Paralegal – Criminal Defence – Derby

Bhatia Best Limited; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A legal firm in the East Midlands is seeking a Paralegal to join their busy Criminal Defence Department in Derby. The role involves advising and representing clients, managing case files, and supporting senior caseworkers. Applicants should be law graduates or working towards LPC/SQE qualifications, confident communicators with a grasp of legal procedures. This position offers a great opportunity to start a career in private practice. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 until 17:30.

Qualifications

• Must have good communication abilities and a grasp of legal procedures.
• Law graduate or working towards LPC/SQE qualification is necessary.
• No prior experience is required.

Responsibilities

• Advise and represent clients.
• Support senior caseworkers in managing case files.
• Undertake legal research and draft court documents.

Skills

Confident demeanour

Good oral and written communication

Grasp of legal procedures

Cost awareness

Education

Law graduate or working towards LPC/SQE

Job description

Bhatia Best are a leading firm based in the East Midlands who specialise in Criminal Defence, Family Law, Personal Injury, Public Law and Community Care.

We have an exciting opportunity for Paralegal to join our busy Criminal Defence Department at our Derby office

JOB PURPOSE:

• Advise and represent clients.
• Maintain efficiency and profitability of the Department.
• Progress with a view to securing a Training Contract.
• Undertake fee earning responsibilities to support principal caseworkers.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support senior caseworkers in progression and management of case files.
• Act as fee earner undertaking tasks delegated by senior caseworkers.
• Undertake legal research and drafting of proformas, court documents as necessary.
• Comply with SQM (Specialist Quality Mark) and all internal transaction criteria and procedures.
• Assist and participate with training initiatives taken by the firm.
• Act as “next friend” and promote training initiatives of new recruits and promoted staff.
• Comply with the firm’s Office Manual.
• Maintain client confidentiality and legal professional privilege.
• Actively promote (PR function) office relations with clients, their families, and possible new clients.

PERSON PROFILE:

SKILLS: Confident demeanour. Good oral and written communication. Grasp of legal procedures, court protocol and rules of evidence. Ability to record meticulously. Ability to attract clients and referrals. Cost awareness and meticulous ability to record & document.

KNOWLEDGE: Law graduate and with successful completion/working towards LPC or SQE qualification.

EXPERIENCE: No prior experience envisaged. Initial step into private practice. Work within practice, industry supplemental to academic training. Computer or IT familiarity. Dealing with the public.

Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 until 17:30 with one hour for lunch.