Criminal Defence Paralegal – White Collar Crime, Fraud & Extradition

Accutrainee Limited; London; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in London is seeking a Criminal Defence Paralegal for a 6-month placement. This role involves supporting legal teams on white collar crime cases, engaging in hands-on case preparation and contributing to case strategy. Ideal candidates have over 6 months of experience in criminal defence and strong analytical skills. Hybrid working is available.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6–12 months experience as a paralegal in criminal defence.
• Strong working knowledge of CPIA and relevant case law.
• Experience in preparing a defence case independently.

Responsibilities

• Support solicitors in complex white collar investigations.
• Conduct investigative research and evidence-led searches.
• Draft memos, case summaries, and legal documentation.

Skills

Critical thinking

Attention to detail

Investigative research

Knowledge of Criminal Procedure Rules

Document review

Tools

Relativity

Job description

Criminal Defence Paralegal – White Collar Crime, Fraud & Extradition
6-Month Placement via Accuflex (with potential for extension)

Location: London

Start Date: ASAP (up to 1-month notice period acceptable)

Hybrid Working Available

Accuflex is proud to partner with a highly respected, boutique London law firm specialising in white collar crime, serious fraud and extradition law, to offer a standout opportunity for a talented and ambitious paralegal.

This 6-month contract role (with the potential to extend) is ideally suited to candidates with strong, hands-on experience supporting criminal defence casework and a proactive, analytical mindset. You’ll be embedded in a close-knit team handling complex, high-value investigations and prosecutions involving the FCA, SFO, NCA, and other regulatory bodies.

The Role

This is not your average paralegal role. You’ll be supporting a senior legal team on some of the UK’s most sophisticated criminal defence matters. The role demands more than standard document review. You will be contributing meaningfully to case strategy, evidence analysis, and disclosure challenges.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support defence solicitors in complex white collar investigations and litigation, from pre-charge to trial
• Engage in hands-on case preparation, particularly around CPIA disclosure processes and Schedule reviews
• Review and critically assess evidential material, including identifying and challenging 'undisclosable' designations
• Conduct investigative research and evidence-led searches in Relativity and similar platforms
• Analyse and present facts in context, developing timelines, party involvement charts, and evidence matrices
• Draft memos, case summaries, legal notes, and client-ready documentation
• Prepare and maintain trial bundles, manage large volumes of case material, and liaise with counsel, clients, and experts
• Attend court hearings and client meetings as needed

What We’re Looking For

Essential:

• Minimum 6–12 months experience as a paralegal in criminal defence, ideally in awhite collar crime or serious fraud setting (private practice or public sector)
• Demonstrable experience preparing a defence case (not just disclosure tagging), with the ability to identify factual and legal issues independently
• Strong working knowledge of the Criminal Procedure Rules, CPIA, and relevant case law
• Experience using Relativity or similar platforms for investigative document review, with the ability to formulate your own searches
• Excellent critical thinking skills, a curious, questioning mindset with a feel for how evidence fits together
• High levels of discretion, attention to detail, and confidence dealing with sensitive information

Desirable:

• Experience liaising with the SFO, FCA, HMRC, or NCA
• Exposure to cross-border issues, extradition law, or regulatory enforcement
• Aspiring barristers or overseas qualified lawyers with relevant hands-on experience are encouraged to apply

Why This Role?

• Engage with high-impact matters of national significance, gaining first-hand experience in complex cases involving serious fraud, bribery, and corporate crime
• Go beyond the basics. Move beyond doc review into meaningful defence strategy and case building
• Collaborative, expert team. Join a firm that values insight, initiative, and intellectual rigour over hierarchy or rigid processes

Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you're a detail-driven paralegal with a strong foundation in criminal defence and a genuine interest in complex white collar cases, we’d love to hear from you. This is a rare opportunity to contribute meaningfully to cutting-edge work in a highly specialised firm.