£30,882 - £37,945 per annum

About the Team:

We are building on the strength of our Legal team, with a focus on our Social Care legal function. We’re looking for a dynamic and hard-working Legal Assistant to join us in this additional role where you will play an important part in supporting the strengthening our legal function, contributing to the protection and wellbeing of children and young people. This is a fixed-term role for up to a year, and ideal opportunity to get involved with the possibility of a permanent role.

This is an exciting time to join a supportive, respected and dynamic team as we grow and innovate to meet the evolving needs of Children’s services in our community.

Why You Should Join Us:

Joining Cornwall Council means more than just working in a legal role, it’s a chance to build a fulfilling career with opportunities for growth and progression. We offer a flexible, supportive environment with a focus on both professional development and work-life balance. Whether through hybrid working options or flexible working hours, we ensure our team members can manage both their personal and professional commitments effectively.

Don’t worry if you don’t have local government experience as we’ll give you the support you need to excel with us. By joining us, you will play an important part in enhancing Children’s Social Care legal services for Cornwall, working collaboratively with dedicated colleagues while advancing your career in a supportive environment.

As one of the largest unitary authorities in the UK, you'll be contributing to a wider team that ensures Cornwall has a strong and united voice when engaging with national government, regional agencies, and partner organisations.

About the Role:

As a dedicated Legal Assistant in our Children’s Social Care Team, you will provide essential support to Lawyers and Senior Lawyers which will give you the chance to be involved in a range of matters, including care proceedings, Placement Order applications, private law applications, and SEND tribunal appeals. This is an important role in the team dynamic and an opportunity to develop your career in this challenging but rewarding discipline. We’ll make sure you get exposure to interesting work that will support your development.

You will also have the opportunity to expand into other areas of interest within the scope of Children’s Social Care, with full training and support.

About You:

• A degree or CILEx qualification or other relevant legal qualification, or significant proven practical and theoretical experience, or a keen interest in this area
• Experience in managing a high volume caseload
• Able to analyse information and apply the relevant legal principles
• Good communication skills, with the ability to explain information and legal principles clearly and effectively
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage competing demands
• A collaborative approach, with a commitment to team success and shared learning
• The ability to work effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines

What you’ll get in return:

Cornwall Council’s ambition is to be an employer of choice, a high performing Council and a learning organisation. We commit to providing a reward and benefits package to attract, motivate and reward our employees. We offer a range of flexible working options to our staff. This helps provide our employees with a greater work/life balance whilst still ensuring that service needs are met.

Our core employee rewards and benefits include:

• a competitive salary
• a relocation package, if applicable, to support your move to Cornwall
• a defined benefit pension scheme, based on your career average earnings. This includes the option for extra voluntary contributions
• a generous annual leave entitlement with the potential to purchase additional leave
• a national award-winning employee health and wellbeing programme
• employee benefits scheme giving employees access to a wide range of discounts to local and national goods and services

To find out more about the role and have an informal chat please contact Alison White on 01872 322222.

Please read the role profile for the full details of this role attached below in this advert

Additional Information:

Please note, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role

The full role profile is attached here

We recommend saving a copy of this to refer to if you are invited to an interview.

Application Process

Please attach a supporting statement to your application, you can add your Education & Qualifications details manually using the application form timeline or you can upload your CV. Remember to demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points marked as ‘Application’ on the Role Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had.

Please note that applications cannot be edited after they have been submitted, please contact careers@cornwall.gov.uk if you have any queries or require assistance with your application.

Closing date: 13 July 2025

For further information or to apply, please click on the 'Enquire/Apply' button below.