Job Title: Criminal Defence Administrator
Department: Criminal Defence
Location: Aldgate Office
Salary: £25,207.00 per annum for a 35 hour week (Monday-Friday)
Hours: 09:00am-5:00pm
Benefits include: 23 days holiday p.a. plus public & Bank Holidays; pension scheme and cycle to work scheme. We also have regular social activities & genuinely pride ourselves on having a supportive & friendly culture.
The Firm
ITN Solicitors is a leading law firm with offices in the City (Tower Hill) and East London (Stratford City area). We have departments in Crime, Human Rights, Public Law, Children & Family Law, Immigration, and Actions Against the Police. ITN has a large own client following and conducts a significant proportion of its work on behalf of private clients.
We conduct complex and high-profile work. Our cases are regularly reported in the media. ITN Solicitors is ranked in both the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners as a leading firm in Crime and Civil Liberties & Human Rights. We are also ranked in the Legal 500 for Family work.
The Department
The firm has a leading crime department with a large own client following. We deal with a wide range of criminal work from the investigation stage to the appellate courts, encompassing serious crime, fraud and protest. The department is particularly noted for expertise in dealing with unusually complex or politically sensitive cases.
This is a great opportunity to join a vibrant and growing team who share a collegiate approach to work and are committed to fighting for justice.
Job Purpose
To provide comprehensive administrative support to the Criminal Defence team, ensuring the smooth progression of legally aided cases. You will be responsible for opening new files, managing key administrative processes relating to Bail to Return (BTR) and Released Under Investigation (RUI) matters, and supporting solicitors in maintaining case progression in line with legal aid requirements and regulatory obligations.
Key Responsibilities
1. File Management & Case Administration
- Open new criminal defence files on the case management system accurately and promptly, including ensuring appropriate conflict checks have been undertaken where applicable.
- Maintain organised, up-to-date files (both physical and digital) in compliance with legal aid and firm standards.
- Input and update client and case data with attention to detail and confidentiality.
- Monitor legal aid applications and liaise with the Legal Aid Agency as required.
2. Bail to Return (BTR) and Released Under Investigation (RUI) Process
- Maintain an effective diary system for all clients subject to BTR or RUI status.
- Monitor and track return dates, ensuring fee earners are alerted in advance.
- Liaise with clients to confirm upcoming appointments or police station attendances.
- Update case files with relevant correspondence from police, clients, or third parties.
- Ensure accurate and timely record-keeping of outcomes and status updates post-return.
3. General Administrative Duties
- Support Solicitors with document preparation, court bundles and correspondence
- Handle incoming and outgoing mail, email and telephone communication
- Organise and manage digital and paper filing systems in accordance with GDPR
- Schedule appointments, meetings and police station attendances, as required
- Assist with billing and legal aid documentation preparation, as required
- Assist in Crime Diary Co-Ordinator absence in organisation of crime central diary
- Assisting with overflow calls from reception
Skills and Experience Required
- Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Excel and case management systems.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.
Desirable
- Experience managing BTR and RUI case tracking systems.
- Familiarity with the criminal justice process and terminology.
- Understanding of legal aid billing and compliance.
- Previous legal administration experience, ideally in criminal defence or legal aid work.
We are looking for hard-working and proactive individuals who are able to use their initiative and develop their own caseload. A positive attitude and an active interest in this area of law are essential.
Applications should be made by way of a CV and covering letter to recruitment@itnsolicitors.com.
We reserve the right to close these vacancies should suitable candidates be identified prior to the deadline.