job Title: Entry-Level Criminal Paralegal
Location: Reading Office (with potential travel to courts and police stations) -
Salary: £24,000 per annum
Working Hours: 35 hours per week (Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM with 1 hour unpaid lunch break)
About the Role: This is a unique opportunity for someone who is committed to a career in criminal law and plans to undertake the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) to qualify as a solicitor. The role will provide hands-on experience with criminal law casework, preparing cases for Magistrates and Crown Court.
You will be expected to assist senior solicitors with various criminal law matters, with a focus on gaining practical knowledge in the preparation and management of criminal cases, client communication, and legal document preparation.
Key Responsibilities: * Assist in the preparation and management of criminal law cases for Magistrates and Crown Court proceedings.

* Take instructions from clients, which may include attending prisons to meet with clients.

* Draft legal documents and applications in support of casework.

* Instruct experts and barristers as necessary for the progression of cases.

* Attend various courts, police stations, and other relevant locations to support case development and provide client care.

* Provide administrative support to solicitors, including maintaining case files, preparing trial bundles, and liaising with courts and other legal professionals.

Additional Responsibilities: * Work towards obtaining Police Station Accreditation (with support and funding from the firm).

* Once accredited, attend police stations to represent clients for non-indictable offences and other criminal matters.

* Participate in out-of-hours client work, including evenings and weekends, as part of a shared rota for police station attendance.

* Claim disbursements for travel to and from police stations in line with current Legal Aid Agency guidelines.

Qualifications & Skills: * Strong interest in criminal law and a commitment to undertaking the SQE to qualify as a solicitor.

* Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage with clients and legal professionals.

* Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

* Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

* Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information.

Training & Development: * As part of this role, you will have the opportunity to pursue the Police Station Accreditation Scheme, with the firm funding the necessary training and courses.

* Once qualified, you will be able to handle your own client work at police stations and assist with criminal law cases outside of standard working hours.

Additional Information: * This position offers the opportunity to develop practical legal skills within the criminal law sector.