Job Description
Role: Crime Paralegal
Job Type: Full-time
Location:\tDewsbury
Work Hours:\tMonday to Friday 09:00-17:30 (1 Hour unpaid lunch)
Holidays:\t20 days plus bank holidays
The Firm
Ashmans Solicitors is a specialist and thriving Legal 500 solicitors firm with offices in Dewsbury and Sheffield. Staffed by a team of specialist lawyers and support staff, we are dedicated to providing the highest levels of client care and service, across a variety of different areas of law. We have a reputation for going above and beyond to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients and we have enjoyed continued success.
The Role
This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated and dynamic Paralegal to join our team in Dewsbury. Reporting to the directors, the Paralegal is to provide a high-quality legal service to all our clients whilst gaining competency to practice as a solicitor in a supported environment.
Working closely with the Managing Director and the other directors, the Paralegal will play a key role in helping to drive a high standard and efficient service throughout the firm.
Qualifications
•\tThe candidate must have completed either LPC or SQE qualifications
•\tPolice station accreditation desirable.
•\tPrevious criminal litigation experience will be beneficial.
SPECIFIC JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
1.\tCase and Transaction Management
These duties will initially be conducted under the supervision of a partner: -
•\tConduct interviews with clients
•\tGain understanding client expectations and requirements
•\tAssess legal problems
•\tAdvise clients on costs
•\tConduct legal research
•\tSuccessfully deliver transactional goals
•\tDevise outline strategy for case
•\tDraft case papers
•\tObtain information from relevant experts
•\tAssess the strengths and weaknesses of the other side’s case
•\tBrief a barrister
•\tMeet deadlines for court appearance
•\tWork towards gaining police station accreditation
•\tAttend court with counsel and/or to take notes
•\tMake applications to the court
•\tMaintain confidentiality
•\tComply with all office procedure requirements
2.\tAdministration
•\tMaintain the training record
•\tConduct self-appraisal and development planning
•\tActively participate in supervision and appraisal
•\tComplete time recording
•\tMaintain files (usually electronically but also in paper)
•\tDeal with billing, paying costs and closing files
•\tFollow administrative systems and procedures
3.\tDevelopment
•\tGain competency in the skill standards
•\tParticipate in team meetings and social and charitable activities
•\tKeep up to date with law and practice
•\tAssist business development
4.\tPersonal Skills
•\tYou will be expected to provide professional, efficient, and friendly service to clients.
•\tYou must have a driving license.
5.\tInterpersonal Skills
You will be expected to communicate clearly and appropriately, both orally and verbally with other parties whilst maintaining excellent working relationships. You will be required to communicate effectively with clients and other legal professionals.
6.\tOrganisational Skills
You will be expected to assist in the preparation of cases, usually under pressure and to tight deadlines. You must, therefore, be able to prioritise workloads at any given time.