OUR PRACTICE

Lucy Allen graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2021, with a first class honours degree in Law, and soon after was given a Training Contract. Lucy qualified as a Solicitor in 2023 and is also an Accredited Mediator.

Although Lucy heads the Civil Department and predominantly deals with Civil Litigation, she also has experience in Small Claims, Criminal Defence, Proceeds of Crime Act Proceedings and Corporate Law. Lucy deals with the day to day legal aspects within a variety of different businesses, both on small and commercial scales, dealing with disciplinarians, terms and conditions, removal of CCJ’s, HR matters and debt recovery.

Lucy also specialises in complaints against the police, with a wealth of experience in all stages of the complaints procedure.  

 Lucy has achieved some fantastic results within her time at KMC Legal & Finance and has accumulated a client following. An academic mindset along with great communication skills has meant that Lucy has continued and will continue to progress.

Lucy takes great pride in her work, has great attention to detail and is a true asset to the team.

Kirsty Bowler holds a first-class honors degree in law from Staffordshire University, where she not only excelled academically but also demonstrated her commitment to justice by handling her own casework in a legal advice clinic. Kirsty qualified as a Solicitor in 2024.

With a heart for community service, Kirsty volunteered as an advisor at the Citizens Advice Bureau, showcasing her dedication to providing legal assistance to those in need. She furthered her academic achievements by obtaining a Master's in Legal Practice and successfully completing the Legal Practice Course.

Kirsty's passion for advocacy extends globally as she was part of the International Mooting Competition with her university team. Their success marked them as the only university in England to triumph against teams from countries worldwide.

In her role at KMC, Kirsty efficiently manages her caseload, showcasing her versatility by drafting court documents, attending client meetings, liaising with third parties and representing clients at court hearings. Her expertise spans both Criminal and Family law.

We are proud to have Kirsty as a valuable member of our team, contributing her skills and enthusiasm to our commitment to legal excellence.

Sophie Speirs graduated with an honours degree in Law from the University of Wolverhampton in 2019, before completing her Legal Practice Course in 2020. She qualified as a Solicitor in 2024.

Throughout her career, Sophie has gained experience across multiple legal disciplines, including Property, Conveyancing, Debt Recovery, Court of Protection, Personal Injury, and Family Law. Her diverse background has strengthened her ability to approach cases with a well-rounded perspective, ensuring that clients receive tailored and strategic advice.

With a strong commitment to access to justice, Sophie volunteered at the Citizens Advice Bureau and the Legal Advice Centre during her university years, providing invaluable assistance to those in need.

At KMC Legal, Sophie brings exceptional organisational skills and a meticulous approach to her caseload. She is known for her confident yet supportive manner, ensuring her clients receive clear, pragmatic advice while navigating legal challenges smoothly.

We are delighted to have Sophie as part of our team, where her expertise and dedication contribute to the high standards of service we provide.

Sarah Freeman-Smith is an esteemed Senior Case Worker at KMC Legal & Finance, where she plays a pivotal role in the meticulous handling and administration of confiscation cases. With an initial academic foundation in Environmental Science and Management, earning her Bachelor’s Degree, followed by a Master’s in Environmental Science, Sarah possesses a unique and invaluable perspective which she diligently applies to her work.

Sarah's academic and professional background provides an added layer of expertise, allowing her to offer insightful input and analysis on cases where environmental considerations are pivotal. Her deep grounding in environmental science has proven to be invaluable, particularly in areas of planning and construction law practiced by the firm. This integration of environmental acumen with legal practice enriches the firm’s skill set, enabling a more comprehensive approach to cases.

With over a decade of specialised experience in the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), Sarah is a seasoned professional in this intricate and challenging field. Early in her career, she had the privilege of working alongside Katie McCreath, establishing a foundation of excellence and attention to detail that has come to characterise her approach to casework. After a short career hiatus, her return to the team as a senior member has been warmly welcomed, providing unparalleled support and insight to the POCA department. Sarah is recognised for her outstanding case preparation, marked by thoroughness, dedication, and deep care for the outcomes of her cases.

In the office, Sarah is more than a colleague; she is the heart and soul of the team, providing invaluable support and fostering a positive, caring environment for all. Known affectionately as the 'mother of the office', Sarah ensures everyone feels valued, supported, and happy, making her an integral part of the team’s dynamic.

Sarah brings experience, expertise, and a spirit of camaraderie that significantly contributes to the success and positive environment of our firm.

Jorgia Kilkenny is a dedicated Trainee Solicitor and Criminal Defence Coordinator at KMC Legal & Finance. Jorgia is currently undertaking her Professional Skills Course at the University of Law and is due to qualify as a Solicitor in 2025.

Having achieved a LLB Law and Criminal Justice degree from Liverpool John Moores University, Jorgia further honed her skills with a Master's in Legal Practice from Birmingham City University. This educational journey, marked by her distinction in the Legal Practice Course, was enriched with a placement in Criminal, Motoring, Security Industry, and Family Law at a private firm during her studies.

Jorgia has also worked as a Legal Assistant in the council's legal department, gaining expertise in Contract and Commercial Law, Planning, GDPR, Housing, Litigation, Leases and Licensing. Her stint in local government was a diverse experience, preparing her well for the many practice areas at our firm.

At KMC, Jorgia plays a pivotal role managing Criminal matters. She is entrusted with guiding clients seamlessly from police station representations through to court appearances, meticulously preparing all necessary files for Magistrates’ and Crown Court proceedings. Her daily responsibilities include liaising efficiently with clients, courts and police officers, ensuring a streamlined communication and preparation process vital for successful legal representation.

Jorgia is a dynamic professional with a passion for fostering workplace camaraderie and community engagement. Currently serving as Marketing Manager and a key member of the Social Board, she brings creativity and enthusiasm to the team, organising events that not only strengthen internal connections but also contribute to a positive and vibrant workplace culture.

Jorgia is a significant asset to the firm, contributing her legal acumen, vibrant approach and compassionate perspective to both her work and client interactions.

Anna Shorthose serves as a dedicated Trainee Solicitor working predominantly in the Private Client Department at KMC Legal & Finance. With a foundational background in conveyancing, Anna brings a wealth of experience to support clients through meticulous legal assistance in a variety of cases.

Beyond her primary role within the civil department, Anna has demonstrated remarkable versatility and dedication by lending her expertise to criminal cases ensuring that our clients receive informed and strategic advice. Additionally, her work on property matters has enabled our firm to address a broad spectrum of issues including land registration, trusts and litigation.

Committed to further advancing her legal career, Anna is undertaking the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route, the new pathway to qualifying as a Solicitor in England and Wales. This underscores Anna's commitment to deepening her understanding of the law, refining her skills and her pursuit of the highest professional standards. Anna is due to qualify in 2025.

Anna holds a unique undergraduate degree, a Bachelor of Science in French and Spanish, which was enriched with a valuable placement year that allowed her to deepen her language proficiency and cultural understanding. Her linguistic expertise not only facilitates smoother communication with international and non-English speaking clients, but also provides her with a distinctive advantage in dealing with a range of legal matters.

Anna’s combination of experience, educational background, and dedication to legal excellence makes her an invaluable asset to the team and a reliable support to the clients entrusting their legal concerns to our firm.

Roman Huczok is dedicated to ensuring seamless operations at KMC Legal & Finance. With a strong aptitude for research, he brings a keen analytical mind to our team.

His background in previous firms as a Legal Receptionist and Administrative Assistant has honed his organisational skills, ensuring that our clients receive top-notch service with a meticulous attention to detail. Beginning his journey at KMC Legal as a Legal Assistant, Roman has consistently demonstrated efficiency and reliability, whether managing client enquiries or assisting with administrative tasks.

Roman has now advanced to the role of Trainee Solicitor, qualifying through the apprenticeship route. This transition marks a significant step in his legal career as he embarks on the rigorous path to becoming a qualified Solicitor. Roman's dedication to learning and his strong work ethic have always been evident in his contributions to our firm. As a Trainee Solicitor, he will continue to expand his legal expertise and practical skills, further enhancing the high-quality service we provide to our clients.

We value Roman's dedication, intelligence and the integral role he plays in creating a smooth and efficient experience for both clients and our legal team. As an essential part of KMC Legal & Finance, he embodies the professionalism and excellence we strive for in all aspects of our practice.

Hannah Barrow is a committed Trainee Solicitor at KMC Legal & Finance, bringing a diverse and rich background in both business and education to her role.

Hannah holds a BSc in Business and Finance, followed by a PGCE in Primary Education, which led her to a successful career in the education sector as a teacher. In her time in education, Hannah honed essential transferable skills such as leadership, organisation and effective communication with colleagues, parents and students. Her exemplary performance saw her rise to the position of subject leader for Maths, and Designated Safeguarding Lead where she provided crucial support and guidance on the wellbeing and safeguarding of children and their families.

Outside of her professional commitments, Hannah is a passionate equestrian, competing at the national level with British Showjumping. Her extensive knowledge and experience in equestrian sports can be effectively transferred into handling our equine-related cases.

Hannah is now embarking on her journey to become a Solicitor through the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route and is eager to gain comprehensive experience across the various departments within our firm.

Elizabeth Lafferty is a dedicated Trainee Solicitor at KMC Legal & Finance. With a diverse legal background spanning Medical Negligence, Personal Injury and Family Law, Liz brings a comprehensive understanding of legal complexities to her role.

Liz graduated with an LLB (Hons) in Law from Birmingham City University and will be undertaking the new pathway to qualifying as a Solicitor, the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route. This demonstrates Liz's commitment to academic excellence and professional development. Her meticulous approach and client-focused attitude make her an asset to the firm.

Beyond her legal career, Liz is a highly competitive sportswoman and has represented her team in netball at an advanced level for several years, showcasing the discipline, resilience and teamwork that she brings to her professional practice.

Liz is passionate about delivering outstanding service and always strives to achieve the best possible outcome for her clients.

Fionnuala O’Reilly is a dedicated Paralegal at KMC Legal & Finance, currently engaged in pursuing her MA Law postgraduate degree at the University of Law in London. Fi began her academic journey at the University of Exeter, earning an undergraduate degree in Russian and Spanish. During her third year, she had the enriching opportunity to study at St. Petersburg University, enhancing her linguistic proficiency and gaining invaluable insights into a different cultural environment.

Her academic pursuits are enriched by her worldly experience, having lived in Spain for a year and spent five months exploring South America. These international endeavors have not only fortified her language skills but have also provided her with a broad and insightful perspective on diverse legal frameworks and cultures, an asset in the practice of criminal defence and confiscation matters at KMC.

In addition to her studies and work, Fi is a keen tennis player. She has showcased her organisational and leadership skills as the Social Secretary for the University of Exeter tennis club, the second-largest tennis club in the UK with around 800 members. In this role, she was instrumental in cultivating a vibrant and inclusive community for members to network and share their passion for tennis.

Fi has embarked on her journey to becoming a Solicitor, having started her Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) course in September 2024. With a strong foundation in case management, commitment to professional growth and dedication to providing exceptional client service, Fi is eager to gain the comprehensive knowledge and skills required to excel in law.

With her unyielding ambition and meticulous approach to her work, Fi embodies the qualities of a rising legal talent at KMC Legal & Finance. Her confidence in navigating complex legal matters and joyous spirit not only facilitate a positive and coherent working environment but also resonate well with clients, making her a beloved figure within the team.

 Marie Granger serves as the Head Receptionist at KMC Legal & Finance, based in our Stafford office. With over three decades of experience supporting a successful family business, Marie brings exceptional organisational skills, a proactive approach and a wealth of practical knowledge to her role.

 Marie is the first point of contact at KMC, ensuring that clients receive a warm, professional and efficient service.

In addition to her duties as Head Receptionist, Marie plays a pivotal role in assisting with the overall management and administration of KMC Legal & Finance. She acts as the firm’s primary point of contact for debt recovery matters, ensuring these are handled efficiently and professionally.

Marie’s expertise extends beyond her role at KMC. Previously, she was instrumental in running a local cricket club, where she managed fundraising initiatives and organised events with great success. This experience has carried through to her work at KMC, where she takes the lead in coordinating the firm’s annual charity ball in aid of Birmingham Women and Children’s Hospital — a highlight of our calendar.

Marie’s dedication, approachable nature and commitment to supporting both the firm and its clients make her an invaluable member of the KMC team. Her passion for fostering positive relationships and ensuring the smooth running of operations reflects the high standards we strive for as a firm. 

Hannah Grainger occupies the pivotal role of Senior Administrator at KMC Legal & Finance, where she navigates through the multifaceted legal landscape with a focus on Criminal Defence and Equine Law, given that Hannah competed and worked at a top international showjumping yard.

 With a personality that effortlessly combines confidence and amiability, Hannah not only manages routine Criminal matters with precision but also significantly contributes to the firm’s harmonious and engaging work environment. Hannah has extensive customer care experience and prides herself on supporting our clients though their legal proceedings.

Having cultivated a strong foundation in legal administration, Hannah is adept at ensuring the seamless progression of Criminal cases by meticulously handling the routine work that forms the backbone of successful legal outcomes. Her attention to detail, coupled with a proactive approach, ensures that clients receive thoughtful and efficient support during often stressful legal processes.

In every facet of her role, Hannah exemplifies the values and professionalism that define KMC Legal & Finance. Hannah approaches each task with a commitment to excellence and a smile that is contagiously uplifting.