Criminal Paralegal in Middlesbrough

We are a full-service law firm based in Middlesbrough serving clients throughout the UK and further afield. We have an outstanding reputation for delivering high-quality advice with exceptional personal service. With a history stretching back over 30 years, we recognise the importance of the contribution that businesses like ours should and can have to the local community and we, therefore, encourage our employees to get involved and give back to the local community in which we live and work.

Our vision is to set the standard for legal excellence and deliver justice for the people and in doing so, to become the law firm of choice and champion of the community for businesses, organisations and individuals. To meet our vision and deliver an outstanding service we employ individuals who understand our client’s needs and take pride in what they do and how they do it. Our values go to the heart of the firm. They define who we are and how we work. By remaining true to our values, we will achieve our vision. This is what we value most:

• Teamwork – we trust and respect one another. We see strength in our diversity as individuals and as a practice. We achieve the best outcomes for clients when we work collaboratively, recognizing and respecting the different perspectives that we bring.
• Excellent Client Service – We take the time to truly understand our clients’ needs and aim to provide practical, tailored and commercial solutions – not just options – to help them achieve their goals.
• Professionalism – We work to the highest professional and technical standards, acting with the utmost integrity at all times. We are fiercely proud of our reputation as a trusted adviser to our clients, often over several generations, and continually strive to ensure that our client’s interests come first and foremost.
• Our People – We work together to create an open, supportive and friendly working environment where our people feel valued, can develop their careers and achieve their professional ambitions.

If this sounds like a vision you would like to be a part of, our values resonate with your own personal values, and you meet the requirements of the role described, we’d be delighted to hear from you.

We are seeking a motivated and proactive Paralegal to join our busy Crime Department. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build a career in criminal law, gain hands-on experience, and work alongside an experienced and supportive team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assisting with general administrative tasks within the department
• Preparing and submitting various prior authority applications
• Supporting in the administration of our national phone line CDD Criminal Defence Direct
• Assisting fee earners with case preparation and file management
• Co-litigating Crown Court matters under supervision
• Liaising with clients and courts

Development Opportunities:

• Support and training to work towards Police Station Representative Accreditation (PSRA)
• Exposure to a wide range of criminal matters, including Magistrates’ and Crown Court work
• Ongoing professional development within a collaborative environment

About You:

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• A genuine interest in criminal law
• A desire to learn
• Previous legal experience is desirable but not essential

What We Offer:

• Company pension scheme
• 33 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays
• Professional membership payments
• Professional development
• Employee referral scheme