Job Description

Job Summary

We are seeking a motivated

Trainee Paralegal & Police Station Representative

to join our busy Criminal Department in Sunderland. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in both court and police station work while working closely with solicitors and barristers. The role includes the training required to obtain the Police Station Accreditation, exposure to a wide range of criminal matters, and the chance to develop strong practical legal skills in a supportive and professional environment.

You will:

Provide support to solicitors and barristers in the Criminal Department while developing practical legal skills. Undertake supervised fee-earning work and contribute to the smooth running of the department. Work towards obtaining the Police Station Representative Accreditation. Gain exposure to both court and police station work through training and supervision.

Main duties and requirements at Court

Assist solicitors and barristers by preparing case files and ensuring all necessary documents are available. Attend court under supervision, meeting clients and explaining the process in clear, simple terms. Support counsel during hearings, including retrieving information from case files. Take detailed Court Attendance Notes. Develop good working relationship with Barrister and the client and assist both individuals wherever necessary during the Court proceedings. Assist the Barrister in any follow up action, e.g. retrieval of reports. Type up the Court Attendance Notes following the Hearing. Shadow and assist accredited colleagues when attending police stations. Learn how to provide advice and support to clients in custody under supervision. Progress towards becoming accredited as a Police Station Representative, enabling independent client advice. Participate in the on-call rota once accredited, under guidance from senior staff.

Main duties and requirements in the office

Make new client appointments/complete the necessary paperwork with clients. Deal with new client enquiries in relation to Criminal matters (and refer any technical queries to the appropriate Solicitor). Opening and closing of files (LawSoft). Completion of Court Attendance Notes. Time recording. Correspondence. Follow up on specific queries from clients with appropriate solicitors. Preparation of funding forms. Preparation of statements on behalf of clients. Preparation of Briefs to Counsel. Preparation of court bundles.

Preferred kills and experience

Law degree, CILEX qualification, or relevant legal study Strong interest in developing a career in criminal law. Good organisational and interpersonal skills. Willingness to learn and keep up to date with legal developments. A good level of IT skills, with the ability to learn case management systems.

Person specification

Strong customer focus and commitment to client care. Self-motivated with a positive, proactive attitude. Flexible and adaptable to the needs of the team. Able to handle confidential information with discretion. Team player who is also capable of working independently when required.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

Company pension Employee discount Health & wellbeing programme Private medical insurance Referral programme Sick pay
Work Location: In person