Legal Assistant

This includes assisting with case preparation, preparation and issuing of legal documentation, and the administration of legal processes in a complex and sensitive environment. A high degree of professionalism, attention to detail, time management to adhere to strict court deadlines and organisational capability, as well as excellent team working skills are all pre-requisites for this role.

 

Key Responsibilities  

1. Legal Support

Prepare digital briefs for instructed Counsel

Prepare court bundles, disclosure lists and bundles, and evidence files in readiness for hearing

Support defence of litigation and public law/judicial review proceedings and also assist with the issuing of said proceedings, where required,

File court documents and manage court fees

Organise consultations and attend meetings, preparing the necessary notes and minutes

Support responses to statutory disclosure and information requests

Deliver legal papers to counsel instructed as and when required

 

2. Case Support and File Management  

Maintain case management systems and legal records efficiently

Manage electronic and manual filing systems in compliance with UKGDPR

Monitor legal deadlines such as court timetables and statutory obligations and maintain the court diary system, as required

Ensure documentation is accurate, complete, accessible, and securely stored in accordance with UK GDPR and our Directorate’s data destruction policySupport lawyers in progressing litigation/public law/judicial review matters

 

3. Administrative Support  

Provide general administrative support (document production, correspondence, scheduling)

Liaise effectively and on a timely basis with internal colleagues, external legal advisors, courts, and stakeholders

Arrange meetings, prepare agendas, and take accurate minutes

Assist with financial administration, including fee processing, requesting payment and liaising with Procurement and Finance colleagues regarding same and cost tracking via a case management system

 

4. Compliance and Governance  

Ensure compliance with legislation, including data protection/UKGDPR and human rights law

Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately

Support Commission governance, audit, and accountability requirements

Maintain accurate records and audit trails of legal decisions

 

5. Stakeholder Engagement  

Act as a point of contact for internal colleagues for routine legal enquiries for the Litigation Team

Communicate professionally with colleagues, clients, and external stakeholders

Provide guidance on legal processes and procedures to internal colleagues

 

6. Continuous Improvement  

Contribute to service development and improvement initiatives

Maintain awareness of legal and public sector developments

The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery is an independent organisation that has been established to recover information about Troubles/Conflict-related deaths and serious injuries to families, victims, and survivors and to promote reconciliation.

We are building a values-led organisation. We operate with integrity, impartiality, openness, accountability, and respect, as set out in our Code of Conduct. This is reflected in our fair and open recruitment processes. We encourage people to join us across all backgrounds, communities and faiths to help us deliver.

The Commission is based in Belfast, with further operational sites in Northern Ireland and London. Travel to all locations will be required, but hybrid working arrangements will help us support a range of flexible working patterns. This is an exciting opportunity to join an organisation with a unique and vital remit.

The Commission is formed of seven Commissioners, the Chief Commissioner, Sir Declan Morgan, the Chief Executive Officer, Louise Warde Hunter, and the Commissioner for Investigations, Peter Sheridan, as well as four Non-Executive Commissioners to provide challenge and scrutiny to the executive team.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all communities and backgrounds, including underrepresented groups. We value diversity in our workforce as it enhances our ability to serve the communities of Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom.

If you would have any queries or would like to contact us to discuss a reasonable adjustment, please email us at recruitment@icrir.independent-inquiry.uk or call us on 02890 362006.