Neway International are seeking Legal Assistants to join our client based with Lewisham Council.
Location: 1 Catford Road, Catford, London, SE6 4RU
Workers Hours per week: 35
Start Date: 15 December 2025 End Date: 26 Weeks (Vacancy – pending review) Pay Rates: PAYE: £17.78 per hour Umbrella/Ltd: £22.63 per hour
About Lewisham Council
Lewisham Council is committed to delivering high-quality legal services across the borough. This role sits within the Law and Corporate Governance group, supporting the Chief Executive’s office. The successful candidates will provide vital assistance to the Legal Services team, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and excellent service delivery.
Role: Property Legal Assistant
We are seeking two Legal Assistants to support the Senior Lawyer and wider Legal Services team. You will undertake routine legal and administrative work, assist with case preparation, and provide support across property, contract, and governance matters.
Key Responsibilities
* Assist Senior Lawyers with routine legal duties, including interviewing witnesses and preparing statements.
* Support preparation and defence of proceedings in Magistrates, Family, Youth Justice, County, and High Courts.
* Coordinate attendance of witnesses, Counsel, and other parties at court.
* Represent the Council at minor hearings, directions appointments, and applications.
* Prepare documents and liaise with parties on lease extensions, collective enfranchisement, and right-to-buy matters.
* Assist with straightforward property transactions, contracts, and procurement matters.
* Undertake legal research and support senior staff with complex transactions.
* Operate case management systems, ensuring accurate records and compliance with procedures.
* Produce reports, collate financial/statistical data, and maintain awareness of legal developments.
Candidate Requirements
* Basic knowledge of local authority office procedures and relevant areas of law.
* Experience working in a legal environment and preparing documents.
* Strong literacy and IT skills, including Microsoft Office.
* Ability to communicate clearly in writing, in person, and by telephone.
* Experience dealing with confidential issues appropriately.
* Ability to work methodically under pressure and meet deadlines.
* Commitment to equal opportunities, service excellence, and continuous personal development.
* Professional qualification (ILEX, Law degree, Diploma in Legal Studies, or equivalent) – obtained or studying.
* Willingness to occasionally work late to meet urgent deadlines.
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