Job Title: Paralegal
Location: Bristol
Contract Type: Fixed-Term Contract (until 31/03/2026)
Day Rate: £152.00 per day
Role Overview
A dedicated and diligent Paralegal is required to provide a trusted legal support function within a public sector legal team. This role involves working closely with solicitors to progress a complex and often sensitive caseload relating to public law matters. You will play a key part in upholding the organisation’s commitment to robust decision-making, accountability, and the delivery of high-quality public services.
Key Responsibilities
Legal Support & Casework
* Provide competent, dependable legal assistance to public sector solicitors managing complex caseloads involving regulatory, administrative, civil, or enforcement matters.
* Support all aspects of case preparation and case management, ensuring compliance with statutory deadlines, procedural rules, and internal governance requirements.
* Prepare and draft legal documentation, case summaries, instructions to counsel, witness statements, and correspondence in accordance with public sector standards.
Document & Evidence Management
* Organise, analyse, and maintain large volumes of disclosure and case material, ensuring all documentation is handled in line with organisational policies, data protection requirements, and legal obligations.
* Identify missing documentation or evidential gaps and proactively take steps to request, collate, and secure outstanding information from internal teams, external agencies, or partner bodies.
* Prioritise competing tasks to support the timely progression of cases that may have significant operational, financial, or reputational implications for the organisation.
Research & Intelligence Gathering
* Carry out legal research into public law, case law, statutory frameworks, government guidance, and regulatory obligations to support case strategy.
* Gather, record, and share relevant intelligence with solicitors, case officers, and partner organisations to inform decision-making and risk assessments.
* Assist in ensuring the organisation operates within its legal powers and complies with relevant legislation.
Liaison & Communication
* Maintain professional and effective communication with a wide range of stakeholders, including internal departments, external agencies, regulators, and partner organisations.
* Arrange and attend case conferences and multi-agency meetings; prepare agendas, take accurate minutes, and ensure follow-up actions are monitored and completed.
* Provide clear updates to interested parties on case progress while maintaining confidentiality and safeguarding sensitive information.
Court & Tribunal Support
* Attend Court and Tribunal hearings to support solicitors, prepare bundles, assist with evidence presentation, and liaise with witnesses and court officials.
* Ensure all documentation for hearings is accurate, complete, and prepared in accordance with public sector and judicial requirements.
Skills & Experience Required
* Prior experience as a Paralegal or legal support officer within the public sector or in an environment involving public law, regulatory, or administrative law work.
* Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage high-volume caseloads and work to strict statutory deadlines.
* Excellent analytical skills with strong attention to detail.
* Solid legal research skills, particularly in relation to legislation, public law, and procedural rules.
* Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
* Understanding of public sector values, data protection (including GDPR), information governance, and the importance of transparency and accountability.
* Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain the highest professional and ethical standards.