Role: Crime Paralegal Job Type: Full-time Location: Dewsbury Work Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00-17:30 (1 Hour unpaid lunch) Holidays : 20 days plus bank holidays The Firm Ashmans Solicitors is a specialist and thriving Legal 500 solicitors firm with offices in Dewsbury and Sheffield.
Read on to find out what you will need to succeed in this position, including skills, qualifications, and experience.
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 • The candidate must have completed either LPC or SQE qualifications • Police station accreditation desirable.
• Previous criminal litigation experience will be beneficial.
SPECIFIC JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 1.
Case and Transaction Management These duties will initially be conducted under the supervision of a partner: - • Conduct interviews with clients • Gain understanding client expectations and requirements • Assess legal problems • Advise clients on costs • Conduct legal research • Successfully deliver transactional goals • Devise outline strategy for case • Draft case papers • Obtain information from relevant experts • Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the other side's case • Brief a barrister • Meet deadlines for court appearance • Work towards gaining police station accreditation • Attend court with counsel and/or to take notes • Make applications to the court • Maintain confidentiality • Comply with all office procedure requirements 2.
Administration • Maintain the training record • Conduct self-appraisal and development planning • Actively participate in supervision and appraisal • Complete time recording • Maintain files (usually electronically but also in paper) • Deal with billing, paying costs and closing files • Follow administrative systems and procedures 3.
Development • Gain competency in the skill standards • Participate in team meetings and social and charitable activities • Keep up to date with law and practice • Assist business development 4.
Personal Skills • You will be expected to provide professional, efficient, and friendly service to clients.
• You must have a driving license.
5.
Interpersonal 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.
Organisational 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.