Legal Secretary/ Paralegal

Provide administrative and legal support to the General Counsel

Be part of a passionate team dedicated to making a difference

Salary from $88,217.36 to $95,101.09 p.a. plus 11.5% Superannuation (Grade H)

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Legal Secretary/Paralegal to join our team at Willoughby City Council!

About us

When you join Willoughby City Council you join a close-knit team with a big impact. We are dynamic, diverse and future-focused. We value team players who are willing to roll up their sleeves and get the job done. We serve the community and make it our job to make people’s lives better. It’s all in a day’s work.

You’ll have the freedom to grow in your career alongside likeminded people who will support you every step of the way. You’ll be part of our transformation as a Council and shape the future for the residents of Willoughby. And you’ll do it all from a thriving hub in Sydney, in the culturally-rich area we are so proud to call home.

About you

You’re looking for a role with purpose, one where you can make a meaningful difference. You have so much to offer. And we can see that. As much as you bring to the table, we provide you with the support you need to accelerate your career growth.

We are constantly evolving… and that change brings with it new directions, skillsets and thinking for you to embrace. Through collaboration and projects across the organisation, you will have incredible opportunities come your way. How far you take them, well, that’s in your hands.

In the Customer and Corporate Unit, you will be responsible for managing a broad range of requests and processes supporting initial ideas through to final delivery. You’ll need to be proactive and a strong communicator. You’ll value teamwork, consistency and openness to change.

At the end of the day, you’ll know that you are making a difference. The work you do is valued, both within Council and by the community. Making a tangible meaningful contribution is what you’ve been searching for. And you’ve found it at Willoughby City Council.

About the role

As the Legal Secretary/Paralegal you will provide administrative and legal support to the General Counsel, which will include monitoring financial activities and budget. Other tasks may include record keeping, calendar management, practice management, drafting, filing and serving court documents and other legal documents, managing court proceedings, including correspondence with residents and applicant legal representatives, coordinating with external solicitors, reporting on legal matters, raising purchase orders and payment and issue of invoices.

In this role, you will handle sensitive legal information, which requires a high level of discretion. You will be expected to exercise a degree of independent judgment in delivery of approaches and practices and is accountable for the quality and accuracy of the output. You should have strong political awareness as working within a council environment may involve navigating political sensitivities.

What you’ll be doing:

Provide administrative support to maximise the delivery of legal services to Council.

Preparing legal documents including UCPR court forms.

Responsibility for accurate record keeping and case management.

Liaise and communicate with all levels of the organisation and with a variety of external organisations (e.g. Land and Environment Court, legal firms, developers, and other stakeholders) so that mutually beneficial relationships are established and maintained.

Organising and maintaining case files, tracking deadlines, and ensuring proper documentation.

Assisting with court filings, compiling court bundles, and preparing for hearings.

Managing the General Counsel’s calendar, scheduling meetings, and coordinating appointments.

Answering phone calls and emails, directing inquiries.

Maintaining confidential legal files and documents.

Preparing invoices and managing legal fees.

Coordinating with other council departments on legal issues.

Requirements

Legal secretarial or paralegal qualifications, or significant relevant experience in providing legal secretarial services to lawyers.

Well-developed communication skills.

Proven ability to maintain confidentiality.

Highly customer and delivery focused.

Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.

Proficiency in database systems and Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel and Outlook.

Proficient in legal drafting and document preparation.

Willingness to learn and also provide input into organisational improvements.

Experience in financial systems, preparing invoices and managing legal fees.

How to apply

Apply now to join us at Willoughby City Council where you can add value and be valued for the meaningful work you do.

When you work at Willoughby Council, you will work with a diverse group of like-minded people who have people and the community at the forefront in everything we do. Check out our employee benefits on our careers page to see:

Where you can look after yourself and your loved ones

Where you can enhance your wellbeing

Where you can grow, develop and be part of a team

https://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/Council/Working-with-us/Careers

Enquiries: Jessica Simpson – General Counsel– 02 9777 7574.

Applications must address all of the key responsibilities outlined in the Position Description.

Please note being fully vaccinated for Covid-19 is a requirement prior to commencement of employment with Willoughby City Council, except where a medical contraindication certificate is provided.

Successful candidates may be required to undertake pre-employment screening including police and qualification checks.

Applications close: 18 May 2025 at 11:30pm

Please note recruitment activity may commence before the closing date