Legal Clerk / Paralegal – Crown Court - Leicester

Smith Partnership is a leading law firm across the East Midlands and Staffordshire. A forward thinking and progressive company employing over 200 staff throughout 5 offices.

We have an opportunity at our Leicester office, for a Clerk / Paralegal to support our Crown Court work to join our Crime team. 

About Us: 

We are a progressive and growing law firm, renowned for our comprehensive legal services and exceptional client care. 

Role overview: 

We’re looking for a proactive and organised individual to join our busy Criminal Defence Team, working closely with our Crown Court department. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in serious criminal matters while developing your career within a supportive and growing firm.

This role is ideal for someone aiming to become Police Station Accredited, with full support provided to achieve this and join the out-of-hours rota – overtime opportunities available. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Supporting fee earners on a range of criminal cases, including serious Crown Court matters
• Preparing and managing case file, under direct supervision, from initial instructions to the conclusion of proceedings. 
• Drafting legal documents and statements 
• Communicating directly with clients and witnesses to take instructions and provide case updates
• Liaising with barristers, court staff, police and experts 
• Attending Court Hearings and Police Stations (subject to training and qualifications)
• Assisting with legal aid applications 

What we are looking for:

• A degree in Law or a relevant field would be advantageous.
• Previous experience as a Legal Clerk or Paralegal within Crime would be advantageous.
• Some experience of working in Criminal Justice System / Criminal Law 
• Ability to work on the Police Station out of hours rota.
• Excellent written verbal communication and client care skills.
• High attention to detail and strong organisational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Case Management System (training and support provided)
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Benefits & perks:

• A competitive salary and benefits package (including overtime rates where applicable).
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Opportunities for career progression and professional development.
• Access to ongoing training and development programs.

Next steps:

If you are a motivated and dedicated individual looking to advance your career within Crime in a progressive and growing law firm, we would love to hear from you. 

Please send your CV and a covering letter detailing your suitability for the role to: Recruitment@smithpartnership.co.uk by 30th April.

Please note that the closing date may be brought forward depending upon interest. For further details please contact the HR team on: 01332 225225. 

To find out more about the department, click here.

To find out more about the branch office, click here.

Privacy:

Smith Partnership is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. 

Please click here to read our Candidate Privacy Notice. 

Agencies:

Smith Partnership request that recruitment agencies do not speculatively submit CVs to us unless explicitly asked to do so by our HR team.

Any CVs sent to us on a speculative basis will not be recognised and we will not accept liability for any fee or commission should we subsequently employ a candidate who applied to us directly or was introduced by another agency, that may also have been submitted speculatively by an uninstructed agency.

In the event that an agency's correspondence includes a disclaimer indicating otherwise, our policy above will prevail.