Criminal Paralegal/Crown Court Clerk

Sue Ross Recruitment Limited; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a passionate and detail-oriented Criminal Paralegal for a Sheffield-based client. This role involves assisting in Crown Court case preparation and managing legal files. Ideal candidates should have a law degree and be organized, proactive, and able to handle a busy caseload. Experience in criminal law is advantageous, and familiarity with Crown Court procedures is essential. This is a permanent opportunity in a dynamic legal practice focusing on serious criminal cases.

Qualifications

• Experience in a criminal defence practice is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with Crown Court procedure and Legal Aid Agency processes is essential.

Responsibilities

• Prepare Crown Court case files, including briefs and legal documents.
• Liaise with clients, witnesses, and legal professionals.
• Review prosecution evidence and prepare case summaries.
• Instruct counsel and attend conferences.
• Manage deadlines and comply with Criminal Procedure Rules.
• Support solicitors with administrative tasks.

Skills

Passion for criminal law

Organizational skills

Excellent communication

Ability to manage caseload under pressure

Confidentiality and discretion

Education

Law degree or equivalent legal qualification

LPC or SQE

Tools

Case management systems

Job description

Sue Ross Legal are working on behalf of our Sheffield based client, to recruit a Criminal Paralegal to assist with Crown Court preparation work on a permanent basis.

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Criminal Paralegal to join our busy Crown Court team. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic legal practice working on serious and complex criminal cases. You will assist solicitors and advocates in preparing cases for trial, managing files from the point of charge through to conclusion at the Crown Court.

This role is ideal for someone with a passion for criminal law and a strong interest in advocacy, litigation, or progression to qualification routes such as solicitor or barrister.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare Crown Court case files, including briefs to counsel, legal bundles, exhibits, and evidence schedules.
• Liaise with clients, witnesses, counsel, experts, and court staff.
• Review and analyse prosecution evidence and case papers, identifying issues and preparing case summaries.
• Instruct counsel and attend conferences with counsel and clients.
• Draft legal documents including defence statements, applications, and mitigation.
• Manage deadlines and ensure all case progressions comply with Criminal Procedure Rules (CrimPR).
• Support solicitors and fee earners with administrative tasks and court preparation.

We are looking for a candidate who is:

• Passionate about criminal law and justice.
• Highly organised, proactive, and able to manage a busy caseload under pressure.
• An excellent communicator, both written and verbal.
• Confident working independently and as part of a team.
• Able to deal with sensitive and confidential matters with discretion.
• Familiar with Crown Court procedure, Legal Aid Agency processes, and case management systems (essential).

Experience in a criminal defence practice is highly desirable.

Law degree, LPC, SQE, or equivalent legal qualification is advantageous.

Unfortunately due to the number of applications we receive, we are unable to provide individual feedback to all applicants. Please assume that if you do not hear from us within 72 hours that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

May we take this opportunity to thank you for expressing an interest in one of our roles and wish you the very best in your search for employment.