Criminal Law Paralegal - Police Station Accredited

A leading law firm is looking to recruit a dedicated Criminal Law Paralegal for a highly sought permanent position. Gemini Recruitment is currently partnering with a large and established law firm that serves corporate entities and private individuals in over 25 practice areas from offices throughout London and across England and Wales. The firm’s accomplishments are acknowledged and recommended in The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners as a top tier firm. It holds the Investors in People Gold Accreditation Quality Standard Mark and is LEXCEL, Cyber Essentials Plus and ISO accredited and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

The crime department is ranked by Chambers and Partners for its reputation for well-prepared, high-quality work. Their case building excellence is based on a sound knowledge of the criminal justice system and the ability to assemble first-rate evidence and documentation. A number of the solicitors are police station representatives and offer free 24/7 representation at all police station interviews as well as at pre-charge investigations. The department has been involved in many high profile and complex cases and includes Higher Courts Advocates providing representation for serious matters such as murder and rape. The firm regularly represents clients at the Youth Court, Magistrates’ Court, Crown Court and Court of Appeal.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Report directly to Department Director
• Professional pro-active approach, strong client care skills and a sensitive and sympathetic understanding of clients’ needs
• Assisting with casework including dealing with a range of Crime matters (LAA Funded and Private client work)
• Attending clients, taking instructions and preparing cases
• Dealing with correspondence
• Preparing and managing funding applications to the Legal Aid Agency
• Preparing draft documents including witness statements and processing evidence
• Attending conferences and court
• Maintaining accurate time costing procedures
• Implementing any recommendations made by your supervisor following monthly file reviews ensuring that these are dealt with promptly
• Ensuring compliance with file management

Key Skills Required:

• Demonstrate passion and experience in a broad range of Criminal Law
• A strong academic background with a Law degree
• Legal experience as a Crime Paralegal/Advisor
• Clear understanding and application of Criminal Laws
• Business acumen and the ability to market the Company
• Excellent communications skills to work effectively with all types of people
• Excellent analytical and organisational skills and ability to use own initiative but know when to seek guidance
• Committed team player, self-motivated and professional
• Excellent IT Skills - familiar with Microsoft Office applications and document management skills

This list is not exhaustive and there may be other duties as reasonably required. On offer is an attractive salary package, a supportive team environment and real prospects for promotion. The company will consider applicants wishing to work part time, full time or with flexible working hours. The company will allow hybrid working. The company is committed to Equal Opportunities and embraces diversity and inclusivity of its staff and strives to ensure that their workforce reflects the diversity of the communities they serve.