Overview
Paralegal Crime. Contract: Permanent. Salary: Dependant on experience. Location: Wigan, WN3 5BA - hybrid/agile working after a period of training. Some travel is required (courts, police stations etc). Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm (flexibility required due to the nature of criminal defence work).
The Role
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.
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
We Are Looking For Someone Who Is
* 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.
Why Stephensons?
Stephensons is an award-winning, top 150 law firm with a national reputation for excellence in criminal defence. We offer a supportive environment where people are encouraged to develop, progress and build long-term careers, while being recognised and rewarded for their contribution.
What We Can Offer
In addition to a competitive salary, we offer an excellent benefits package, including:
* 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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