Suffolk Jobs Direct
Paralegal
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Job Description
Suffolk County Council
Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX, hybrid working
Salary: £28,598 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Hours: 37 hours per week, flexible working options available
Contract: Permanent
As a modern, flexible and effective organisation, at Suffolk County Council we’re driven to make a positive difference to the environment, the communities we serve and the careers of our people.
That’s why, when you join us as a Paralegal, you’ll be encouraged to share your fresh thinking and empowered to explore new ideas that will shape and improve our services as well as your career.
Reimagine the possibilities.
Your Role And Responsibilities
As a Paralegal in the Children's Safeguarding Team, you'll play an important role in helping Suffolk County Council deliver high-quality legal support that makes a real difference to communities across Suffolk. Working alongside experienced lawyers, you'll assist with a wide range of legal matters, preparing documents, researching issues, managing casework and supporting clients across the organisation. This is a varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same. You'll build strong relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, provide clear and practical advice on legal processes, and help ensure the Council's interests are protected. It's an excellent opportunity to develop your legal knowledge, gain valuable public sector experience and contribute to meaningful work that supports local residents and services.
- Supporting lawyers, advocates and caseworkers in care proceedings
- Liaising with clients in Children’s Services
- Preparing court bundles
- Arranging DNA testing and drug testing
- Liaising with external solicitor firms and the Family Court
- Arranging legal representation for court hearings
- Providing crucial support to your colleagues by performing administrative tasks such as file and diary management.
You will be offered the training and supervision that you need to fulfil the role effectively and work collaboratively with colleagues in a close and supportive team.
You will need
- excellent organisational skills and attention to detail with a flexible but rigorous approach to your work
- the ability to use and adapt to technology to promote efficiency and productivity
- clear and professional communication
- a willingness and aptitude for learning
- to enjoy collaboration with colleagues and client officers
- to have an honours degree and/or relevant work experience in a legal setting.
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You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile, which you will find in the how to apply section below. If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
Legal Services is made up of teams specialising in Safeguarding (Children and Adults), Education, Commercial, Planning, Property and Highways, Disputes & Employment, and Local Land Charges. Paralegals are enabled to move between the teams, when required by the needs of the organisation, which brings opportunities for building a broad skillset and identifying routes for career development.
Staff are expected to attend the office 40% of their working week (2 days if working full time) to include their teams allocated office day.
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
For more information
Please contact Emily Dundon (she/her), for a casual conversation. You can reach her by calling 01473 264198 or emailing emily.dundon@suffolk.gov.uk
How To Apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template (Word).
- Tell us about a time when you managed several pieces of work with competing deadlines. How did you prioritise your workload and ensure everything was completed on time?
- Describe a situation where attention to detail was essential. How did you ensure your work was accurate and what was the result?
- Can you give an example of when you provided excellent customer service to a client, customer or stakeholder? What did you do and what was the outcome?
Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
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For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page.
Planning to use Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Please ensure your application still reflects your own skills, experience and ideas. If used inappropriately, your application may not be processed. Please read our guidance for using AI to understand what’s acceptable.
Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412. You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages.
Closing date: 11.30 pm, 28 September 2026.
Promoted as FJ (Featured Job) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
About Us
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
- up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
- membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
- performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
- training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
- a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
- diverse and active staff networks
- flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
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