Job Summary
We are seeking a motivated Trainee Paralegal & Police Station Representative to join our busy Criminal Department in Sunderland. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in both court and police station work while working closely with solicitors and barristers. The role includes the training required to obtain the Police Station Accreditation, exposure to a wide range of criminal matters, and the chance to develop strong practical legal skills in a supportive and professional environment.
You will:
* Provide support to solicitors and barristers in the Criminal Department while developing practical legal skills.
* Undertake supervised fee-earning work and contribute to the smooth running of the department.
* Work towards obtaining the Police Station Representative Accreditation.
* Gain exposure to both court and police station work through training and supervision.
Main duties and requirements at Court
* Assist solicitors and barristers by preparing case files and ensuring all necessary documents are available.
* Attend court under supervision, meeting clients and explaining the process in clear, simple terms.
* Support counsel during hearings, including retrieving information from case files.
* Take detailed Court Attendance Notes.
* Develop good working relationship with Barrister and the client and assist both individuals wherever necessary during the Court proceedings.
* Assist the Barrister in any follow up action, e.g. retrieval of reports.
* Type up the Court Attendance Notes following the Hearing.
* Shadow and assist accredited colleagues when attending police stations.
* Learn how to provide advice and support to clients in custody under supervision.
* Progress towards becoming accredited as a Police Station Representative, enabling independent client advice.
* Participate in the on-call rota once accredited, under guidance from senior staff.
Main duties and requirements in the office
* Make new client appointments/complete the necessary paperwork with clients.
* Deal with new client enquiries in relation to Criminal matters (and refer any technical queries to the appropriate Solicitor).
* Opening and closing of files (LawSoft).
* Completion of Court Attendance Notes.
* Time recording.
* Correspondence.
* Follow up on specific queries from clients with appropriate solicitors.
* Preparation of funding forms.
* Preparation of statements on behalf of clients.
* Preparation of Briefs to Counsel.
* Preparation of court bundles.
Preferred kills and experience
* Law degree, CILEX qualification, or relevant legal study
* Strong interest in developing a career in criminal law.
* Good organisational and interpersonal skills.
* Willingness to learn and keep up to date with legal developments.
* A good level of IT skills, with the ability to learn case management systems.
Person specification
* Strong customer focus and commitment to client care.
* Self-motivated with a positive, proactive attitude.
* Flexible and adaptable to the needs of the team.
* Able to handle confidential information with discretion.
* Team player who is also capable of working independently when required.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Employee discount
* Health & wellbeing programme
* Private medical insurance
* Referral programme
* Sick pay
Work Location: In person