Childcare Legal Assistant

West Sussex County Council

25d ago

Applications are closed

Job
Full-time
Expert Level
Legal
Chichester

Requirements

Prior relevant legal experience of working in a Childcare team is required and a legal qualification preferable.
3 A Level qualifications or equivalent including GSCE English and Maths (minimum grade C/4) experience demonstrating that level of numeracy and literacy.
Already working towards a SQE or CILEX qualification or be willing towards the qualification.
Experience of working in an office environment setting or equivalent legal experience.
Experience of handling a varied workload, producing high quality and accurate documents, and working effectively as a member of a team.
Good working knowledge of IT systems / procedures, including Microsoft Office applications. Computer literate with experience in using Microsoft Office and Excel, legal research tools/databases and bespoke software including case management systems.
Experience of assisting with managing of a case load comprising mainly of both Public and Private Law matters or equivalent experience managing priorities and tasks for at least 12 months.

Responsibilities

As a Legal Assistant you will be working in the Childcare Team supporting and co working with a Childcare Lawyer who has case conduct of Care Proceedings, Public Law Outline and other Public Law cases.
Your role will impact on the future wellbeing and circumstances of individual children and families in West Sussex.
In this position you will play a key role in enabling Children Services of ensuring the safety and security of children across West Sussex.
The successful candidate will provide support to the team, demonstrate initiative and an ability to prioritise work to meet both internal and external deadlines.
You will need to achieve and maintain good working relationships with clients, colleagues, Local Authority employees and external stakeholders.
You will become part of our 40 strong Child Care legal team.
You will work in an accommodating and dynamic environment supported by a senior management team including 1 Principal Solicitor and 4 Senior Solicitors.
Legal assistants can achieve their full potential as we strive for a healthy work-life balance and ensure you are rewarded for the work you do.
This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious and developing legal assistant/legal executive to come on board and benefit from the team’s wide-ranging expertise.

FAQs

What is the salary range for the Childcare Legal Assistant position?

The salary range for this position is £26,409 to £34,314 per annum.

What is the working pattern for this role?

The working pattern is full-time, comprising 37 hours per week. Flexible working is considered.

Where is the office base for this position?

The office base is at County Hall in Chichester, with hybrid/remote working arrangements at the discretion of the manager.

Is previous legal experience required for this role?

Yes, prior relevant legal experience, specifically in a Childcare team, is required, along with a preferable legal qualification.

What qualifications are needed for this position?

Candidates should have 3 A Level qualifications or equivalent, including GCSE English and Maths (minimum grade C/4), and should ideally be working towards a SQE or CILEX qualification.

What kind of support can I expect in my professional development?

You will have the opportunity to undertake an appropriate qualification process to qualify as a legal executive or solicitor, with financial assistance for qualification fees and study leave provided.

What kind of team will I be working with?

You will work as part of a 40 strong Child Care legal team, supported by a senior management team including 1 Principal Solicitor and 4 Senior Solicitors.

What benefits are offered to employees?

Benefits include a local government pension scheme, generous holiday entitlement, flexible working options, supportive management, training and development opportunities, and health and wellbeing benefits.

How can I apply for the Childcare Legal Assistant position?

To apply, you need to upload your CV and cover letter through the provided links in the job advertisement. Make sure your cover letter outlines your motivations for applying and the relevant skills and experience you bring.

What measures are in place regarding inclusivity in the hiring process?

West Sussex County Council is committed to equity, inclusion, and accessibility, welcoming applications from diverse candidates to reflect the communities they serve. They also operate a guaranteed interview scheme for certain applicants, including those with disabilities.

West Sussex County Council

What we do changes lives. We are there when people are born and in later life; supporting them every step of the way.

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Mission & Purpose

West Sussex County Council is committed to improving the quality of life for everyone in West Sussex. As a community leader, employer and provider of services we want to make sure that everyone in West Sussex has the opportunity to achieve their potential, no matter where they live or what their background, individual characteristics or personal circumstances might be. We work with other local authorities, as well as regional, national and international authorities, to deliver services and represent the best interests of the people of the county.