At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Duty Solicitor, focusing on Magistrates’ Court advocacy and high-profile cases.
- Company: KMC Legal & Finance is a top-tier criminal defence firm with a strong reputation for quality and client care.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working hours, generous holiday allowance, and family discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team that values your growth and work-life balance while handling impactful cases.
- Qualifications: CLAS-accredited Duty Solicitor with 1-10 years PQE; experience in criminal law is essential.
- Other info: Opportunities to build your own client base and explore financial crime if interested.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Dunston Farm, Stafford Office
Salary: Competitive (dependent on experience)
Hours: Full-time, part-time, or flexible working available
Are you a dedicated criminal defence solicitor looking for a firm that truly values your skills, ambition, and work-life balance? At KMC Legal & Finance, we are a thriving, high-quality criminal defence firm with a reputation for handling everything from motoring offences to the most serious and high-profile criminal cases. We are seeking a CLAS-accredited Duty Solicitor eligible for the Duty Solicitor Scheme, with experience ranging from 1 year PQE to 10 years PQE.
About the Firm: At KMC Legal & Finance, we are not your typical high-street criminal defence firm. We have built a strong and loyal client base, representing individuals facing everything from driving offences and regulatory matters to complex, multi-handed conspiracy cases, serious fraud, violent crime, and sexual offences. Our reputation is built on quality advocacy, meticulous preparation, and exceptional client care. We also have a specialist POCA (Proceeds of Crime Act) department, handling complex confiscation proceedings, restraint orders, asset recovery cases, and enforcement matters.
The Role: Based in our Stafford office, your focus will be Magistrates’ Court advocacy, with the opportunity to work on serious and high-profile Crown Court cases. Police station work is required to remain compliant with the duty scheme, but we have a strong support team of accredited caseworkers and solicitors to cover out-of-hours work—so your level of involvement is completely up to you.
Who This Role Would Suit:
- Ambitious Solicitors (1–10 PQE) – If you want to take on high-level cases, lead on serious crime, and work towards heading our criminal department, we will support you in your growth.
- Experienced Lawyers Seeking Stability – If you simply want to do your job well and go home, with the security of a great salary, good benefits, and a fantastic team, this role is equally for you.
- Parents & Those with Other Commitments – We offer part-time and flexible working, allowing you to balance your career with family life or other responsibilities.
- POCA & Financial Crime Enthusiasts – If you are keen to gain experience in proceeds of crime, asset recovery, and financial crime, we have a strong team and excellent opportunities in this area (but no obligation to do so).
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary
- Medi-care cover & pension scheme
- Generous holiday allowance
- Family discounts on legal work
- Free parking at the office
- Opportunity for progression & leadership if desired
- Flexible working – as much or as little out-of-hours as you choose
- A growing, ambitious, and supportive team, working at the highest level of quality and client care
This is an exciting opportunity to join a firm that genuinely cares about its people and clients. Whether you want to progress to leadership or simply enjoy doing high-quality work in a supportive team, we would love to hear from you. Potentially two positions available.
Duty Solicitor - Criminal Defence employer: KMC Legal & Finance
Contact Detail:
KMC Legal & Finance Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Duty Solicitor - Criminal Defence
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the criminal defence field. Attend legal seminars, workshops, or local bar association events to meet solicitors and other legal practitioners. Building relationships can lead to referrals and insider knowledge about job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with KMC Legal & Finance's recent cases and their approach to criminal defence. This will not only help you understand their values but also allow you to tailor your conversations during interviews to align with their mission and demonstrate your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider reaching out to current or former employees of KMC Legal & Finance on professional networking sites. They can provide valuable insights into the firm’s culture, work environment, and what they look for in a candidate, which can give you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest developments in criminal law and any changes to the Duty Solicitor Scheme. Being knowledgeable about current trends and legislation will not only enhance your expertise but also show potential employers that you are proactive and committed to your professional growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Duty Solicitor - Criminal Defence
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in criminal defence, particularly any work related to the Duty Solicitor Scheme. Emphasise your PQE and any specific cases or areas of law you have worked on that align with KMC Legal & Finance's focus.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for criminal defence. Mention why you are interested in working at KMC Legal & Finance and how your values align with their commitment to quality advocacy and client care.
Highlight Flexibility and Commitment: Since KMC Legal & Finance values work-life balance, be sure to mention your willingness to engage in flexible working arrangements. Discuss how you can manage your responsibilities while contributing effectively to the team.
Showcase Your Advocacy Skills: Given the emphasis on Magistrates’ Court advocacy in the role, include examples of your advocacy experience. Highlight any significant cases where you demonstrated strong legal skills and client representation.
How to prepare for a job interview at KMC Legal & Finance
✨Know Your Criminal Law
Brush up on your knowledge of criminal law, especially areas relevant to the role such as motoring offences, serious crime, and POCA. Be prepared to discuss recent cases or changes in legislation that could impact your work.
✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills
Since the role involves Magistrates’ Court advocacy, be ready to demonstrate your advocacy skills. You might be asked to present a mock case or discuss your approach to handling court appearances.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Teamwork
Emphasise your ability to work flexibly and collaboratively within a team. Discuss any previous experiences where you successfully balanced multiple responsibilities or worked with colleagues to achieve a common goal.
✨Express Your Ambitions
Whether you're an ambitious solicitor looking to lead or someone seeking stability, make sure to communicate your career goals clearly. This will help the firm understand how they can support your professional development.