Criminal Defence Paralegal

We are searching for a committed and experienced Criminal Defence Paralegal to join our busy Criminal Department based at our offices in Sheffield, Rotherham, and Barnsley.

Criminal Defence Role

You will play a key role in supporting our Criminal Defence solicitors, managing your own caseload and assisting clients through every stage of the criminal justice process. This is a hands on role, ideal for someone with practical criminal defence experience who thrives in a fast paced environment.

Criminal Defence Paralegal Responsibilities

As part of your role, you will be responsible for:

– Case Management: Handle a caseload covering the full range of criminal matters.

– Police Station Work – Representing clients at the police station and providing clear, practical advice at often critical stages. Alternatively, willingness to undertake police station accreditation.

– Legal Research – Undertaking detailed legal research to support case strategy, ensuring up to date knowledge of relevant case law, legislation and procedure.

– Drafting & Documentation – Preparing and drafting legal documents with accuracy, clarity and attention to detail.

– Client Care – Building strong client relationships, offering clear guidance tailored to individual circumstances, and keeping clients informed throughout their case. Additionally, seeing clients to take new instructions and statements to assist with mitigation.

– Communication & Liaison – Working closely with colleagues, external agencies and clients to progress matters efficiently.

About You

You will ideally have:

– Experience working within criminal defence law

– Experience representing clients at the police station

– Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities

– Excellent communication and client care skills

– A professional, empathetic and resilient approach to your work

About Howells Solicitors

Howells Solicitors is a well-established and highly regarded law firm serving clients across South Yorkshire—and nationwide in select areas of law.

With offices in Sheffield, Rotherham, and Barnsley, we provide expert legal advice and representation to individuals and families, offering both private and legal aid services. Our focus is on delivering high-quality, personal legal support across a broad range of areas, including property law, family law, wills and probate, criminal defence, and civil litigation.

Our Criminal Law team is known for its professionalism, efficiency, and client-focused approach. We are proud of our strong reputation in the region, with excellent client feedback and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Howells offer a wide range of benefits including:

Holiday Entitlement

We know time away from work matters—especially with family commitments. Our generous holiday allowance helps you properly switch off:

– Fee earners and managers: 30 days’ annual leave
– Support staff: 23 days, rising by 1 day per year to a maximum of 28
– Everyone: 3 discretionary days over Christmas plus 8 bank holidays

Plenty of time for family, travel, and recharging.

Flexible Working

We’re committed to a healthy work–life balance and offer flexibility across many roles, including:

– Hybrid or remote working (role dependent)

– Flexible start and finish times through our flexi-time scheme

– Up to 4 additional flex days per year on top of annual leave

So you can succeed at work without sacrificing what matters at home.

Howells offer a wide range of benefits including:

– Potential for fee earner bonus

– Contributory pension scheme

– Group Life Assurance (death in service) – after 2 years

– STAR (Special Thanks and Recognition) award

– Training and development opportunities

– Social fund

– Contractual Sick Pay Entitlement

– Contractual Maternity Pay Entitlement

– Recruitment Bonus Payments

– Voluntary benefits e.g. Westfield Health scheme, cycle to work scheme, staff savings scheme

We’re proud to offer a workplace where your success is nurtured—and your wellbeing supported every step of the way.

Equal Opportunities

Howells Solicitors is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during employment. If you require any adjustments to support your application, please let us know.

If you have any questions regarding this vacancy please contact our HR team on 0114 249 67 63 or email: [email protected]

Please send all completed applications to [email protected] with the position applied for in the subject line.

Please note, individual feedback will not be given due to the number of applicants we received. 

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