Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support solicitors in preparing and progressing criminal defence cases.
- Company: Join a Sunday Times Best Place to Work with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Generous leave, wellbeing support, and flexible working after training.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in criminal law while making a real difference.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, strong IT skills, and a passion for criminal law.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Contract: Permanent
Salary: Dependant on experience
Location: Wigan, WN3 5BA - hybrid/agile working after a period of training. Some travel is required to courts, police stations, etc.
Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm (flexibility required due to the nature of criminal defence work)
Stephensons Solicitors is seeking a Paralegal to join our well-established Criminal Litigation Department. This is an exciting opportunity to work on serious and complex criminal defence matters within a supportive, high-performing team. Stephensons is a Sunday Times Best Place to Work and an Investors in People Gold firm, committed to developing talent and supporting long-term career progression.
The Role
As a Paralegal in our Crime team, you will support solicitors in the preparation and progression of criminal defence cases, acting for clients across a wide range of matters. You will be involved in all stages of case preparation, from initial enquiries through to trial, and will regularly communicate with clients, experts, counsel and external agencies. This role is demanding, varied and rewarding, offering excellent exposure to criminal law and the opportunity to develop practical, hands-on experience within a busy department.
Key Responsibilities
- Assisting solicitors with the preparation and progression of criminal cases
- Responding promptly to new enquiries and maintaining regular communication with clients, colleagues and external professionals
- Advising and taking instructions from clients by telephone, email and in person, including at offices, courts, prisons and police stations
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents, including instructions to experts and counsel
- Preparing funding and legal aid documentation
- Taking witness statements
- Reviewing, analysing and preparing evidence, including CCTV and body-worn footage
- Liaising with barristers and experts and assisting with the arrangement and attendance of conferences (remotely and in person)
- Preparing electronic case files and ensuring accurate record-keeping on the case management system
- Managing work in progress effectively, including time recording and administrative tasks
- Supporting effective team working and contributing to practice development, including cross-referrals and marketing activity where appropriate
- Ensuring compliance with GDPR, professional obligations and internal policies and procedures
About You
- Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to work calmly under pressure
- Highly organised with strong time-management skills
- A team player who communicates effectively and professionally
- Hard-working, committed and able to handle confidential and sensitive matters with discretion
- Flexible and responsive to the needs of clients and the wider team
- Genuinely interested in criminal law and criminal defence work
Essential Requirements
- GCSE in English and Maths (minimum C, 4 or equivalent)
- Strong IT and computer literacy skills
- Excellent organisational and time-management abilities
- Clear and confident written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Self-motivated and disciplined, including when working remotely
- Clean, full UK driving licence with access to a vehicle
We have an open mind regarding qualifications and entry routes and will consider candidates with relevant degrees, A-levels or equivalent experience.
Additional Information
Within 12 months of commencing employment, the successful candidate will be expected to become Police Station Accredited. You will be expected to join the 24 hour rota and to hold the out of hours phone on commencement of employment, attend police stations (when accredited) in the evenings, Bank Holidays and weekends when needed (this can include Christmas Day, Boxing Day etc).
Our Values
We are keen to hear from individuals who reflect our brand values: approachable, flexible, inclusive, resilient and supportive.
What We Can Offer
- Generous annual leave (increasing with length of service)
- Salary sacrifice pension scheme
- Early monthly pay scheme
- Life assurance
- Holiday sale and purchase scheme
- Wellbeing support (financial, physical and mental health)
- Free parking
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- Will writing service
- Season ticket and travel support
- Payroll giving scheme
- Social events and clubs
- Reward and recognition schemes
- Internal referral scheme
- Retail vouchers and cashback schemes
- Free eye tests
- Cycle to work scheme
- Service length conditions apply
Paralegal - Crime in Wigan employer: Stephensons Solicitors LLP
Contact Detail:
Stephensons Solicitors LLP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Paralegal - Crime in Wigan
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the legal field, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching common questions and practising your responses. Make sure to highlight your passion for criminal law and your ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion. We want to see that you're genuinely interested in the role!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills during the interview. Bring examples of how you've managed multiple tasks or projects effectively. This will demonstrate that you can handle the demanding nature of the paralegal role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us that you’re proactive and really keen on joining our team at Stephensons.
We think you need these skills to ace Paralegal - Crime in Wigan
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Paralegal role. Highlight your relevant experience in criminal law and any specific skills that match the job description. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for criminal defence work shine through in your application. Share any experiences or interests that demonstrate your commitment to this field. We love candidates who are genuinely interested in what we do!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stephensons Solicitors LLP
✨Know Your Criminal Law Basics
Brush up on key concepts in criminal law, especially those relevant to the role. Being able to discuss recent cases or legal changes shows your genuine interest and understanding of the field.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves liaising with clients and professionals, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Consider role-playing common scenarios you might encounter, like advising a client or discussing a case with a solicitor.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples of how you've managed multiple tasks or deadlines in the past. Highlighting your time-management abilities will reassure them that you can handle the demands of a busy criminal defence environment.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills under pressure. Think about how you would handle sensitive situations or tight deadlines, and be prepared to share specific examples from your experience.
