Job Title: Crown Court Diary Assistant
Job Purpose:
To provide essential administrative support to the Crown Court teams, with primary responsibility for the accurate and efficient management of the Crown Court diary.
Key Responsibilities:
* Manage and maintain the Crown Court diary as a priority, ensuring all listings, results, and follow-on dates are recorded and actioned promptly.
* Monitor daily diary results to identify and chase any missing outcomes.
* Ensure Representation Orders are in place and MC/YC cases are billed in lower courts before committal or transfer.
* Book Instructed Advocates for upcoming hearings, ensuring briefs are provided 24 hours before the listing.
* Schedule visits for fee earners to see clients in custody or elsewhere, ensuring all necessary documentation is on the case file.
* Arrange conferences with Instructed Advocates, notifying clients, fee earners, and experts as appropriate.
* Coordinate clerks' attendance at hearings where required.
* Notify clients, family members, sureties, and defence witnesses of Crown Court listings.
* Open and update DPS Crown Court files, including NDOH, CC reference, and Instructed Advocate details.
* Chase clerks for hearing results and ensure CC forms are stocked and accurate.
* Maintain and update the approved list of Instructed Advocates.
* Remind fee earners of upcoming deadlines and listings, promoting excellent administration within the Crown Court section.
* Check and bill Crown Court litigator fees at case conclusion and submit advocacy claims where appropriate.
* Answer telephone queries, recording and forwarding messages where necessary, ensuring urgent matters are prioritised.
* Work in line with office policies, assist colleagues during absences, and liaise with the Practice Manager to improve office systems.
Person Specification:
Essential:
* Experience in managing the Crown Court diary accurately and efficiently.
* Strong organisational skills and methodical approach.
* Ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks under pressure.
* Attention to detail and accuracy in record-keeping.
* Professional, discreet handling of sensitive client matters.
* Respond quickly to urgent enquiries without supervision.
* Effective communication with colleagues, clients, and external contacts.
* Team-oriented and supportive of colleagues.
Desirable:
* IT proficiency.
* Knowledge of court procedures and police station processes.
* Clear, professional communication at all levels.
* Reliable, proactive, and able to take initiative.
* Empathy for vulnerable or disadvantaged clients.
* Willingness to learn and develop professionally
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £27,007.50 per year
Benefits:
* Bereavement leave
* Cycle to work scheme
* Enhanced maternity leave
* Enhanced paternity leave
* Health & wellbeing programme
* Sick pay
Work Location: In person