Paralegal - Criminal Defence Law

Location: Nottingham - Onsite

Department: Criminal Defence Team

Reports to: Partner, Criminal Defence

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.</l