.
* Draft legally sound documentation, including court applications, written advice memos on a range of legal subjects and designated authorities, overseen by a Legal Advisor.
* Assist Legal Advisors and Senior Legal Advisors in handling legal proceedings in Courts and Tribunals: investigating claims, collating documents, conducting research, instructing Counsel, taking statements, preparing Court papers (including compiling bundles and analysing legal costs), drafting points of dispute and pursuing debt recovery.
* Make non‑contentious applications at a range of different courts and attend court on straightforward matters, including the Magistrates' Courts, County Courts and Coroner's Courts.
* Research and interrogate Force systems such as Centurion, Niche and Unifi to ascertain information and collate evidence.
* Request the payment of invoices for legal costs, damages and court fees.
Qualifications and Experience
* Experience and knowledge of relevant legal principles, legislation, case law and legal systems.
* Experience and knowledge of litigation and contested matters generally.
* Demonstrable ability to handle a large and diverse workload.
* Demonstrable ability to prioritise workload in terms of urgency and importance.
* Strong communication skills, written and verbal, with the ability to liaise and influence at all levels, internal and external.
* Research and investigative skills with high attention to detail.
* Ability to think critically and adapt to changing circumstances in a fast‑paced environment.
* IT literate with the ability to navigate specialist databases and systems.
Training
* In‑house training – UNIFI, Niche.
* Iken Case Management Training.
The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
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