At a Glance
- Tasks: Support our Criminal Law team with case preparation and legal research.
- Company: Join Bindmans LLP, a top London law firm known for excellence.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience and potential progression to a Training Contract.
- Other info: Diverse workplace committed to equal opportunities and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in criminal law while developing your legal skills.
- Qualifications: Legal knowledge in criminal and human rights law is essential.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
Bindmans LLP is a successful London law firm, with a reputation for excellence and being at the cutting edge of legal developments. Bindmans continues to be ranked by Chambers UK and The Legal 500 as one of the top firms in London and the UK for its specialist areas. We are known for achieving excellent results for clients, often in ground-breaking areas of law. We advise many different types of clients with many different legal issues. We pride ourselves on always providing the best possible service, tailored to the needs of each individual client.
We are seeking to recruit a Paralegal to join our Criminal Law team to provide general support to the fee earners in the department. There is also the possibility of this contract being extended or made permanent at the end of the 12-month period. The experience gained in this role will constitute “Qualifying Work Experience” for those qualifying through the SQE route and there is likely to be an opportunity to progress to a Training Contract for those qualifying through the LPC route after 12 months.
Overview of key responsibilities
- Assisting fee earners with case preparation including legal research, interviewing witnesses and drafting statements.
- Processing evidence, preparing, collating and ordering documentation.
- Applying for legal aid funding, attending clients in prison, attending conferences and court.
- Keeping up to speed with legal and funding developments, taking new enquiries.
Paralegals in the team will work under the close supervision of senior fee earners.
Skills/knowledge requirements
- Good legal experience, qualifications and knowledge of criminal and human rights law are essential.
- Successful completion of BVC/LPC and previous paralegal experience in criminal law and human rights are highly desirable.
- A proven track record of administrative and case management skills within an office environment.
- Accredited by LAA to undertake Police Station work would be an advantage.
- Experience in administration of multi-handed cases and the ability to manage and delegate tasks.
- Excellent IT skills to supplement these skills.
Contract terms will depend on the ability and experience of candidates and volume of work.
Equal Opportunities and Diversity
While we strive to make an impact through the law, we also strive to make an impact as an employer. We are committed to equal opportunities and the nurture of equality and diversity in our workplace.
Closing Date: Midday Friday 7 August 2026
Start Date: September 2026
Contract Type: 12-Month Fixed Term Contract
Paralegal – Criminal Department employer: Bindmans LLP
At Bindmans LLP, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values diversity and fosters a supportive work culture. As an Administrative Assistant in our Actions Against Police & State Department, you will benefit from a collaborative environment where your organisational skills are appreciated, and you will have opportunities for professional growth while contributing to meaningful work. Our commitment to equal opportunities ensures that all employees feel valued and empowered to succeed.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Paralegal – Criminal Department
✨Get Involved in Legal Networking Events
Jump into local or virtual legal networking events to meet industry pros and get your foot in the door! Use platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup to find gatherings, as these are great for making connections and hearing about temporary roles at firms like Bindmans LLP.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a simple online portfolio to showcase your legal work, whether that's case briefs, research papers, or even blog posts on legal topics. This public display can really set you apart when looking for temp roles in law, especially if you can make it relevant to the work that Bindmans LLP does!
✨Tap into Law School Resources
If you're near a law school, hit up their career services. They often have leads on temporary positions and can help connect you with alumni working at firms. Plus, they might host workshops or job fairs specific to the legal sector—great for scoring that temp position!
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Regularly check specialised legal job boards like LawCareers.Net or TotallyLegal for temporary listings. Many firms post their openings directly there, and applying quickly can give you an edge over the competition when looking to join a prestigious firm like Bindmans LLP.
We think you need these skills to ace Paralegal – Criminal Department
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Know-How:In the legal services world, it's all about demonstrating your understanding of relevant laws and regulations. Make sure your CV highlights your legal training, internships, or any relevant projects you've worked on. If you've done any mooting or legal research, include those too - they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Application for the Temp Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should stress your adaptability and readiness to jump in right away. Highlight any previous temp roles where you quickly got up to speed, or any diverse experiences that show you can handle a variety of cases or tasks with ease.
Keep it Specific with Your Documents:Make sure your application includes essential legal documents, such as any relevant certifications or memberships in legal bodies. These can add credibility to your CV and show that you're serious about the profession – especially useful in a competitive field like law!
Express Your Enthusiasm in the Cover Letter:Your cover letter is a golden opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Let them know why you’re excited about this temporary position with Bindmans LLP and how you're motivated to contribute to their success during your limited time with them!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bindmans LLP
✨Show Off Your Legal Know-How
Prepare to discuss your understanding of legal terminology and concepts that might come up during the interview for the Paralegal – Criminal Department role at Bindmans LLP. Brush up on relevant laws or recent cases that could be pertinent to the temporary position, as they'll likely appreciate candidates who can think on their feet and adapt to the fast-paced legal environment.
✨Talk About Your Flexibility
Since this is a temporary role, employers want to know you can hit the ground running. Be ready to highlight past experiences where you've had to quickly adapt to new tasks or work cultures. Flexibility is key in a short-term position like this, so share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage changing priorities efficiently.
✨Prepare for the Casework Challenge
You might face hypothetical scenarios where you'd have to advise on a legal issue or case. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, as interviewers in the legal sector often expect candidates to walk them through their reasoning step-by-step. This will not only showcase your legal acumen but also demonstrate your communication skills, which are crucial in law.
✨Pitch Your Legal Portfolio
If you have any relevant work samples, such as briefs, contracts, or legal research, this is your chance to shine! Be ready to discuss what you did, what challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This speaks volumes more than just listing your skills; it shows you're proactive and results-oriented, which is essential for a temporary role at Bindmans LLP.
