Rachel Kilburn

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Rachel joined JMW in September 2023 and is a Solicitor in the Business Crime and Regulatory team.

Prior to her qualification, Rachel amassed 2 years’ experience as a paralegal at another national firm, before successfully completing her training contract with JMW. 

Rachel graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2019 in Law & Criminology.  During her third year, she studied abroad at the University of Uppsala in Sweden. She went on to complete her LPC and LLM at the University of Law in Manchester, achieving a Distinction.

Serious and Complex Crime

Rachel has a broad range of experience in serious criminal matters in both the Magistrates and Crown Court. Rachel’s experience includes but is not limited to:

• Criminal Conspiracy Offences
• National/International Offences in Relation to Class A, Class B and Class C Drugs & Psychoactive Substances.
• Sexual Offences, / Historic Sexual Offences
• Grievous Bodily Harm, Actual Bodily Harm and Assault
• Arson
• Firearms and Offensive Weapons
• Money Laundering
• Fraud
• Assisting an Offender
• Perverting the Course of Justice

Sexual Offences

Rachel has developed a keen interest in cases involving sexual allegations and regularly defends cases involving:

• Rape and Historic Sexual Abuse
• Child Sex Offences
• Indecent Assault/Gross Indecency.
• Abuse of Trust
• Familiar Sex Offences
• Indecent Images

Rachel is a dedicated Solicitor who understands the necessity of thoroughly preparing a case and considering the requirements of third-party disclosure requests.

Rachel is acutely aware that allegations of criminal offences constitute a pivotal point in someone’s life. Rachel prides herself on her client care and personable approach. She ensures that she is approachable and that clients are consistently updated as their matter progresses. When speaking with clients Rachel strikes a balance of delivering honest advice but in a sensitive manner.

Rachel’s criminal work is undertaken within a specialist team, allowing for a collaborative approach to be taken. The dynamics within the team ensure that matters are explored from all perspectives.

Rachel is equipped to advise on matters of pre-charge engagement. She corresponds with the Police on behalf of her clients to try and prevent the Crown Prosecution Service authorising charges. This might be on the basis that there is not sufficient evidence for the charge to be made out or that it is not in the public interest for the matter to be pursued. 

She is experienced in drafting strategic and robust representations and supports clients with empathy while providing considered advice throughout. 

Professional Regulation

Rachel also regularly assists with various regulatory matters. This experience has given her the opportunity to expand upon her client base to allow her to represent individuals from a range of professional backgrounds. Rachel has experience of representing individuals from the following regulatory bodies:

• Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAEW)
• General Medical Council (GMC)
• General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
• General Dental Council (GDC)

• R v B and Others- Exeter Crown Court- Conspiracy to Supply Class A. Individual caught with cocaine with an estimated street value of £401,920.00.
• R v T- Manchester Crown Court- Conspiracy to Import Class B. Individual charged with importing Cannabis from North America for commercial supply. The importations were estimated to have street value of £7,720,760.00- £19,299,400.00.
• R v L- Leeds Magistrates Court- Individual charged with Possession of an Offensive Weapon, one of which was a Machete. Custodial sentence was suspended.
• R v C- St Albans Crown Court- Metropolitan Police Officer charged with 11 offences including Stalking, Coercive and Controlling behaviour, Voyeurism and Rape.
• R v B- Manchester Crown Court- Represented at Re-Trial. Individual facing 11 charges ranging from Indecent Assault to Sexual Assault.
• R v A- Manchester Crown Court- Individual charged with 3 counts of rape.

• "I would like to thank you for your time yesterday and to sincerely express my gratitude towards your help, commitment and dedication on this matter."
• "I felt you were very kind and listened to me with patience and eagerness. I wanted to let you know this is important to me and I'm very grateful."

Rachel is a member of the Law Society and also acts a mentor to provide support to students starting their legal career through the University of Law Mentoring Scheme.

Outside of work, Rachel enjoys running and has completed both the London and Manchester marathon. For her next challenge, she intends to complete an ultramarathon.

Rachel has a keen interest in supporting charities and engaging in volunteer work. She has previously raised money for Macmillan and Marie Curie through running events. in addition, in June 2024 Rachel complete ad skydive to raise money for Day One Trauma Support.  Rachel has previously spent 3-months volunteering in Zambia with the Voluntary Service Overseas and often participates in the volunteering opportunities offered by JMW.