Meet our paralegal business managers
Hear from three of our paralegal business managers based in the CPS South East Area
“I enjoy feeling like I’m making a difference and that I am contributing to a better service for our victims; it is a very rewarding job.”
My background
Prior to working for the CPS, I went to university and studied criminology for three years which ended just as we entered the COVID-19 pandemic. I felt a bit lost with what I wanted to do going forward and where I wanted to take my career. I had an interest in the Criminal Justice System due to my degree and wanted to make a difference but knew I didn’t want a career in law. I then saw that the CPS offered apprenticeships and the values of the CPS inspired me to apply. I got the apprenticeship and have been here ever since.
My typical day
In my role as paralegal business manager for the magistrates' court, every day is different. I am responsible for operational delivery and ensuring that our legal colleagues are prepared for taking our cases to trial. A big part of my role is line managing my team. This includes managing their workloads, prioritising both their wellbeing and the business need. I also oversee the work of our Victim Liaison Unit; I ensure that victims are kept informed of the decisions being made in their case and the support available to them at all times.
My inspiration
I enjoy feeling like I’m making a difference and that I am contributing to a better service for our victims; it is a very rewarding job. Although at times it can be tough, we pull together as an Area to tackle the issues that we face and look for ways to continuously improve. I have always enjoyed helping people and I feel really lucky to do that every day in a field of work that I have great interest in. I have found the CPS to be a nurturing place to work and progression is encouraged and supported.
My biggest learning
I would advise anyone who is enthusiastic and keen to make a difference to join the CPS. You will be rewarded with lots of opportunities to develop your career and enhance your skill set. Overall, the role of a paralegal business manager has been a real kickstart in my career and I’m excited to see where it takes me.
Holly, Paralegal Business Manager
Holly, Paralegal Business Manager
Tara, Paralegal Business Manager
Tara, Paralegal Business Manager
“I make it my priority to be available to my team to support them to make effective decisions and answer any questions they have.”
My background
Prior to joining the CPS, I studied law at university. During the course, I covered many different legal topics, but criminal law/criminology always piqued my interest. I took up work experience and volunteering opportunities in the private sector as a student. This gave me real insight into the work of the legal sector. When I completed my degree, I found my real desire was to give back to the community. I wanted to work closely with victims and witnesses of crime and help deliver the best service to them in such difficult circumstances. This led me to apply to work at the CPS.
My typical day
As a paralegal business manager, no two days are the same. One day I’ll be approving payments of invoices, and the next day I’ll be delving deep into casework in preparation for hearings. My role involves building relations with internal and external stakeholders such as the police, the court services and defence firms. I ensure we are working together to provide a high-quality service. The most important part of my role is being a line manager. I make it my priority to be available to my team to support them to make effective decisions and answer any questions they have. I work closely with my colleagues to implement changes to our processes and to be a role model for them.
My inspiration
The best part of my job is the people that I work with. During the pandemic, we worked from home, which could be quite isolating for some of the team. It was brilliant to see the way we all looked after each other’s wellbeing as a working community. From phone calls, virtual all-staff get-togethers and virtual team coffee mornings, we were able to uplift each other and create a tiny bit of normality in such unprecedented circumstances.
My biggest learning
The CPS is a workplace that values our people’s wellbeing and progression greatly. I started my journey as an apprentice in the magistrates' court team and progressed from there. I found so many opportunities to work with different people and different departments. Personal development and learning are always encouraged and supported.
The CPS is a place where you can really make a difference no matter what point in your career you are at. If you are enthusiastic and keen to contribute, I would encourage anyone to apply.
“The thing I enjoy most about the CPS is that everyone has the same ambition and desire to do our best in every case and for every victim and witness.”
My background
After finishing college, I knew university wouldn’t be right for me and I started working in a secondary school alongside part-time work as a waitress. Although I enjoyed both roles, I was keen to start a career somewhere with future progression prospects. I had a real interest in crime but wasn’t familiar with the CPS until I found one of their job adverts on the Civil Service jobs website. The role as a casework assistant included an apprenticeship and as someone who had not attended university this really appealed to me.
I completed my apprenticeship in operational delivery and then moved on to be a paralegal assistant at court. Following a temporary promotion I was successful in applying for a role of business support manager within the magistrates' court unit. The development opportunities available within the Area enabled me to build on my existing skills while gaining new skills in areas such as management within just two years.
I was then recently promoted to Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) paralegal business manager which is a role I aspired to be doing when I first joined the CPS and am now thoroughly enjoying.
My typical day
Each day is different so I am always looking at my calendar and planning ahead. A key part of my role is being a line manager, largely to paralegal officers but also to other key roles within the business. I enjoy this part of my role as it enables me to assist others in their personal progression and to help them with casework queries as and when needed. Supporting my team is really important to me so I spend time with them as a team and individually.
My role enables me to work with a variety of colleagues and stakeholders including senior managers and gives me the opportunity to be a part of new projects. I often liaise with external stakeholders including police and courts service. I work alongside my counterparts to ensure we progress and manage cases to the best of our ability. I hold and attend monthly and ad-hoc meetings around ongoing projects, specific cases and case progression.
I work closely with the legal managers in the unit and together we look at solutions to any pressures or issues we are facing as a team.
My inspiration
The thing I enjoy most about the CPS is that everyone has the same ambition and desire to do our best in every case and for every victim and witness. In the South East there is an environment where you can really grow and develop yourself with the assistance of more experienced staff, this has enabled me to progress my career at the pace I have.
The best part of my role is being able to support my team with the most complex cases and seeing the outcome of teamwork across the Area and across our partner agencies.
My biggest learning
To anyone considering joining the CPS as a paralegal business manager I would really encourage you to apply. The role has many opportunities to build on your existing skills but will also encourage you to develop new skills unique to the role and the organisation. I am really proud to be a paralegal business manager and look forward to continuing my career within the CPS.
Maya, Paralegal Business Manager
Maya, Paralegal Business Manager
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