Company Overview
B D Solicitors is a dedicated legal practice specialising in criminal defence. We are committed to providing expert legal support and vigorous representation to clients facing criminal charges, ensuring their rights are protected throughout the legal process.
Job Summary
We are seeking to recruit a Paralegal and/or Solicitor to join our busy criminal defence practice. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with an interest or experience in criminal law who is looking for genuine responsibility, direct client contact and the opportunity to develop their career within a demanding but supportive environment.
The successful candidate will be responsible for managing a varied caseload across the Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court, with opportunities to undertake advocacy, attend police stations and develop their case-management and advocacy skills.
The role will suit someone who is organised, resilient, able to work under pressure and committed to providing a high standard of client care.
Responsibilities
- Managing a varied caseload of Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court matters.
- Preparing and progressing cases from initial instruction through to conclusion.
- Attending Magistrates’ Court and undertaking advocacy as required.
- Managing and progressing Crown Court cases.
- Advising and representing clients throughout the criminal justice process.
- Taking instructions from clients and maintaining regular and effective client contact.
- Preparing case files, applications, instructions, correspondence and other necessary documentation.
- Liaising with courts, the Crown Prosecution Service, police, counsel and other professionals.
- Attending police stations and advising clients where appropriate.
- Participating in the firm's out-of-hours/police station rota.
- Ensuring files are progressed efficiently and in accordance with legal aid, regulatory and professional requirements.
- Maintaining accurate and comprehensive case records.
- Providing a high standard of client care, particularly when dealing with vulnerable or distressed clients.
- Working collaboratively with colleagues while also taking responsibility for progressing individual cases.
- Developing advocacy, case-management and client-care skills through practical experience and ongoing training.
Requirements
Essential
- Experience of working within, or a strong commitment to developing a career in, criminal law.
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
- The ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a busy and demanding practice.
- The ability to remain calm, professional and effective under pressure.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- A professional and client-focused approach.
- The ability to work independently while also contributing positively to a team.
- A willingness to take responsibility for progressing cases and dealing directly with clients.
- A genuine commitment to legal aid, criminal defence and access to justice.
Desirable
- Police Station Accreditation – this would be a significant advantage.
- Experience conducting Magistrates’ Court advocacy including trials.
- Experience managing a criminal defence caseload.
- An understanding of the requirements of legally aided criminal defence work.
Police Station Accreditation is not essential. Support and training towards obtaining accreditation will be provided to a suitable candidate.
We welcome applications from both qualified solicitors and experienced paralegals. The role offers genuine responsibility, direct client contact, exposure to Magistrates’ and Crown Court work, professional development and opportunities for progression within the firm.
If you are resilient, organised, committed to criminal defence and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment, we would like to hear from you
Join us to make a meaningful impact in the field of criminal defence! We offer a supportive environment where your skills will be valued, developed, and put into action helping those in need of expert legal support.
Pay: £26,437.00-£27,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
