• Annual Salary: Up to £26,000 per annum 
• Location: Portsmouth
• Job Type: Full-time (Monday to Friday) 

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Legal Assistant to join a busy criminal defence team. This full-time role is based in Portsmouth and offers a chance to work closely with experienced solicitors, providing essential support and gaining invaluable experience in the legal field.

• Work alongside solicitors, assisting with various tasks including client liaison, document drafting, and case preparation.
• Handle telephone and email enquiries efficiently, ensuring professional communication with clients and third parties.
• Draft documents, brief counsel, and take witness statements under the guidance of senior team members.
• Manage the opening, closing, storage, and retrieval of both hard and soft files using digital dictation tools.
• Prepare correspondence and documents, maintaining high standards of accuracy and confidentiality.
• Communicate professionally with clients and maintain effective working relationships at all levels.

• Experience in a legal setting, preferably within criminal defence, though candidates with relevant legal experience in other areas will be considered.
• Excellent IT skills, proficient in Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Strong organisational skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Team-focused with a flexible and collaborative approach to work, capable of working independently as needed.
• Professional communication skills, confident in managing expectations and building relationships.

• Contributory Pension Scheme.
• Competitive salary package.
• Client referral gifts.
• Additional holiday over Christmas.
• Discounted legal services after one year of service.
• Extended sickness policy.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, increasing annually up to 30 days.
• Free sight tests and a Health Cash Plan.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Annual staff functions and length of service acknowledgement gifts.

To apply for this Legal Assistant position, please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in this role.