Job Description

Lightfoots Solicitors has been at the heart of the community in Thame for 170 years. With five offices across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, Lightfoots is proud of its unrivalled reputation of excellence for all of our services.


As a KYC/AML Specialist you will be responsible for enforcing Lightfoots AML & Client Due Diligence Policy and Sanctions Policy across all departments and helping the firm comply with relevant financial crime legislation and regulations.


The role involves responding to AML/KYC daily queries, guiding staff and delivering training, monitoring and reporting, systems and onboarding process review.

Key Responsibilities

Reviewing and responding to daily queries (firmwide) regarding client due diligence/KYC, including source of funds and HMLRs Safe Harbour status requirements. Directing staff to the MLRO where there are higher risks of ML/PF/TF or concerns/suspicion. Assisting staff in understanding and applying Lightfoots AML (including Sanctions, CTF, CPF) policies, procedures, and controls by identifying knowledge gaps and providing guidance and training. Keeping the AML knowledge hub on the staff intranet up to date with the latest FAQs, practical guides, policies, and other useful resources. Reviewing the firms existing EID&V providers and the client onboarding process to assess suitability and opportunities for improvement, as well as implementing approved changes. Working with the Senior Ethics & Compliance Adviser and Partner to keep the Firms Practice Wide Risk Assessment and financial crime policies up to date with current legislation and regulation, emerging risks and relevant firm changes. Identifying areas of risk and non-compliance and reporting on these with recommendations for remediation, in particular, running system reports and following up with non-compliant staff. Co-ordinating and recording the firms monthly file reviews, which involves conducting the initial compliance review and then co-ordinating with other reviewers to ensure the qualitive legal review is complete. Keeping abreast of changes in relevant financial crime legislation and regulatory frameworks, as well as specific lender requirements in the Lender Finance department.

What Were Looking For

Strong understanding of AML, CTF, CPF, Sanctions legislation and regulation. Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Law firm experience is preferred but not essential. Ability to analyse processes and data / identify areas for improvement. Ability to work with all levels including partners and management. Honesty and integrity.

This is a full-time permanent position in one of our Thame offices, Monday to Friday, 9am 5.30pm.

Why work for Lightfoots Solicitors?

Our staff are our greatest asset and we work hard to provide a culture where you can thrive and enjoy a fantastic career. We provide a range of benefits to support you in and outside of the workplace.


Firstly, you will enjoy enhanced annual leave in addition to bank holidays, an enhanced pension scheme, alongside a competitive salary.

For your health

BUPA Private Medical Insurance (after a qualifying period), Healthcare cash plan for your everyday healthcare expenses for you and your dependents, access to a 24/7 GP service, Employee Assessment Programme, company sick pay, free flu vaccinations, and more.

For your wellbeing

Discounted gym memberships, fruit in all offices, paid volunteer days, Wellbeing and awareness events across the year.


Your wellbeing and mental health is our highest priority at Lightfoots, which is why we have 9 qualified Mental Health First Aiders across the firm to provide confidential support.

For you and your family

We provide an option to use your own sickness entitlement if a dependent is unwell and needs your care. We also provide enhanced Maternity, Adoption and Paternity leave alongside many more family friendly policies. Generous discounts on legal services.

For your career

We offer Significant learning and development opportunities alongside a structured appraisal process, sponsored training for qualifications, networking opportunities and access to 100s of webinars and training activities.

For your belonging

We have an active Social committee, Charity Committee, Wellbeing Committee and an ESG committee. We actively encourage new joiners to take an active part in a committee if it is an area of interest.


We have firm organised events throughout the year including quarterly socials, breakfast briefings, book club and lots more.......


If you think this role is perfect for you (or nearly perfect, we would still like to hear from you) please apply or if you would simply like to find out more you can contact our recruitment team on recruitment@lightfoots.co.uk.


As a Disability Confident employer, we promote diversity and provide equal opportunities for all individuals. We prioritise inclusivity and ensure we have a supportive and accessible workplace for those with disabilities. If you require any adjustments to be able to attend an interview please do let us know.


Recruitment decisions are made on fair and objective criteria.