Paralegal – Harlow District Council
Location: Harlow
Full time, Temporary – 37 Hours per Week
2-3 Month Contract
£17.25 PAYE
Closing Date: Monday 18th May 2026
Essex County Council (ECC) are delighted to be supporting Harlow Council to recruit a paralegal on a full-time, temporary basis.
Please note that this post requires the successful individual to be based on site a minimum of 3 days per week.
Harlow is a district of contrasts and an ideal location to both live and work. The town itself is thriving, with excellent shopping and leisure facilities for all ages. We have good road links to the M11 and M25 and excellent rail connections to London and Stansted Airport, just 35 minutes and 20 minutes away from Harlow respectively.
Purpose
To provide high-quality, timely and professional legal support to Harlow Council by managing a caseload of routine and some non-routine legal matters under supervision, supporting solicitors and lawyers across Legal Services, and contributing to the effective delivery of legal advice and representation.
Key Responsibilities
* Manage a personal caseload of routine and some non-routine legal matters under supervision.
* Provide clear, accurate and timely legal advice to internal council clients.
* Draft legal documentation, correspondence, pleadings, reports and instructions.
* Undertake legal research and analysis.
* Assist lawyers with the preparation and conduct of legal cases, including court and tribunal proceedings.
* Attend court or tribunal hearings, with counsel or alone where appropriate.
* Undertake basic advocacy on behalf of the Council where required.
* Prepare and manage court bundles and supporting documentation.
* Deliver briefs and file documentation with courts and counsel.
* Use legal case management systems and maintain accurate records.
* Comply with Lexcel and other applicable practice management standards.
* Contribute to meeting individual and team performance targets.
* Escalate legal, governance or reputational risks to senior officers as appropriate.
* Work cooperatively with colleagues and attend team meetings and briefings.
* Comply with council policies including health and safety, equality, data protection and codes of conduct.
* Undertake other duties appropriate to the grade.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Essential:
* Experience working in a legal environment, ideally within local government.
* Knowledge of at least one local authority legal practice area.
* Experience drafting legal documents and correspondence.
* Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills.
* Ability to explain legal issues clearly to non-legal colleagues.
* Good IT skills including use of case management systems.
Desirable:
* Experience of advocacy or support to litigation.
* Experience of residential/commercial property work.
* Understanding of local authority decision-making and governance.
* Familiarity with Lexcel or similar standards.
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