Legal Assistant (Commercial Litigation) | Brent Civic Centre, Engineers Way, Wembley, Middlesex HA9 0FJ

Join an exciting Legal Service

Brent is a tremendously vibrant London borough where the iconic arch of Wembley Stadium dominates the skyline. Spanning both inner and outer London, it is a borough of huge contrasts in terms of its economic, environmental, ethnic and social make up. Brent’s diversity is evident to all who visit our borough and our long history of ethnic and cultural diversity has created a place that is truly unique and valued by those who live and work here.

The council is pursuing a far-reaching transformation agenda that better meets the needs of our community so it is an exciting time to join us.

The Post

In our Financial Litigation Team we are looking to recruit for a permanent Legal Assistant.

The Legal Assistant will manage a caseload of debt recovery matters working with a wide range of client departments within the council. This often requires instigation of county court proceedings against debtors so good knowledge of civil procedure rules will be ideal. Some knowledge of ASC debt recovery process will be of advantage but not essential as training in this area will be provided.

The Legal Assistant will need:
•    To consider and investigate matters referred to the legal team and allocated to the caseworker.
•    Request and obtain further information and documentation from our various client departments, acknowledge referrals and advise on the merit of the case.
•    To take prompt action in the debt recovery process.
•    Engage in dispute resolution and explore alternative methods of settlement such as mediation.
•    Instruct Counsel and costs draftsman when necessary.
•    Manage a caseload of Adult social care, community infrastructure levy and general, sundry debt recovery matters on the Council’s legal electronic case management system.

The Person

We are looking for an organised, proactive and flexible individual. The Legal Assistant, should demonstrate aptitude and the ability to quickly pick up a wide range of debt recovery cases. They will report to the Senior Lawyers in the team.

Closing date: 22 July 2024 (23:59)

Additional Information

Location: Remote working initially 2 days a week rising to 3 from October 2024, Civic Centre and other locations from time to time

If you are interested in applying for this job, please start by clicking the "Apply Now" button below. You must provide a supporting statement as part of your application that clearly shows how you meet the criteria on the Person Specification. We will accept a CV in support of your application, however, you should still provide a supporting statement.

Brent Council values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects this and therefore encourage applications from all sections of the community. We positively encourage all applicants to self-identify their characteristics in the diversity survey section in the application.

We are committed to safer recruitment and safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants should be aware that posts working with children, young people and vulnerable adults are subject to an Enhanced DBS check as well as other employment clearances.

The information we collect from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas and your data protection rights, can be found here.

Brent has a positive approach to flexible working.

As a disability confident employer Brent welcomes applications from people with all disabilities, including “non-visible” disabilities and mental health conditions. We will interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential criteria. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to any part of the recruitment process due to your disability, please contact us on recruitment@brent.gov.uk

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