Trainee Paralegal

Roach Pittis Solicitors (Southampton / Isle of Wight) have a full-time vacancy for a paralegal working in our busy Criminal Defence department. The post will be based in Southampton with some work on the Isle of Wight

This position might suit a law graduate wishing to pursue full training in Police Station Accreditation and management of Magistrates and Crown Court cases.

Salary by negotiation according to experience. Immediate start possible.

To apply please email your CV accompanied by a short covering note outlining your current situation. 

General duties/Specifications

• Good knowledge of the criminal law and criminal procedure
• Assisting clients on the phone with queries they may have in relation to their police station, magistrates court or crown court case
• Ability to deal with stressful, complicated and emotional situations with understanding and compassion
• Letter writing – case worker letters, letters after PTPH, PSR and Trial hearings
• Liaising with CPS, Barrister’s Clerks, The probation service and other external organisations
• Management of own files and own email account, general and CJSM
• Navigation of the Crown Court digital case system
• Prison Visits – face to face and over video link
• Attending Southampton and Isle of Wight CC to assist Counsel
• Completion of CRM14s (Applications for Legal Aid) and CRM4s (Application for expert funding)
• Familiarity with sentencing guidelines for all summary only, either way and indictable only offences.
• Providing initial advice to clients, and then ongoing advice throughout their court proceedings.
• Knowledge around Newton Hearings, what they are and when they happen.
• Knowledge of suspended sentence orders, credit for early guilty pleas, the different sentencing disposals, etc
• Knowledge of different stage dates in the Crown Court and what each one mean.