Job Introduction
Milton Keynes Council Legal Services is a fast-paced, dynamic and innovative in-house Legal Service which advises a wide-range of the Council’s departments. From contracts and procurement to child protection, from major development projects to criminal prosecution, the team to provide clear, high-quality and pragmatic advice to professional clients.
A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, motivated, and hardworking individual to join the Litigation team as a paralegal. Your primary duties will include assisting the lawyers within Litigation in respect of preparing advanced disclosure and court bundles for civil and criminal matters, for drafting court applications, pleadings and witness statements and liaising with legal colleagues, professionals and undertaking legal research.
This role is an exciting opportunity for an individual who is starting their legal career or someone with experience (potential for a Senior Paralegal position.)
Main Responsibility
The Paralegal will assist the Principal and lawyers in respect of:
- Drafting court applications
- Preparing advanced disclosure in respect of criminal prosecutions
- Preparing bundles which are CPR compliant for housing, employment and other civil matters
- Undertaking legal research for the lawyers which may involve a number of legal areas
- Liaise with other departments and third parties
- Attend court to assist the lawyers
The Ideal Candidate
This post is a fantastic opportunity to join an exciting and innovative legal team and to potentially progress your legal career. The ideal candidate will have a law degree and/or equivalent experience working as paralegal. The ideal candidate will:
- Be able to work towards strict deadlines
- Have experience of drafting court applications and witness statements
- Has excellent organisational skills to ensure the court diary and court directions have been complied
- Has experience of undertaking legal research and can provide advice in clear and jargon free language
- Is willing to undertake training in specific areas of law
- Has experience of attending court
Package Description
We are really proud of the benefits we are able to offer our staff here at Milton Keynes Council, including:-
- Local Government Pension Scheme, considered to be one of the best employer contribution rates of 19.7%
- 27 days annual leave per year in addition to statutory and public holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years
- Holiday Purchase Scheme
- Our Professional Development Centre provides access to courses such as in-house management development programmes endorsed by the Institute of Leadership, Apprenticeship Programmes (junior and senior), coaching and mentoring and access to our Smarter Learning portal
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Health Cashplan
- MK Advantage benefits package – a range of savings on a wide range of retail, leisure and entertainment products and services such as Pizza Express, M&S, B&Q, John Lewis and Arriva Travel.
- SmartGo – Aimed at encouraging low-carbon transport and healthy lifestyle with discounted travel e.g. Halfords, Arriva, Europcar, National Railcards and Stagecoach.
- Homebuy Scheme (for eligible roles)
- Smarter working which provides the opportunity to work from various locations including from home for a proportion of your role (subject to business needs)
- A full range of family friendly policies including enhanced Maternity, Adoption and Paternity entitlements
- Childcare Subsidy
About The Organisation
Milton Keynes is a diverse, welcoming, and expanding place, built on smart ideas with even bigger plans for the future. We have world class attractions, beautiful open spaces, and a great standard of living.
Milton Keynes Council is one of the largest employers in the region, making a difference every day for local people. We’re responsible for all local government services in MK including education, housing, highways, and social services - around 240 services in all.
Our values are to be dedicated, respectful, and collaborative. If this sounds like you, join us for a stimulating and fulfilling career measured on results, and a rewarding work-life balance.
