At a Glance
- Tasks: Handle complex financial crime cases and work closely with experienced lawyers.
- Company: Respected specialist criminal defence firm in London with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, strong technical development, and a focus on work-life balance.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to equal opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in business and financial crime law.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with experience in criminal defence and financial crime.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
Accuflex is working with a highly regarded specialist criminal defence firm to recruit a solicitor for its growing Business Crime and Financial Crime practice. This is a strong opportunity for a criminal defence solicitor who has genuine technical experience in POCA, confiscation, account freezing orders and asset forfeiture, and who wants to work closely with experienced lawyers in a specialist financial crime team.
The successful candidate will handle a mix of mainstream criminal defence, financial crime and proceeds of crime matters, with a particular focus on technically detailed POCA work. This role will suit someone who is comfortable with police station and court work, but who also wants to build deeper expertise in business crime and asset recovery proceedings.
The work is expected to include:
- POCA and confiscation proceedings
- Account freezing orders and forfeiture matters
- Cash seizure and civil recovery work
- Fraud, money laundering and wider financial crime matters
- Private paying criminal defence work
- Some legal aid casework
- Police station attendance
- Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court work
- Client care, case preparation and strategic input on active matters
- Working closely with senior lawyers on complex financial crime and POCA matters
There may also be the opportunity to undertake additional police station work where desired.
The candidate
Candidates must have a strong grounding in criminal defence and a demonstrable understanding of financial crime work. This is not a role for someone with only a broad or superficial interest in POCA; the successful candidate will need to understand the practical and technical issues involved in freezing orders, confiscation and proceeds of crime proceedings.
We are particularly interested in speaking with candidates who have:
- Qualification as a solicitor in England & Wales
- NQ–5 PQE, although directly relevant experience will be more important than PQE alone
- Duty solicitor status
- Strong police station experience
- A detailed working knowledge of POCA, confiscation and account freezing orders
- Experience in criminal defence, including privately funded and/or legally aided matters
- Experience advising clients at the investigation stage
- Strong client care skills, particularly with individuals facing sensitive or high-stakes allegations
- Good drafting, analytical and case preparation skills
- The confidence to work closely with senior lawyers while also taking ownership of matters
- A calm, practical and commercially aware approach
Highly desirable experience
The following would be advantageous:
- Police station accreditation
- Experience with cash seizure, forfeiture or civil recovery matters
- Exposure to SFO, FCA, NCA, HMRC or CPS investigations
- Experience acting for professionals, company directors, HNW individuals or corporates
- Advocacy experience in the Magistrates’ Court
- Experience in regulatory or white-collar criminal investigations
Why apply?
This is an excellent opportunity to join a respected specialist criminal defence firm and work on high-quality financial crime and POCA matters from an early stage. The role offers:
- Exposure to complex account freezing, confiscation, forfeiture and financial crime work
- Close working with experienced senior lawyers in a specialist team
- A mix of private client and legally aided criminal defence matters
- Strong technical development in a specialist practice area
- Hybrid working
- A supportive team environment with realistic expectations around workload and work-life balance
- The opportunity to build a long-term career in business crime and financial crime defence
Location: London - with some hybrid working. Accutrainee and Accuflex 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.
Business Crime / Financial Crime Solicitor in London employer: Accutrainee
Accuflex is an exceptional employer for litigation paralegals, offering a dynamic work environment in London and across the UK. With a diverse range of opportunities from boutique law firms to large international organisations, employees benefit from a culture that prioritises professional growth and development. The company fosters a supportive atmosphere where your skills are valued, and you can gain invaluable experience in various legal settings, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Crime / Financial Crime Solicitor in London
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Accutrainee, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Crime / Financial Crime Solicitor in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Accutrainee, 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 and the specific role of Business Crime / Financial Crime 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.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Accutrainee’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Accutrainee
✨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.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
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.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
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.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Accutrainee.
