Crime Paralegal – Fixed Term

About Us

TV Edwards LLP has been serving London for over 95 years and our story continues to evolve. Founded in the East End in 1929, we’re proud of our legacy, but even prouder of what we’re building today: a diverse, dynamic law firm that’s consistently recognised by Chambers UK, The Legal 500, and The Times Top 250 Law Firms – where we were named among the top 20 firms in the UK for family law.

Our culture is what sets us apart. We’re proud to have been named one of the Sunday Times Best Places to Work for the second year running – a reflection of our supportive environment, commitment to wellbeing, and ongoing investment in our people.

With offices in Whitechapel and Clapham Junction, we serve both private and legal aid clients across a wide range of legal services. We prioritise supervision, training, and work-life balance because we believe excellent client service starts with happy, well-supported teams.

About the Crime Department

The criminal department is based at our offices in Whitechapel and Clapham Junction.  Currently the department is made up of 2 Member Partners, 1 Salaried Partner, 1 Senior Associate, 2 Associates, 2 Consultants, 3 Paralegals and 2 administrative staff members.

We cover police stations and courts all over London but specifically in East, and South London. Within the criminal department there is a specialist youth crime unit. 

Our clients come from across London and beyond. Our client base is from many different ethnic backgrounds and a significant number do not speak English.  As with any legal practice based in inner city area, many of our clients suffer social deprivation and have suffered traumatic experiences in the past.  A significant proportion of our clients are vulnerable because of youth, disability or mental health problems.

We have a strong commitment to training our staff.   We deliver regular internal training courses for staff of all levels of experience. 

The Opportunity: Criminal Paralegal

We are seeking to appoint a paralegal to join the firm at a time of growth, working in our Crime department for a fixed term period of 12 months.  

The successful candidate will assist and support fee earners on a range of cases and will travel to police stations and courts across London as the need arises. 

If appointed you would be based at our office in Whitechapel but must be prepared to be transferred to another office within the firm should the need arise.  

An intensive induction programme will be provided which will introduce you to office systems and our computerised case management system.  It will also provide practical training on the main tasks you will be expected to perform as a Paralegal (e.g. completing legal aid applications, drafting court applications, taking witness statements and preparing mitigation).

Applicants are required to have excellent communication and client care skills, demonstrating an ability to empathise with vulnerable clients is essential as well as good interpersonal skill. 

We have a positive, supportive and friendly working environment. We reward performance and positively encourage every individual’s wellbeing and contribution to the firm. We offer excellent support and training opportunities, as acknowledged in our Lexcel accreditation. 

This is a fantastic opportunity to develop in this area of the firm’s practice.

Description of role

•  Assist other fee earners in the conduct of case work and investigations.  This will include the taking of statements from clients or witnesses, attendance at prisons and court hearings.
• You will be required to regularly attend police stations to provide advice and assistance to clients detained by the police.
• You will perform on a rota basis a “duty” lawyer role, which is dealing with enquiries from new or existing clients who contact the firm by telephone or walk in.
• You will act as part of a team with the other paralegals in holding our police station phone out of hours  and dispatching runners to attend interviews out of hours. 
• You will also be expected to participate in the out of hours police station rota to provide advice to clients at night and on weekends.   Overtime is paid for attendance outside office hours.
• You will be expected to work within our office systems including making a detailed note of your work and advice given.  You will be expected to operate a computerised time recording system.
• Like all legal aid practices we work to tight profit margins and we expect all members of staff to work efficiently to ensure the continued profitability of the firm.

Person specification

Essential characteristics:

• Successful completion of Legal Practice Course/Law Degree and providing proof of all qualification’s attained or 3 A ‘levels/Equivalent plus 1 year experience of working within a criminal law practice.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both clients and staff at all levels.
• Excellent written communication skillsAbility to prioritise and work efficiently under pressure.
• Problem solving ability and ability to achieve results for clients.
• Familiarity with Windows and Word.

Desirable characteristics

• Work experience in a legal, advice or other relevant organisation.
• Client management experience.
• Police station accredited.
• Second language both oral and written.

Why Join TV Edwards?

• Be part of a firm recognised for excellence and integrity
• Thrive in a nurturing, inclusive workplace
• Receive ongoing training and supervision
• Enjoy family-friendly policies and a strong emphasis on work-life balance
• Get involved in high-quality, high-profile legal work

Ready to apply?

Applications must be on our firm’s application form.  

Completed applications together with equality monitoring data must be sent by email to: HRTeam@tvedwards.com

We will require references from two separate referees before an offer of employment can be confirmed.

While we thank you for the interest you have shown in TV Edwards, due to the anticipated response, please be aware that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.