Paralegal Officer

Healthcare Management; Northallerton; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - GBP 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A public sector organization is seeking a Paralegal Officer to support legal services in North Yorkshire. The ideal candidate will facilitate documentation processes, and work closely with a team of lawyers. Responsibilities include preparing court documents, liaising with legal professionals, and administrative support. This role offers flexible working arrangements, personal development opportunities, and generous leave entitlement. Candidates with strong organizational skills and attention to detail are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

Generous leave entitlement

Membership in local government pension scheme

Salary sacrifice schemes for technology

Discounted retail offers

Qualifications

• Experience in a legal environment or equivalent professional setting preferred.
• No legal qualification is essential; primarily supports lawyers.
• Flexible, 'can do' attitude required.

Responsibilities

• Provide paralegal support to fee earners in the People Services team.
• Draft care proceedings applications and related documents.
• Liaise with chambers to book counsel and negotiate fees.
• Prepare and submit legal orders for sealing.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Excellent attention to detail

People skills

Ability to prioritize

Job description

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Paralegal Officer to join Legal and Democratic Services supporting our fee earners on a wide range of legal matters on behalf of The North Yorkshire Council.

Responsibilities

• Provide paralegal support to the fee earners in the People Services (Childcare) team and, where required, to the wider Paralegal team.
• Prepare, produce and update documents and other material for court or tribunal (including court bundles, previous proceedings if applicable, summons, video evidence, statements, viability assessments, social worker reports) ensuring up-to-date information is included for filing ahead of hearings.
• Draft care proceedings applications, placement applications and subsequent applications as case proceedings progress.
• Ensure all documents are filed with third parties, counsel and social workers.
• Prepare draft orders, case summaries, summonses and related documents prior to hearings.
• Review information and draft orders from court after hearings; perform actions such as renewing interim care orders, complying with disclosure requirements, and preparing and submitting legal orders for sealing.
• Liaise with chambers to book counsel, negotiate fees, and arrange conferences/advocates meetings; draft briefs to counsel and keep them updated, providing documentation as needed.
• Coordinate with stakeholders regarding documents to be filed at court or tribunal, advise on key dates, arrangements and requirements for case preparation.
• Provide administrative assistance to counsel at court or tribunal on an ad hoc basis.

Qualifications & Experience

While it is preferable to have knowledge or experience in a legal environment or equivalent professional setting, it is not essential to have a legal qualification, as the role primarily supports a team of lawyers. The ideal candidate will have experience with prioritising and meeting deadlines, strong organisational and people skills, excellent attention to detail, and a flexible, “can do” attitude.

Location & Working Arrangements

The postholder will be based at one of the locality offices of The North Yorkshire Council but may need to attend County Hall, Northallerton from time to time. There is scope to work remotely from home part of the time in line with the Corporate Hybrid Working Policy.

What we can offer

You will benefit from a supportive management system and ongoing personal development and performance management. We promote a work-life balance with flexible working opportunities and modern technology to support your role. You will be part of a strong and supportive team with competitive rewards such as generous leave entitlement and membership of the local government pension scheme. We also offer benefits including salary sacrifice schemes in technology, professional qualifications, green car schemes and discounted retail offers. More information can be found in our Total Rewards Brochure.

If you believe you are what we are looking for, we would like to hear from you. For an informal discussion and more information, please contact Laura Wood, Paralegal Team Leader (at North Yorkshire Council) prior to applying.

Key Dates

• Closing Date: Monday 23 February 2026
• Interviews: Week commencing 2 March 2026

How to apply

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.