Criminal Law Paralegal

Richard Nelson LLP; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private Medical Insurance

Death in Service benefit (3x annual)</

Generous annual leave entitlement

Training and development opportunities

Job summary

Richard Nelson LLP is seeking a dedicated Paralegal to join the Criminal Defence Team in Nottingham, onsite. You will support solicitors across serious criminal matters, including interviews, trials, and investigations with police, CPS, and regulatory bodies.

The role involves substantial case preparation, legal research, document management, and client communication, with travel as required to support court and client meetings nationwide.

Qualifications

• Law degree required or equivalent with interest in criminal defence.
• Experience as a paralegal or in a legal setting preferred.
• Understanding of legal procedures, documentation, and research.

Responsibilities

• Assist solicitors in day-to-day conduct and progression of criminal defence matters.
• Prepare, organise, and maintain client files, court bundles, and supporting documentation.
• Draft legal correspondence, attendance notes, chronologies, witness statements, and other documents.
• Undertake legal research and prepare summaries on relevant areas of law and procedure.
• Liaise professionally with clients, counsel, courts, police, experts, and third-party agencies.
• Assist with case management of prosecution evidence and disclosure materials.
• Support case preparation for Magistrates' Court and Crown Court proceedings.
• Provide administrative support to solicitors handling court, police station, and client meetings.

Skills

Excellent communication

Strong drafting

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Legal research

Microsoft Office

Case management systems

Independent working

Team collaboration

Education

Law Degree (LLB or equivalent)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Legal case management systems

Job description

Paralegal - Criminal Defence Law

Location: Nottingham - Onsite

Department: Criminal Defence Team

Reports to: Partner, Criminal Defence Team

About Richard Nelson LLP

Richard Nelson LLP is an award-winning national firm of Solicitors and Consultants providing specialist legal services to professionals, businesses, and individuals throughout England and Wales.

Established in 2003 by Senior Partner Richard Nelson, a leading professional disciplinary lawyer, the firm has grown to include some of the country’s most respected lawyers and consultants. We are committed to delivering outstanding legal representation while remaining approachable, practical, and focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Our core values of Integrity, Expertise, Passion, Approachability, Straightforwardness, and Tenacity underpin everything we do.

About The Role

We are seeking a dedicated and ambitious Paralegal to join our specialist Criminal Defence Team.

This is an exciting opportunity to gain experience across a broad range of privately funded criminal law matters, supporting highly experienced solicitors who represent both individuals and businesses facing investigation or prosecution.

Our team acts in cases involving serious sexual offences, offences of violence, fraud, regulatory breaches, military justice matters, road traffic offences, POCA and financial crime. They attend interviews under caution, conduct advocacy, including trials . We also represent clients facing investigations by organisations including the Police, CPS, HMRC, FCA, NCA, RSPCA, and other regulatory bodies.

The successful candidate will provide high-quality paralegal and administrative support, assisting solicitors with case preparation, legal research, document management, client communication, and court-related work. You will play an integral role in ensuring our Solicitors can provide exceptional support throughout every stage of their client's case.

This position offers valuable exposure to complex criminal defence work within a nationally recognised team. As the firm works on a nationwide basis, travel is required to support our Solicitors and instructed Counsel with courts, police stations, and client meetings

Key Responsibilities And Accountabilities

• Assist solicitors in the day-to-day conduct and progression of criminal defence matters.
• Prepare, organise, and maintain client files, court bundles, and supporting documentation.
• Draft legal correspondence, attendance notes, chronologies, witness statements, and other legal documents.
• Undertake legal research and prepare summaries on relevant areas of law and procedure.
• Liaise professionally with clients, counsel, courts, police forces, experts, and third-party agencies.
• Assist with case management of prosecution evidence and disclosure materials.
• Support case preparation for Magistrates' Court and Crown Court proceedings.
• Provide administrative assistance duties to the solicitors dealing with matters for court, police stations, client meetings, and other appointments as required.
• Ensure compliance with internal procedures, regulatory requirements, and professional conduct rules.
• Deliver excellent standards of client care in accordance with the firm's policies and values.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Participate in internal and external training to support professional development.
• Work collaboratively with Partners, Solicitors, Legal Secretaries & Assistants, and Business Support teams across the firm.

Essential Qualifications And Experience

• Law Degree (LLB or equivalent).
• Previous legal experience gained through a paralegal role, legal internship, work placement, legal clinic, or similar legal environment.
• Demonstrable understanding of legal procedures, documentation, and legal research.
• A genuine interest in Criminal Defence Law and the criminal justice system.

Essential Skills And Personal Qualities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong drafting skills with the ability to prepare clear and professional legal documents and correspondence.
• Excellent organisational and time-management abilities.
• High levels of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and legal case management systems.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
• Professional, proactive, and committed approach to work.
• Strong ethical standards and commitment to confidentiality.
• Client-focused with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced legal environment.
• Eagerness to learn and develop professionally.

Desirable

• Previous experience within Criminal Defence Law.
• Knowledge of procedures for Solicitor who are attending courts, police stations, or legal hearings.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary.
• Death in Service benefit (3x annual salary).
• Private Medical Insurance.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Opportunity to work alongside nationally recognised Criminal Defence specialists.
• Ongoing training, mentoring, and professional development opportunities.
• Exposure to high-profile and complex criminal defence matters.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Effective case management and compliance systems.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to individuals and businesses facing criminal investigations and prosecutions.