Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity in our Central Inception Team in any of our Birmingham, Cambridge, Leeds, Manchester, Norwich or Oxford offices.

The role

Are you ready to play a pivotal role in supporting lawyers across the firm and ensuring regulatory compliance is met with confidence and precision? The Central Inception Team is a firm-wide resource that helps streamline the client and matter inception process.



From opening to closing files, this team is the go-to hub for guidance, training, and hands-on support. Whether it's navigating regulatory requirements or liaising with clients to gather essential information, the Central Inception Team is a key contributor to the firm's operational success.

The person

We are seeking an individual with excellent communication skills, capable of engaging effectively with colleagues at all levels. The ideal candidate will demonstrate sound analytical ability, clear and concise written communication, and meticulous attention to detail. Prior experience in research and within a legal or professional services environment is highly desirable, along with a working knowledge of anti-money laundering procedures, conflict checks, and credit checks.



A methodical and organised approach to work is essential, as is a proactive attitude towards problem-solving and a commitment to seeing tasks through to resolution. The successful candidate will be a collaborative team player, enthusiastic about learning, and ready to embrace new responsibilities and challenges. A practical, common-sense approach will be key to thriving in this role.

The activities

The role involves conducting a range of compliance and regulatory checks to support client and matter inception. This includes verifying client identities, assessing corporate ownership structures, and reviewing legal documentation to determine risk profiles. The team carries out sanctions, politically exposed persons, and disqualified directors checks, alongside conflict and finance checks, escalating issues in line with firm policy.



Responsibilities also include preparing client engagement letters, managing matter closure processes, and ensuring accurate archiving of client files. The role requires close collaboration with the Risk & Compliance team to ensure AML and KYC checks meet regulatory standards, with further research undertaken where necessary.



Accurate record-keeping in MatterSphere is essential, including file opening and maintaining audit trails. The role also involves monitoring internal controls, advising lawyers and support staff on regulatory matters, and ensuring understanding of transactional risks.



Additionally, the team supports training and development by onboarding new staff, mentoring colleagues, and contributing to the review and improvement of team policies and procedures.



For the full details about this position, please ensure you read the job description below.


We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

The benefits

As you'd expect, we offer a competitive salary and a wide range of benefits.

Pre employment screening

If we offer you a role, we will conduct comprehensive pre-employment screening. This screening will include, but is not limited to, a basic DBS, verification of your right to work, a three year employment history and a self-declaration to assess your character and suitability for the role. Full details of our pre-screening employment process are available upon request.

The firm

Mills & Reeve is centred on achieving more for clients, their businesses and the wider communities we serve. Our clients and their industries benefit from our knowledge and learning, and receive consistent experiences with no surprises. We tell them what they need to know when they need to know it.



We build personal relationships, with advice individually tailored to individual need. And if clients need things we don't offer, we draw on our network to give recommendations. Our 1,250 plus people and over 750 lawyers share one vision - achieving more for clients.



By joining Mills & Reeve, you'll have the chance to build your skills and experience within a firm that's not only ranked in the top 50 UK law firms, but also one that truly values their people. Our mantra is "Achieve more. Together.", which we feel embodies our purpose and is more than just a catchphrase! We're also ranked in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work list, and were recently awarded Platinum Investors in People.

and finally

Everyone at Mills & Reeve brings a unique perspective and ideas to the team and we do everything we can to help each person to thrive. We're committed to providing an inclusive and supportive working environment, are happy to consider flexible working arrangements, and want to achieve the right balance for both our people and the firm. We encourage everyone to ask if they feel they need any workplace adjustments, and will do our best to support with these.