Paralegal Assistant - Casework Divisions

Overview

As a paralegal assistant, you are often the first point of contact for enquiries and correspondence, delivering excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders. You provide casework support within your team, gaining insight into the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and supporting the frontline delivery of our services. You work with the paralegal team to prepare cases for the magistrates\’ and Crown Court—producing court documents and court listings, managing case files, drafting letters, and briefing prosecutors. You liaise with criminal justice partners to ensure the smooth progression of cases, and provide practical support to victims and witnesses of crime.

You may read more about the Crown Prosecution Service and our values on our website.

Responsibilities

• You attend court to provide support for paralegal officers and prosecutors.
• You prepare casework and documentation for court, supporting legal teams to operate effectively and efficiently.
• You ensure information received is recorded accurately so that it can be easily retrieved and accessed by the team working on the case.
• You provide excellent customer service when dealing with enquiries received by your team over the phone or in writing, ensuring the public and stakeholders can have confidence in the CPS work.
• You ensure all work is produced to a high standard reflecting the CPS values.

Division and Role Context

Central casework divisions handle some of the most complex criminal cases we prosecute. Working with specialist investigators across the criminal justice system, these divisions prosecute offences including organised crime, fraud, terrorism, corporate manslaughter and economic crime on an international scale. Current vacancies advertise:

• SEOCID – Extradition (London)
• CCD – Special Crime (London and York)

Behaviours and Selection Process

We assess against the CPS Success Profiles behaviours during the selection process:

• Motivation (lead behaviour)
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace

Stage assessments include a Civil Service Judgment Test, a video interview and a final interview. The panel may prioritise the lead behaviour (Motivation) and set minimum standards. Details of how assessments are run are provided during the process.

What we look for

• You should be at least 18 years of age.
• Excellent written, verbal and digital communication skills, including knowledge of Microsoft 365.
• An interest in criminal law and public service.
• No formal qualifications or legal experience required; a structured induction training plan is provided. Customer service skills are desirable but not required.

Recruitment Stages and Timeline

1. First stage – Civil Service Judgement Test and application via Civil Service Jobs. Deadline: 1pm on 6 October 2025.
2. Second stage – video interview (lead behaviour: Motivation and other behaviours).
3. Third stage – interview with CPS panel (Microsoft Teams). Interviews run 17 November – 2 December 2025.
4. Offer of employment and pre-employment checks from 2 December 2025 (may take up to two weeks).

Information Sessions and Other Details

Information sessions are available as live webchats to answer questions about the application process. Flexible working options may be considered, with full-time posts requiring court attendance during the working week.

Security and Nationality

All successful candidates require Disclosure and Barring Service clearance and Security Check. Nationality requirements apply as outlined by the CPS. Visa sponsorship is not provided.

Diversity, Inclusion and Benefits

The CPS is committed to diversity and inclusion, disability confidence, and reasonable adjustments in recruitment. We offer a Civil Service Pension with employer contributions, annual leave, personal development allowances, a training programme for prosecutors, and other benefits. We support wellbeing and a culture where staff feel valued, trusted and included.