Criminal and Mental Health Paralegal

Middlesbrough, N/A, United Kingdom

We are a full-service law firm based in Middlesbrough serving clients throughout the UK and further afield. We have an outstanding reputation for delivering high-quality advice with exceptional personal service.

With a history stretching back over 30 years, we recognise the importance of the contribution that businesses like ours should and can have to the local community and we, therefore, encourage our employees to get involved and give back to the local community in which we live and work.

Our vision is to set the standard for legal excellence & deliver justice for the people and in doing so, to become the law firm of choice & champion of the community for businesses, organisations and individuals.  To meet our vision and deliver an outstanding service we employ individuals who understand our client’s needs and take pride in what they do and how they do it.  Our values go to the heart of the firm.  They define who we are and how we work.  By remaining true to our values, we will achieve our vision.  This is what we value most:

• Teamwork – we trust and respect one another. We see strength in our diversity as individuals and as a practice. We achieve the best outcomes for clients when we work collaboratively, recognizing and respecting the different perspectives that we bring.
• Excellent Client Service – We take the time to truly understand our clients’ needs and aim to provide practical, tailored and commercial solutions – not just options – to help them achieve their goals.
• Professionalism – We work to the highest professional and technical standards, acting with the upmost integrity at all times. We are fiercely proud of our reputation as a trusted adviser to our clients, often over several generations, and continually strive to ensure that our client’s interests come first and foremost.
• Our People – We work together to create an open, supportive and friendly working environment where our people feel valued, can develop their careers and achieve their professional ambitions.

 If this sounds like a vision you would like to be a part of, our values resonate with your own personal values, and you meet the requirements of the role described, we’d be delighted to hear from you. 

We are a specialist law firm providing expert legal services across various sectors, with a dedicated team of solicitors in the Mental Health Department. We offer professional advice and representation for individuals facing challenges under the Mental Health Act and related procedures. Our work includes attending Mental Health Tribunals, advising on detention and treatment, and assisting clients through Manager’s meetings. We are looking for a motivated and compassionate Paralegal to join our team and help support our solicitors in delivering high quality legal services.

Role Overview:

As a Paralegal, you will have a dynamic, split role position, dividing your time between our Mental Health Department and the Pre Charge Engagement team. You will spend 3 days a week supporting solicitors with essential legal and administrative tasks related to Mental Health Tribunals, Manager’s meetings, and the detention and treatment of individuals under the Mental Health Act. On the remaining 2 days, you will assist with pre charge engagement at the police station, ensuring clients receive quality legal representation.

Your key responsibilities will include preparing magistrates files, managing case documentation, and assisting in the delivery of legal advice and representation for individuals detained under the Mental Health Act. This is an exciting opportunity to gain comprehensive experience in both mental health and criminal law.

For those interested in professional development, this role offers the chance to become accredited in two legal qualifications, with the ongoing requirement to maintain compliance once achieved.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist solicitors in preparing and attending Mental Health Tribunals and Manager’s meetings.
• Provide support to the pre-charge engagement team during police station visits, ensuring clients are properly represented.
• Prepare magistrates files for hearings, ensuring all documentation is complete and up to date.
• Assist in the preparation of legal submissions and correspondence.
• Research relevant legal precedents and mental health legislation to support case preparation.
• Communicate with clients, courts, hospitals, and other relevant parties to gather and update case information.
• Maintain accurate and organised client files and ensure compliance with confidentiality and data protection regulations.
• Provide general administrative and case management support to solicitors in the department.

Requirements:

• A law degree (or equivalent) is preferred, though not essential. Previous paralegal or administrative experience in a legal environment is highly desirable, especially within mental health or criminal law.
• A good understanding of the Mental Health Act and the processes related to Mental Health Tribunals, Manager’s meetings, and detention procedures.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Empathy, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure. Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Comfortable using legal case management systems, Microsoft Office, and general office software.

What we will offer in return

• Competitive Salary depending on experience
• Company pension scheme
• 33 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays
• Professional membership payments
• Professional development
• Employee referral scheme
• Christmas Savings Club
• Notable day treats
• Company events throughout the year

If you are passionate about supporting vulnerable clients, we’d love to hear from you!