New appointment boosts law firm 's crime team

Stone King has welcomed experienced solicitor Malik Siddique to its Crime Team.

Malik joins the national law practice with its Crime Team top ranked by independent legal guide Chambers.

The team is highly experienced in defending criminal matters and leads on work in sexual offences of a sensitive nature; cases are dealt with on a private fee-paying basis only.

Mr Siddique said: “Both I and the team deal with cases from investigation stage (including police interviews, voluntary attendance or under arrest) to representation before Magistrates, Youth Court and Crown Court. ”

“We have dealt with thousands of police station interviews and representation at courts and are confident in helping our clients through the legal system.

“I am delighted to join Stone King and have had such a warm welcome.

The skills, experience and abilities that I possess both as a professional and individual are recognised and valued as being contributory to the continued growth of the practice, alongside my fellow colleagues. ”

Malik became a lawyer due to his firm beliefs in fairness and justice.

“I grew up in an inner city watching legal series and dramas like Petrocelli, The Paper Chase and Rumpole of the Bailey to name a few and always found them fascinating, ” explained Malik.

“My parents also taught me from a very early stage right from wrong, to respect others no matter what their background or beliefs are.

“This all instilled a strong sense of community, justice and fairness in me.

“At a young age I became the victim of a racial assault, resulting in a broken nose. I have also suffered racial abuse, including as a child.

“All of this made me think about what was the Criminal Justice System of the time doing for me as a member of an ethnic minority and also what could I do?

“So, I decided that I wanted to be a lawyer and stand up and make a difference for all. ”

Multi-lingual Malik said that his growing up in a diverse community means that he is well able to help clients from all walks of life.

He said: “My heritage is from an ethnic minority background and so I believe I bring a greater understanding of different communities to the firm.

“I grew up in a community with many different faiths - Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism and Judaism - and from diverse backgrounds.

“I speak English, Pothwari-Mirpuri (Kashmiri), Punjabi, Urdu and some Hindi.

“I have a thorough understanding of the cultural, traditional customs and faiths followed amongst these communities and that is really helpful for clients.

“In my practice I have had the privilege of representing clients from diverse faiths, cultures and backgrounds across a wide spectrum of offences, and always take a non-judgmental approach in order to try and secure the best outcome for them.

“This includes clients accused of racist offences and those investigated/charged with sexual offences of a sensitive nature.

“Although I specialise in criminal defence work I have experience of practice in other areas of law, which prove useful in defence work.

“In terms of racial diversity, I can say that I am experienced to case manage clients from diverse communities and manage their expectations. ”

Malik can be contacted on 0121 387 3290, extension 3290, or 07989 183385. Or emailed at MalikSiddique@stoneking.co.uk.