Paralegal – Criminal Defence

Overview

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.

• 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.

• Support senior caseworkers in progression and management of case files.
• Attain Police Station Accreditation.
• 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.

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.

Police Station Accreditation desirable.

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.