At a Glance
- Tasks: Handle diverse criminal defence cases, focusing on financial crime and client care.
- Company: Respected specialist criminal defence firm in London with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, exposure to high-quality work, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to equal opportunities for all.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and build expertise in financial crime while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with experience in criminal defence and interest in financial crime.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Accuflex is working with a highly regarded specialist criminal defence firm to recruit a mid-level solicitor to join its busy and growing crime and financial crime practice. This is an excellent opportunity for a solicitor with strong criminal defence experience who is looking to develop further in business crime, financial crime and proceeds of crime work, while continuing to handle a varied caseload of mainstream criminal defence matters.
The successful candidate will work closely with senior lawyers in the team on a range of private client and legally aided matters, with a particular focus on financial crime, POCA, account freezing orders, confiscation and cash seizure.
The work
- POCA and confiscation proceedings
- Fraud, money laundering and other financial crime cases
- Private paying criminal defence work
- Some legal aid casework, particularly while private client work builds
- Mainstream criminal defence matters, potentially ranging from driving offences through to serious and complex crime
- Police station attendance and court work
- Client care, case preparation and strategic input on active matters
There may also be the opportunity to undertake overtime police station work where desired.
Ideal candidate
We are interested in speaking with solicitors who have a genuine commitment to criminal defence and a developing or established interest in financial crime. Candidates should ideally have:
- Qualification as a solicitor in England & Wales
- Experience in criminal defence
- Exposure to financial crime, POCA, confiscation, account freezing orders, cash seizure, fraud or money laundering
- Police station and/or court experience
- Strong client care skills
- Good drafting, analytical and case preparation skills
- The ability to work both independently and as part of a close-knit team
- A practical, calm and commercially aware approach to client matters
The role is likely to suit someone from around NQ to 5 PQE, although candidates slightly outside this range may be considered where they have directly relevant experience.
The following would be useful but is not essential:
- Duty solicitor status
- Business crime or white collar crime exposure
- Experience dealing with the SFO, FCA, NCA, HMRC or other enforcement agencies
- Experience with asset freezing, civil recovery or regulatory investigations
- Advocacy experience in the magistrates’ court
Why apply?
This is a strong opportunity to join a respected specialist criminal defence firm and gain exposure to high-quality work across both mainstream criminal defence and financial crime. The role would particularly suit someone who enjoys client contact, wants to build technical expertise in POCA and financial crime, and is looking for a supportive environment where they can work closely with experienced practitioners.
Location
Central London, with hybrid working available.
Equal opportunities
At Accuflex, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe in equal opportunities for all and actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, ages, genders, races, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations and abilities. Our recruitment process is designed to be fair, transparent and free from discrimination.
Solicitor employer: Accutrainee Limited
Accuflex is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment for solicitors passionate about criminal defence and financial crime. With a commitment to employee growth, the firm provides opportunities to work closely with experienced practitioners on high-quality cases in the heart of London, while also embracing hybrid working to promote a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solicitor
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We think you need these skills to ace Solicitor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Accutrainee Limited, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Accutrainee Limited and the specific role of Solicitor. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Accutrainee Limited
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
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Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
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As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Accutrainee Limited.
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