Job Title: Crown Court Diary Assistant

Job Purpose:
To provide essential administrative support to the Crown Court teams, with primary responsibility for the accurate and efficient management of the Crown Court diary.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Manage and maintain the Crown Court diary as a priority, ensuring all listings, results, and follow-on dates are recorded and actioned promptly.
  • Monitor daily diary results to identify and chase any missing outcomes.
  • Ensure Representation Orders are in place and MC/YC cases are billed in lower courts before committal or transfer.
  • Book Instructed Advocates for upcoming hearings, ensuring briefs are provided 24 hours before the listing.
  • Schedule visits for fee earners to see clients in custody or elsewhere, ensuring all necessary documentation is on the case file.
  • Arrange conferences with Instructed Advocates, notifying clients, fee earners, and experts as appropriate.
  • Coordinate clerks’ attendance at hearings where required.
  • Notify clients, family members, sureties, and defence witnesses of Crown Court listings.
  • Open and update DPS Crown Court files, including NDOH, CC reference, and Instructed Advocate details.
  • Chase clerks for hearing results and ensure CC forms are stocked and accurate.
  • Maintain and update the approved list of Instructed Advocates.
  • Remind fee earners of upcoming deadlines and listings, promoting excellent administration within the Crown Court section.
  • Check and bill Crown Court litigator fees at case conclusion and submit advocacy claims where appropriate.
  • Answer telephone queries, recording and forwarding messages where necessary, ensuring urgent matters are prioritised.
  • Work in line with office policies, assist colleagues during absences, and liaise with the Practice Manager to improve office systems.

Person Specification:

Essential:

  • Experience in managing the Crown Court diary accurately and efficiently.
  • Strong organisational skills and methodical approach.
  • Ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks under pressure.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy in record-keeping.
  • Professional, discreet handling of sensitive client matters.
  • Respond quickly to urgent enquiries without supervision.
  • Effective communication with colleagues, clients, and external contacts.
  • Team-oriented and supportive of colleagues.

Desirable:

  • IT proficiency.
  • Knowledge of court procedures and police station processes.
  • Clear, professional communication at all levels.
  • Reliable, proactive, and able to take initiative.
  • Empathy for vulnerable or disadvantaged clients.
  • Willingness to learn and develop professionally

To apply please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and qualifications to recruitment@gtstewart.co.uk. We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially welcoming you to our team.