Crime Legal Assistant

Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors are looking to recruit a Crime Legal Assistant to support our Crime team.

This is an administrative role that involves assisting the fee earners in all areas of office services. This includes printing relevant documents, filing, scanning, photocopying, collating and paginating documents, assisting with the team diary, monthly rota and liaising with police stations, courts and clients.

Duties will vary in importance and priority, depending on circumstances and the needs of the business at any particular time.

Receiving incoming calls/making outgoing calls and dealing with all new enquiries within the Crime team. Through careful listening and questioning, gain an insight into the client’s requirements and assist as far as possible. E.g. Take the enquiry details, forward a message and arrange an appointment, dealing with possible complaints too.

Providing information on legal procedures, costs remedies and timescales to clients to resolve their legal problems in line with legal best practices and principles. You will need to complete an accurate written attendance note of the call and ensure it is logged on the client’s electronic file using the appropriate legal assistance based on information gained.

Liaise with Fee Earners and team leader as appropriate.

You will be part of a busy team responsible for the smooth running of the office which will involve you dealing with people at all levels in the Firm.

Requirements

You will need to have good administrative and literacy skills, be methodical, work in a team, be able to work on your own initiative and have a flexible attitude. Working in an organised manner, paying attention to detail and good time management are important.

Good computer skills are essential.

Ability to handle a high level of incoming calls, interacting with diverse cliental in a sensitive and professional manner at all times.

Excellent telephone manner with clear and pleasant verbal communication.

A positive client focussed attitude with clear and pleasant verbal communication.

Ability to discuss and understand complex situations with clients in a sensitive and professional manner at all times.

Skilled in being able to discern, decide and differentiate between clients in a supportive and non-judgmental way.

Benefits

We offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being, work–life balance and professional development, including:

• Generous annual leave (22–27 days depending on role), plus Christmas shutdown and additional birthday leave
• Extra paid leave for volunteering, moving house and study
• Long service recognition leave at 10, 15 and 20 years
• Pension scheme (3% employer contribution, 5% employee, with salary sacrifice option)
• Life assurance (2x salary) and Group Income Protection (up to state pension age)
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay (subject to qualifying service)
• Wellbeing support, including Mental Health Champions, First Aiders and an Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work scheme and season ticket loan (post-probation)
• Employee referral bonus scheme
• Discounted legal services and access to an extensive Employee Benefits Portal (gym membership, health plans, private medical insurance, dental, cinema and retail discounts)
• Eye care contributions
• Complimentary office fruit deliveries twice weekly
• On-site social space with pool table and subsidised bar