Paralegal

svs solicitors; Gerrards Cross; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life insurance

22 days annual leave

Office closed over Christmas

Additional annual leave for long time?

Job summary

SVS Solicitors in Gerrards Cross is seeking a diligent Criminal Defence Paralegal to join our busy team. You will work closely with defence solicitors and fee earners to manage case files, assist with trial preparations, and support vulnerable clients through complex proceedings.

The role requires attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment. Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm, office-based with opportunities for career progression

Qualifications

• Law degree (LLM) or Diploma in Law (GDL) required.
• Police station accreditation is an advantage.
• Criminal paralegal experience preferred, though strong candidates will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Assist solicitors with analysing disclosure, organizing evidence and drafting case summaries.
• Conduct legal research on case law, statutes and sentencing guidelines.
• Communicate sensitively with clients and take instructions, occasionally visiting clients at court or prisons.
• Draft letters, prepare trial bundles, collate defence statements and assist at court or conferences.
• Manage digital case management systems, track court deadlines and handle legal aid applications.

Skills

Attention to detail

Written & verbal communication

Working under pressure

Education

Law degree (LLM) or GDL diploma

Job description

SVS Solicitors is a leading criminal defence firm based in Gerrards Cross looking for a Paralegal to join the team. Our practice is dedicated to protecting our clients rights and liberties. We handle a wide range of criminal matters from magistrates' court trials to serious Crown Court cases. We pride ourselves on rigorous case preparation and empathetic client care and fearless representation.

The Role:

We are seeking a diligent highly organized and resilient Criminal Defence Paralegal to join our busy criminal department. You will work closely with our defence solicitors and fee earners to manage case files, assist with trial preparations, and support vulnerable clients through complex legal proceedings.

Key Responsibilities:

Assisting solicitors with analysing disclosure, organizing evidence and drafting case summaries.

Conducting thorough research on case law, statutes and sentencing guidelines using legal databases.

Communicating sensitively with clients taking instructions and occasionally attending clients at court or prisons.

Drafting letters, preparing trial bundles, collating defence statements and assisting at court or conferences when required.

Managing digital case management systems, tracking court deadlines and handling legal aid or prior authority applications.

Requirements & Qualifications:

Education: Law degree (LLM) , or Diploma in Law (GDL)

Police station accreditation is an advantage

Experience: Previous experience as a criminal paralegal, is preferred, though strong candidates with a passion for criminal defence will be considered.

Skills: Exceptional attention to detail, strong written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Values: A genuine commitment to access to justice and criminal defence work.

What we offer: Opportunities for career progression for high performers. Supportive collaborative team environment with direct supervision from defence solicitors.

The position is: Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:30pm.

Office based

Salary : negotiable based on experience

• Life insurance
• 22 days annual leave, plus Bank Holidays
• Office closed over the Christmas period
• Additional annual leave for long time service

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
• Must have law degree

Experience:

• Paralegal: 1 year (required)

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence and car (required)

QWE

Will this role count as your QWE, and who will confirm it?

Check it against the SRA’s questions in two minutes. If there is no COLP or solicitor where you work, the SRA lets a solicitor outside confirm it: an FQPS solicitor can, from £149.