Overview
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.
Location note: hybrid working after training; some travel to courts, police stations, etc.
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
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