Criminal Defence Paralegal - #2111867

Role: Criminal Defence Paralegal
Location: Sheffield, Rotherham & Barnsley, South Yorkshire
Salary: £27,000 - £30,000
Contract: Full time, permanent

CRA Consulting is delighted to be working in partnership with a long-established and highly respected criminal defence practice to recruit a Police Station Accredited Criminal Defence Paralegal.
With multiple offices across South Yorkshire, this firm has built an outstanding reputation for providing exceptional criminal defence representation, offering clients expert advice from the police station through to the Magistrates' and Crown Courts. Due to continued growth, they are now looking to strengthen their team with an experienced and motivated Criminal Defence Paralegal.
This is an excellent opportunity for an accredited representative who enjoys client-facing work, thrives in a fast-paced environment and is looking to join a supportive firm where career progression is genuinely encouraged.

You will play a key role in supporting the criminal defence team while providing representation to clients at police stations throughout South Yorkshire.
Your responsibilities will include:

• Attending police stations to advise and represent clients under the Police Station Accreditation Scheme.
• Providing clear, practical legal advice to clients at the earliest stage of criminal proceedings.
• Managing your own caseload of criminal defence matters under supervision.
• Preparing case files for hearings in the Magistrates' and Crown Courts.
• Drafting legal documents, witness statements and correspondence.
• Liaising with clients, counsel, the Crown Prosecution Service, the courts and other agencies.
• Obtaining and reviewing evidence including disclosure, witness statements, CCTV and interview recordings.
• Conducting legal research and assisting solicitors with complex matters.
• Delivering exceptional client care throughout every stage of the criminal justice process.
• Participating in the firm's out-of-hours police station rota where required.

To be considered for this opportunity, you will ideally have:

• Police Station Accreditation (essential).
• Previous experience within criminal defence.
• A solid understanding of criminal law and criminal procedure.
• Experience attending police station interviews independently.
• Excellent communication and client care skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise a busy workload.
• A calm and professional approach when working under pressure.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle would be advantageous.

In return, you will receive:

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Genuine opportunities for long-term career progression.
• Ongoing training and professional development.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Exposure to a varied and interesting caseload.
• Full-time permanent employment with an established and respected law firm.

If you're a Police Station Accredited Criminal Defence Paralegal looking for your next opportunity in Sheffield, Barnsley or Rotherham, we'd love to hear from you.
To apply, or for a confidential discussion about the role, please contact:
Lauren Hopkinson
Legal Recruitment Consultant | CRA Consulting