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⚡ Source: ReedRef: 56818638

Paralegal

Charles Strachan·Redditch, Worcestershire·Posted 1 week ago
💰 25-28k GBP/year⭐ Senior
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Job description

Original text imported from Reed

Vickers Neal Recruitment are delighted to be working with Charles Strachan Solicitors based at their offices in Redditch.

We currently have an opportunity for a Paralegal in their Criminal Department to support the fee earners.

Responsibilities to include:

  • To instruct Counsel/Barristers for Crown Court clients
  • To make appointments, arrange meetings and maintain an up-to-date diary and input key dates into the central diary
  • To instruct all experts including Psychiatrists and Psychologists in relation to Crown Court matters and forward any related invoices to Cashier/Accounts
  • To assist in extraction of data and evidence in preparation of Crown Court matters
  • To prepare all files for billing
  • To assist and provide administrative support
  • Where appropriate and qualified to attend Court with Counsel, to take notes and assist when requested.
  • To prepare and update bundles for use at court hearings
  • To obtain appropriate documentation for the purposes of complying with ID requirements in accordance with regulatory requirements.
  • Attend clients both face to face and via telephone and email in order to support and facilitate their matter.
  • Type any correspondence, memoranda, court documents, file notes, proofs of evidence, questionnaires, or any other document whatsoever that may be required.
  • To ensure that all work is correct with regard to spelling, punctuation and grammar, and is neatly presented.
  • To deal accurately with filing, storage and retrieval of clients’ files and that such files are kept in an orderly condition.
  • To be conversant with your relevant Office Manual and ensure compliance with quality control procedures for all matters directly within your control.
  • To attend courses appropriate and applicable to your area of work in support of the proper performance of your job.
  • To attend Fee Earners, Department and other meetings as required.
  • To ensure the familiarity with the working of all word processors, photocopies, fax machines or other office equipment normally used by a secretary.
  • To use the photocopying equipment to achieve copies of the correct standard.
  • To ensure that equipment faults or breakdowns are promptly brought to the attention of a director or senior person
  • To set up new files accurately
  • To attend to clients both on the telephone and in person.
  • To ensure compliance with all office procedures as laid down in the Office Manuals including any variations or amendments

In order to fulfil the role, we are looking for an individual with a solid administrational background, strong general IT skills, excellent communication skills and a proactive positive manner who ideally has experience in a similar post. It is imperative that you have a desire to learn and truly value being part of a team that provide an outstanding service at all times!

Charles Strachan are a supportive employer who value their employees career aspirations and work with them to achieve these.

In the first instance please send your cv via the contact details provided. Upon application your cv will be sent to Vickers Neal and Charles Strachan ONLY. We do NOT send CVS to third parties.



SpeedCV AI

Key skills

AI-extracted from the job advert

Must-have skills
Criminal law experienceLegal document preparationCourt bundle preparationClient liaisonLegal correspondenceCase file management
Nice-to-have
Crown Court experienceCounsel instructionExpert witness coordinationLegal billingCourt attendance
Soft skills
CommunicationAttention to detailTeamworkProactive approachTime managementClient serviceAdaptability
SpeedCV AI

Application advice

5 AI-generated recommendations to maximise your chances.

1

⭐ Highlight your criminal law paralegal experience prominently as this role specifically supports Crown Court matters

2

📊 Quantify your case management: "Managed 45+ Crown Court files simultaneously, maintaining 98% billing accuracy"

3

🎯 Emphasise your counsel instruction experience as the advert specifically mentions instructing Barristers for Crown Court clients

4

🤝 Showcase your client liaison skills as the role involves extensive face-to-face and telephone client contact

5

📋 Detail your court bundle preparation and legal documentation skills as these are core daily responsibilities

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Suggested CV bullets

3 bullets our AI drafted for this specific advert, mirroring its ATS keywords.

How to tailor your CV

Add these 3 bullets under your most recent experience:

  • Prepared 35+ Crown Court bundles monthly, ensuring 100% compliance with court formatting requirements and reducing hearing delays
  • Instructed expert witnesses including 8 psychiatrists and psychologists for complex criminal cases, coordinating reports within tight court deadlines
  • Managed client liaison for 50+ active criminal files, maintaining detailed case notes and achieving 95% client satisfaction scores

Free to copy — tailoring requires a 30-sec CV upload.

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Letter preview — tailored to Charles Strachan

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to apply for the Paralegal position within Charles Strachan's Criminal Department in Redditch. Having researched your firm's reputation for criminal defence excellence, I am particularly drawn to this role's focus on Crown Court matters and counsel instruction, which aligns perfectly with my legal administration background and desire to specialise in criminal law.

My background in legal support has equipped me with the meticulous attention to detail required for court bundle preparation and the communication skills essential for effective client liaison in sensitive criminal matters.

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SpeedCV AI

Interview questions

10 questions generated from this advert.

Technical

  • How do you ensure accuracy when preparing court bundles for Crown Court hearings?
  • What systems have you used for legal case management and billing preparation?
  • Describe your experience instructing expert witnesses like psychiatrists in criminal matters
  • How do you maintain compliance with regulatory ID requirements in criminal cases?
  • What methods do you use to extract and organise evidence for Crown Court preparation?

Behavioural

  • Tell me about a time you had to manage multiple Crown Court deadlines simultaneously
  • Describe a situation where you had to support a distressed criminal client
  • Give an example of when you identified an error in legal documentation before it caused problems
  • Tell me about a time you had to work closely with Counsel to prepare for a complex case
  • Describe how you've contributed to improving team efficiency in a legal environment
SpeedCV AINEW

STAR answer examples

Model answers using the Situation-Task-Action-Result framework. Adapt to your own experience.

1Question

Tell me about a time you had to manage multiple Crown Court deadlines simultaneously

When our department received 6 Crown Court cases with overlapping trial dates in March, I created a priority matrix tracking each case's counsel instruction deadline, expert report requirements, and bundle preparation timeline. I coordinated with 4 different barristers' chambers, scheduled 12 client meetings, and instructed 3 psychiatric experts. By implementing a colour-coded tracking system and daily progress reviews, I delivered all bundles 48 hours before each deadline, ensuring no court adjournments and maintaining our 98% on-time delivery record.
2Question

Describe a situation where you had to support a distressed criminal client

A client facing serious fraud charges became extremely anxious before their Crown Court appearance, repeatedly calling our office in distress. I scheduled an immediate face-to-face meeting, calmly explained the court process step-by-step, and arranged for them to visit the courthouse beforehand to familiarise themselves with the environment. I coordinated with their barrister to provide additional reassurance and created a simple timeline of what to expect on the day. The client later thanked us for the support, and their case proceeded smoothly with their full cooperation throughout the 3-day trial.

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