Senior Legal Support Officer – Safeguarding (Temporary)

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Legal Support Officer to join the Legal Services team, focusing on safeguarding and education matters within the Council. The role provides essential administrative and legal assistance to safeguarding and education lawyers.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare court documents and bundles, ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal standards.
• Assist solicitors with caseload management, including support on complex and high‑profile cases.
• Liaise with courts, tribunals, litigants in person, counsel, and external organisations such as police, health and educational bodies.
• Manage diaries, arrange appointments, travel logistics and book rooms/venues for the Legal Safeguarding Team.
• Provide regular support to the Legal Services Manager and occasional assistance to the Director of Law & Governance.
• Support legal apprentices and members of the Legal and Democratic Business Support Team as required.
• Undertake additional duties, which may involve working away from the usual location and outside normal office hours.

Required profile

• Relevant experience in a legal environment, preferably within a Local Authority setting.
• Experience attending court and conferences with counsel and reporting back accurately.
• Proficiency in collating and preparing court bundles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with a range of stakeholders.
• Ability to work flexibly to meet tight deadlines and prioritize tasks.
• Familiarity with case management and time‑recording systems.
• Capability to work with limited supervision and as part of a team.
• Minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above, NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration or equivalent; knowledge of local government safeguarding law is desirable.

Required skills