Senior Legal Officer

/ Paralegal - Children & Families

Location: Manchester Rate: £16-£20 per hour Contract: 3 months initially, with potential to extend Hours: Full-time Sector: Local Authority

CRA Consulting are currently recruiting for a Senior Legal Officer / Paralegal to join the Children & Families Legal team of a Manchester-based Local Authority on an initial 3-month locum contract, with the potential for extension. This is an excellent opportunity for a Legal Officer or Paralegal looking to secure a role within a busy Local Authority legal service, supporting the Council on a wide range of legal matters relating to children and families. The successful candidate will work alongside Principal Lawyers, Senior Lawyers and the wider legal team, assisting with a varied caseload and providing legal support across both public and private law matters, including work taking place before and after proceedings.

Key responsibilities:

• Managing and progressing an individual caseload of children and families legal work
• Providing legal support and advice in relation to children and families matters
• Assisting with public and private law proceedings
• Preparing and drafting legal documentation, correspondence and case-related documents
• Conducting legal research and keeping up to date with relevant legislation, regulations and guidance
• Preparing briefs and instructions for advocates and external Counsel
• Maintaining accurate and well-organised case files
• Working closely with social workers, solicitors, Counsel, Courts and other external stakeholders
• Supporting the wider Children & Families Legal team with complex and sensitive matters
• Working to tight deadlines and ensuring compliance with relevant procedures and quality standards
• Assisting with the general running and efficiency of the legal service

The ideal candidate will have:

• Previous Local Authority legal experience
• Experience working as a Paralegal, Legal Officer or in a similar legal support position
• Experience within Children & Families / Childcare law
• Knowledge of public and private law children proceedings
• Strong legal drafting, research and analytical skills
• Excellent organisation and case management abilities
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and work to demanding deadlines
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a range of stakeholders
• CILEX Level 3 Diploma in Law or an equivalent legal qualification is desirable

This is a great opportunity to gain further experience within a well-established Local Authority legal team, with the initial contract running for 3 months and the potential for extension . To apply, please submit your CV below or contact Umar Tawil at CRA Consulting for further information.