Job Description

The Compliance and Risk (C&R) Team is based in London and led by the firm's General Counsel.


The C&R Team advises the firm on all aspects of its legal and regulatory duties, including financial crime compliance, SRA STaRS, risk management, client engagement terms, complaints and claims, internal investigations, insurance, governance, external vendor contracts and data privacy. The legal team currently comprises 9 lawyers including the Director of Compliance & MLCO, and 4 paralegals.


Within the C&R Team sits the New Business Intake (NBI) function under the Director of Compliance and led by the Head of NBI. This comprises 4 NBI Managers, 23 Analysts and 4 Assistants in London as well as 3 AML Senior Managers and 2 analysts based in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The NBI team handles all aspects of on-boarding new clients and ongoing client monitoring where required, including client due diligence (CDD), sanctions checks and conflict checking for the entire firm.


The NBI team's objective is to on board new clients and matters as efficiently as possible whilst ensuring that all regulatory requirements are met.

Roles and Responsibilities

Dealing with the Firm's more difficult CDD issues, particularly in relation to companies and trusts (analysing documents provided by clients and advising whether further information is needed); Advising on CDD requirements for our overseas offices which may differ from the UK approach; Carrying out the risk assessments at client inception and also when CDD records are updated to see whether the client presents a higher than usual risk of money laundering; Carrying out research to establish whether there is any adverse press about a prospective client and assessing its relevance; Carrying out research on the source of wealth and funds and assisting with advice on this to the partners and fee earners; Carrying out searches to identify whether a client is a politically exposed person (PEP) and preparing emails for Senior Management's approval; Conducting EDD for High Risk Third Country clients and preparing emails for Senior Management approval; Assisting with the CDD inbox and general compliance queries; Ad hoc sanctions screening to support the Analysts when required; Assisting more senior colleagues in advising finance, partners, and fee earners on third party payments and additional due diligence requirements; Management of specific compliance projects; Assisting the NBI Managers, Head of NBI, Compliance Counsels, MLRO, MLCO and GC with ad-hoc research tasks. Comply with all relevant legal and regulatory obligations including the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Standards and Regulations, and Principles.

Skills and experience

Previous compliance experience is essential; Experience on International regulations, particularly Dubai, Bahrain and Qatar are preferable. Strong IT skills including Excel, Word, and Outlook

Person specification

In depth knowledge of CDD requirements gained as a result of previous experience within a law firm Compliance Team Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to deal with clients, partners, fee earners and support staff Conscientious and methodical with excellent attention to detail Highly organised for self and others Flexible and capable of managing conflicting priorities and deadlines Pro-active and demonstratable experience of using initiative

Competencies

Working together Integrity and respect

Inclusive Personal impact and growth

Driving high standards Commercial mindset

Client - centric Responsible Business

At a glance

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Location
London
Category
Contract type
Permanent - Full Time
Salary
Competitive
Working hours
Full time