About Smith Partnership

Smith Partnership is a well-established and respected law firm based in Leicester, in the heart of the East Midlands. With a strong reputation built over decades, the firm delivers a comprehensive range of legal services to clients across the region and beyond. The Criminal Law and Crown Court team is one of the firm's most active departments, handling a diverse caseload that spans summary offences, either-way matters, and serious indictable-only cases. The team is known for its meticulous preparation, robust advocacy support, and genuine commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for every client.

The firm operates from Charnwood Court, a modern office space located on New Walk in Leicester city centre (LE1 6TE). This central location provides excellent transport links across the East Midlands and offers a professional yet welcoming working environment. Smith Partnership prides itself on a culture of collaboration, continuous professional development, and mutual respect. Staff regularly highlight the supportive atmosphere and the genuine investment the firm makes in its people.

The Role

We are recruiting a full-time Legal Clerk / Paralegal to join our busy Criminal Law and Crown Court team. This is a permanent, office-based position working Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The successful candidate will play a vital role in supporting solicitors and caseworkers throughout the lifecycle of criminal proceedings, from initial client engagement through to trial preparation and post-hearing follow-up.

This position is ideally suited to someone who is organised, detail-oriented, and passionate about criminal law. Whether you are an experienced legal clerk looking for a new challenge or a recent law graduate eager to gain hands-on courtroom experience, this role offers genuine career progression within a firm that values ambition and hard work.

Key Responsibilities

Prepare and manage case files for Crown Court matters, ensuring all documentation is accurate, complete, and filed within strict court deadlines.
Attend Crown Court hearings to take notes, manage exhibits, and support solicitors during trial proceedings and sentencing hearings.
Conduct legal research using platforms such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, and Practical Law to identify relevant case law, sentencing guidelines, and statutory provisions.
Draft and proofread legal documents including witness statements, case summaries, plea and trial preparation forms, and applications for disclosure.
Liaise with clients via telephone, email, and in person to gather instructions, provide case updates, and arrange conferences with barristers.
Communicate with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), probation services, prison services, and other third parties to obtain evidence, schedule meetings, and progress cases efficiently.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date case management records using the firm's case management system, ensuring compliance with SRA regulations and data protection requirements under the UK GDPR.
Assist with the preparation of legal aid applications and means assessments, ensuring all financial documentation meets Legal Aid Agency requirements.
Coordinate with barristers' clerks to arrange briefs, conferences, and court attendance schedules, managing diaries and ensuring all parties are informed of hearing dates.
Support the wider team with administrative tasks including filing, photocopying, bundling court documents, and managing incoming and outgoing post.

Work Environment and Culture

Smith Partnership fosters a working environment where every team member is valued and encouraged to contribute ideas. The Criminal Law team is close-knit, with solicitors and support staff working side by side on complex and often high-pressure cases. You will benefit from regular team meetings, open-door management, and a culture that actively promotes wellbeing alongside professional excellence.

The firm operates a hybrid-friendly approach to professional development, offering access to online training platforms such as Law Society CPD courses, as well as in-house training sessions led by senior practitioners. Social events, charity initiatives, and firm-wide gatherings are a regular feature of life at Smith Partnership, reinforcing the sense of community that defines the organisation.

Requirements

A minimum of 12 months' experience working in a legal environment, ideally within criminal law, although candidates from other practice areas with a strong interest in criminal work will be considered.
A law degree (LLB) or a postgraduate legal qualification (LPC, BPTC, or equivalent) is highly desirable. Candidates currently studying towards these qualifications are also encouraged to apply.
Strong understanding of criminal procedure, including the Criminal Procedure Rules, PACE 1984, and sentencing guidelines issued by the Sentencing Council for England and Wales.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft clear, concise, and legally accurate documents.
Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously and prioritise workload effectively under pressure.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and experience with legal case management systems such as Proclaim, Leap, or similar platforms.
A professional telephone manner and the ability to build rapport with clients from diverse backgrounds, including vulnerable individuals.
Reliability, integrity, and a genuine commitment to the principles of access to justice and client care.

Desirable Skills and Experience

Experience attending Magistrates' Court and Crown Court hearings.
Familiarity with criminal legal aid processes and the CDS (Crown Defence Service) framework.
Knowledge of prison visiting procedures and client conferences within custodial settings.
Experience using video conferencing platforms such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom for remote client meetings and court hearings.
A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle, as occasional travel to courts across the East Midlands region may be required.

Benefits and Compensation

A competitive salary commensurate with experience, reviewed annually in line with firm performance and individual contribution.
25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, with additional leave granted for long service.
Access to the firm's pension scheme in line with auto-enrolment requirements.
Support towards professional development, including funding for relevant qualifications and course fees.
Free on-site parking and a central Leicester location with excellent public transport connections.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providing confidential wellbeing support.
Regular team social events and firm-wide celebrations.

Career Growth
Smith Partnership is committed to internal promotion and long-term career development. Paralegals and legal clerks who demonstrate dedication and aptitude are encouraged to pursue routes towards qualification as a solicitor through the SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination) pathway, with the firm offering study leave and financial support for preparation courses. Alternatively, opportunities to progress into senior paralegal, casework manager, or team leader positions are available for those who wish to specialise in a support role.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please visit the official job listing at https://lnkd.in/eF49aznV. Applications should include your current CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role. The closing date for applications will be clearly stated on the listing. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an initial telephone screening, followed by an in-person interview at Charnwood Court with members of the Criminal Law team. A practical assessment involving case file review and legal research may form part of the selection process.

Smith Partnership is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.