Legal Assistant

Rate: £30 per hour
Location: Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, Catford, London, SE6 4RU
Type: Temporary (6-12 months)
Hours: 35 hours per week
Start Date: 5 August 2025
Work Pattern: Hybrid - 2 days office-based, 3 days remote
IR35: Inside
Reference: OR9824

Lewisham Council - Law and Corporate Governance Group is seeking an experienced Legal Assistant/Paralegal to provide maternity cover in the Housing and Disrepair team for a period of 6 to 12 months.

You will manage a caseload of approximately 40 housing and disrepair cases under the supervision of a Principal or Senior Lawyer. The ideal candidate will have a strong legal foundation and a keen interest or experience in housing, disrepair, and Environmental Protection Act (EPA) matters.

• Drafting legal documents including defences, witness statements, and application notices.

• Managing case settlements and dealing with costs issues.

• Attending legal, income, and housing management meetings.

• Maintaining accurate records of new and existing cases.

• Processing external invoices and arranging counsel for hearings.

• Preparing and sending hearing bundles.

• Updating the Legal Housing Calendar with case timelines.

• Monitoring and responding to the Legal Housing team inbox.

• A Law Degree or Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL).

• Some knowledge of housing law, disrepair claims, and EPA prosecutions.

• Excellent drafting, organisational, and communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a wider legal team.