Julie Grimes
Criminal Paralegal
Criminal Defence Team
Julie Grimes joined the Criminal Defence Team at Bell Lamb & Joynson in January 2024, bringing more than 25 years of experience across the criminal justice system. Known for her calm, supportive approach and strong understanding of court processes, Julie plays an important role in helping both clients and colleagues navigate complex and often high-pressure cases.
Born and raised in South Liverpool, Julie’s career in criminal justice began at Liverpool Crown Court, where she worked in the Listings Office preparing case papers for judges. She later joined the Merseyside Probation Service, initially in an administrative role before being promoted to Probation Service Officer at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court. Over the course of a decade, she prepared probation reports, addressed Magistrates in court, and gained valuable first-hand experience of courtroom procedure and sentencing.
After spending a period living in London, Julie returned to Liverpool and spent 10 years working as a Crown Court Clerk for a well-known criminal defence solicitor. During this time, she assisted in the preparation of a wide range of serious criminal cases and developed strong working relationships within the local criminal justice community.
Now at Bell Lamb & Joynson, Julie supports the Criminal Defence Team by assisting with case preparation, liaising with clients, attending court and prisons, and helping ensure matters run smoothly behind the scenes. She has supported cases across the country, including serious Crown Court matters such as violence, sexual offences and drug-related cases, including assisting with a murder trial at the Old Bailey that resulted in an acquittal.
With more than two decades spent working within courts and alongside criminal justice professionals, Julie is widely respected for her professionalism, organisation and reliability. Her long-standing presence within Merseyside courts has helped her build trusted relationships with solicitors, barristers and court staff alike.
Julie is known for her empathetic and reassuring approach. She understands that criminal cases affect not only the individual involved but also their wider family, and she takes pride in supporting clients through what is often one of the most difficult periods of their lives.
Outside of work, Julie enjoys travelling — particularly visiting the United States to spend time with her daughters and young grandchildren.