As our team at John Black Solicitors continues to grow, we’re pleased to welcome James Matfin, a Crown Court Paralegal working across Manchester and Burnley. With a passion for justice, strong communication skills, and a sharp focus on practical legal experience, James brings valuable insight and energy to our criminal defence team.

Inspired by Injustice: The Start of a Legal Journey

“Cases like Andrew Malkinson and Peter Sullivan were a big motivator for me. These men spent decades in prison for crimes they didn’t commit. It showed me the flaws in the system, and I want to be part of the solution.”

James’ path into criminal law was motivated by more than just textbooks. He studied law at university out of a desire to contribute to the justice system, a system he believes is fundamental to a healthy democracy. However, it was real-life miscarriages of justice that truly ignited his ambition.

This deeply held belief in fairness and accountability led James to focus on criminal law, where he could be involved in safeguarding rights and preventing errors that have life-altering consequences.

Role Focus: Building Strong Foundations

“Learning the fundamentals will help me understand the structure and terminology of Crown Court work. It’s key to supporting the team, and the clients effectively.”

While James is enthusiastic about liaising with counsel, what excites him most is mastering the technical building blocks of Crown Court preparation, such as defence bundle drafting and Digital Case System (DCS) management.

Why John Black Solicitors?

“This is a firm that invests in its people. I hope to qualify as a solicitor, and knowing JBS has supported others through that process means a lot to me.”

James was drawn to JBS by its reputation for serious crime defence, but also for its size, culture, and development focus. He values being in a tight-knit firm where his work has an impact and where clients are treated with dignity.

Skills That Add Value

“Real-time communication helps avoid confusion and delays. I like keeping things moving efficiently.”

James brings a natural gift for communication, essential when coordinating between clients, counsel, courts, and internal teams. His approach combines empathy, clarity, and speed, all of which are vital when handling high-stakes criminal matters.

He is also confident with digital tools and case management systems, and is proactive in identifying issues before they become problems.

Working Together: Staying on Track with the 4 Ps

“Outcomes in criminal cases can be life-changing. It’s so important that clients feel heard and informed at every step.”

With Better Case Management and Crown Court deadlines demanding precision, James keeps his workflow tight by combining:

Strong communication
Personal organisation
Preference for face-to-face or phone conversations
A planning framework of: Prioritise, Park, Pass, Purge

Industry Insights: Backlogs, Policy Shifts, and Staying Informed

“I want to progress my career and make a bigger impact in criminal defence.”

“The system is overstretched. Staying informed and being flexible is key so we can properly advise clients.”

James is keeping a close eye on the court backlog crisis and prison overcrowding, which are already prompting policy shifts like early releases and reduced sentences.

Goals for the Year Ahead

James’ main development goals include:

Gaining practical legal experience beyond academia
Securing a training contract
Beginning study for the SQE to become a solicitor

Life Outside the Office: From Law Books to Cookbooks

“Cooking helps me unwind. It gives me something to focus on and be creative with. It’s my go-to way to de-stress.”

Outside of court prep and case files, James enjoys discovering Manchester’s food scene and spending time in the kitchen.

Having recently moved from a small southern town to Manchester, he’s embracing the city’s vibrancy and meeting new people.

Welcome James to the JBS Team

James’ determination, empathy, and hunger to learn make him a strong addition to our Crown Court department. We’re excited to support his career growth as he contributes to our mission of delivering expert, compassionate criminal defence.

Introducing James Matfin: Crown Court Paralegal Driven by Purpose and Precision