Job Description

Farrer & Co is synonymous with the highest quality legal advice and service.


We advise individuals, families, businesses, financial services, educational and not-for-profit organisations on every aspect of the law, wherever the need arises. From our offices in London we work with trusted professionals around the world to deliver a seamless international service.


Our clients present us with complex and varied challenges. Whether that's a complicated family trust issue, a multinational corporate transaction, or an emerging threat to their reputation, they need clear thinkers who can advise on the best solutions, fast thinkers when speed is of the essence and agile thinkers who can produce a fresh approach to get the job done. That's why they choose us.


Our clients value our in-depth knowledge, technical excellence and diversity of disciplines. But what really binds our long-standing relationships with them is our approach: pragmatic, plain speaking and always steadfast in our values, which we hold dear. Values which mean we gain our clients' trust, always strive to do the right thing, and aim for the best results for them.


Superb client service sits at the heart of everything we do. We are modern lawyers with timeless values.





The Team

The team is responsible for managing the legal and regulatory risks of the firm. This includes ensuring compliance with the SRA's Code of Conduct and terms and conditions for authorisation, as well as ensuring that the firms operates within the relevant legal and regulatory frameworks whilst meeting ethical and professional standards of practice.





Scope

The Compliance & AML Assistant is required to provide support and assistance to the Senior AML & Compliance Manager and the Risk & Compliance Manager, and other members of the wider firm in relation to client opening, anti-money laundering and various risk and compliance matters.





Responsibilities


Monitoring new client and new matter openings to ensure that all necessary information and AML documentation is supplied, including reviewing initial risk assessments and PEP status and following up with enquiries to fee-earners where necessary. Assisting practice assistants with trouble-shooting the electronic system and providing guidance on internal procedures. Identifying potential PEPs and high-risk clients and using the firm's due diligence information providers to raise any concerns (including reputational risk) regarding any whom may be on a government financial sanctions list within the UK or worldwide. Monitoring periodically any such clients recorded in our PEP and high-risk client Register. Working closely with fee earners and practice assistants to advise them on client due diligence requirements and the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017. Assist with administrative tasks, such as dealing with the AML support group inbox. Preparing, circulating and monitoring regularly reports detailing clients with outstanding client onboarding requirements. Liaising with the Accounts team re AML issues (such as unapproved funds received into client account or third-party payments). Attending quarterly Money Laundering Reporting Officer group meetings to discuss current issues, problems and best practice and producing minutes. Assisting with the maintenance of the firm's various risk registers (including information security barriers, high risk and PEPs and data security incidents). Contributing to Risk Team-specific projects, steering groups or committees and maintaining an awareness of any other Business Services area initiatives or system implementations. Assisting with data security incident reports. Assisting with maintenance of the firm's quality accreditations (including ISO9001). Assisting with the firm's internal annual file review exercise. Dealing with everyday queries from fee earners / Business Services staff on core compliance topics and advising on the firm's BASS office manual and supporting Annexures.



Skills and Experience


Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Strong attention to detail and able to effectively manage and prioritise workloads during busy periods. Excellent IT Skills and competency in client onboarding software and Microsoft Office applications. Good understanding of the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017 and associated legislation.



Person Specification


Strong team player with an enthusiastic and proactive approach. Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills are required, as is a positive approach and the ability to work confidently and competently with all levels of staff. Must be able to prioritise, multi-task and meet tight deadlines. A desire to learn.



Education and Qualifications

Qualified to A Level standard with GCSE grade C (or equivalent) at Mathematics and English essential.





Special aspects

Happy to talk flexible working. Flexible working patterns will be considered within the firm's agile working framework.


The hours of work for this opportunity are 09:30am-5:30pm but it is essential to be committed, flexible and prepared to work beyond the normal office hours when necessary and in response to client demand. Farrer & Co operates an agile working framework under which members of the firm are expected to spend at least 40% of their working hours in the office. This is a minimum expectation: individuals may elect or be asked or expected to work more frequently in the office, depending on circumstance.


Farrer & Co is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We look to employ the best candidates regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, social or economic background, religion, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, or any other protected characteristic.


We are keen to ensure candidates have the best interview experience possible; if you require any adjustments during the interview or application process please let the recruitment team know.





Comments

Farrer & Co conducts a pre-employment screening which includes a Criminal History Background and Credit Check for successful candidates.