Law Clerk

The Law Clerk is responsible for providing clerical and administrative support within the Legal Services function. The specific duties may vary depending on the Department or Unit to which the individual is assigned. Law Clerks typically report to a Legal Executive within their assigned Unit.

This role involves applying a working knowledge of legal practices and procedures to support the efficient processing of casework. Responsibilities may include supporting litigation, administrative law, public procurement, property law, and commercial law matters, while adhering to established office procedures.

Role Responsibilities

The role of Law Clerk includes, but is not limited to, the following duties:

• Performing general clerical duties, including typing, filing, photocopying, scanning, data entry, handling correspondence, and managing phone communications;

• Providing high-quality information to the public via telephone, written correspondence, and face-to-face interactions;

• Registering and processing new complaints submitted by the public;

• Logging, collating, scanning, and processing inbound and outbound post;

• Maintaining accurate and well-organised records;

• Supporting administrative functions across all areas of TÉ Legal Services and working collaboratively with wider teams;

• Assisting line managers and colleagues with operational tasks;

• Using IT systems daily, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, email, and internet tools;

• Reviewing all work thoroughly to ensure accuracy and high standards;

• Approaching tasks methodically and with attention to detail, even when repetitive;

• Assisting with client interactions and providing information on legal matters;

• Adhering to established office procedures;

• Supporting preliminary research queries as required.

Note: This job description is subject to re-definition as part of ongoing reforms within the Public Service and change management initiatives within TÉ.

Person Specification

On the closing date of Friday 13th February at 5pm, candidates must satisfy all the following requirements:

Essential Criteria:

• Relevant experience in clerical, administrative, or customer service roles; and

• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office and database systems; and

• The capacity to demonstrate to a high level the key competencies that have been devised for posts at this level under the following headings (see Appendix A for more details):

Teamwork;

Information Management/Processing;

Delivery of Results;

Customer Service & Communication Skills;

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development;

Drive & Commitment to Public Service Values.

Desirable Criteria:

• Ability to work on one’s own initiative and strong written and verbal communication skills;

• Excellent customer service skills;

• Ability to work effectively within a team environment;

• Commitment to delivering high-quality work;

• Sound judgment and problem-solving abilities;

• Willingness to learn and develop skills, knowledge, and expertise.

General

The appointment is on a probationary basis to a permanent post in the Civil Service and is subject to the Civil Service Regulations Acts 1956 to 2005, the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004, and any other Act for the time being in force relating to the Civil Service.

Salary

The PPC (Personal Pension Contribution) salary for this position with effect from 1st August 2025 is as follows:

€649.98 – €933.97 per week

Personal Pension Contribution (PPC)

The PPC pay rate applies when the individual is required to pay a Personal Pension Contribution (otherwise known as a main scheme contribution) in accordance with the rules of their main or personal superannuation scheme. This is different to a contribution in respect of membership of a Spouses’ and Children’s scheme, or the Additional Superannuation Contributions (ASC).

A different rate will apply where the appointee is not required to make a Personal Pension Contribution.

Long service increments may be payable after 3 (LSI1) and 6 (LSI2) years satisfactory service at the maximum of the scale.

Important Note

Entry will be at the minimum of the scale, and the rate of remuneration will not be subject to negotiation and may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. Different terms and conditions may apply if you are a currently serving civil or public servant

Subject to satisfactory performance, increments may be payable in line with current Government Policy.

Payment will be made weekly in arrears by Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) into a bank account of your choice. Payment cannot be made until a bank account number and bank sort code have been supplied on appointment and statutory deductions from salary will be made as appropriate.

You will agree that any overpayment of salary, allowances, or expenses will be repaid by you in accordance with Circular 07/2018: Recovery of Salary, Allowances, and Expenses Overpayments made to Staff Members / Former Staff Members / Pensioners.

Tenure and Probation

The appointment is to a permanent position on a probationary contract in the Civil Service. The probationary contract will be for a period of one year from the date specified on the contract. During the period of your probationary contract, your performance will be subject to review by your manager(s) to determine whether you:

(i) Have performed in a satisfactory manner;

(ii) Have been satisfactory in general conduct;

(iii) Are suitable from the point of view of health with particular regard to sick leave.

Prior to the completion of the probationary contract, a decision will be made as to whether or not you will be retained pursuant to Section 5A (2) Civil Service Regulation Acts 1956–2005. This decision will be based on your performance assessed against the criteria set out in (i) to (iii) above. The detail of the probationary process will be explained to you by HR, and you will be given a copy of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform’s guidelines on probation.

All appointees will serve a one-year probationary period. If an appointee who fails to satisfy the conditions of probation has been a serving civil servant immediately prior to their appointment from this competition, the issue of reversion will normally arise. In the event of reversion, an officer will return to a vacancy at their former grade in their former Department.

In the following circumstances, your contract may be extended and your probation period suspended:

• The probationary period stands suspended when an employee is absent due to Maternity or Adoptive Leave;

• In relation to an employee absent on Parental Leave or Carers Leave, the employer may require probation to be suspended if the absence is not considered to be consistent with the continuation of the probation; and

• Any other statutory provision providing that probation shall:

(i) stand suspended during an employee’s absence from work, and

(ii) be completed by the employee on the employee’s return from work after such absence.

Where probation is suspended, the employer should notify the employee of the circumstances relating to the suspension.

Headquarters

Headquarters will be such as may be designated from time to time by the CEO. When required to travel on official duty, the appointee will be paid appropriate travelling expenses and subsistence allowances, subject to normal civil service regulations.

Duties

The employee will be required to perform any duties appropriate to the position which may be assigned from time to time. The officer may not engage in private practice or be connected with any outside business which would interfere with the performance of official duties or conflict with his or her role.

Hours of Attendance

Hours of attendance will be fixed from time to time but will amount to not less than 41 hours 15 minutes gross per week or 35 hours net per week. Where extra attendance is necessary, overtime payments, or time off in lieu, will be allowed in accordance with the Civil Service overtime regulations.

TÉ offers flexible working, with a commitment to work-life balance and a family-friendly workplace.

Annual Leave

The annual leave allowance for this position is 22 days, rising to 23 days after 5 years’ service, to 24 days after 10 years’ service, to 25 days after 12 years’ service, and to 26 days after 14 years’ service. This allowance is subject to the usual conditions regarding the granting of annual leave in the civil service, is based on a five day week, and is exclusive of the usual public holidays.