Current opportunities
Job purpose
Working closely with the Head of Compliance and other members of the Compliance team to ensure that as a firm we operate within the strict legal and regulatory boundaries stipulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
This is a new role sitting in a team made up of the Head of Compliance, Head of Risk, Senior Compliance Advisor, Data Information & Security Analyst and Compliance Coordinator.
Duties and responsibilities
Working within the Compliance department of a full-service law firm, the role will be broad and varied. This is not an exhaustive list and from time to time it may be necessary to vary these to meet the department and business needs.
- Advising on SRA standards and regulations.
- Reviewing client AML Due Diligence (DD) documentation, providing AML DD advice for various client types (e.g. registered societies, housing associations, charities, financial institutions, private individuals).
- Analysing and establishing the corporate structure for clients where relevant, and tracing up to the ultimate beneficial owners.
- Reviewing and advising on clients AML Source of Wealth and Source of Funds queries.
- Assisting in the ongoing monitoring of existing clients and updating due diligence for existing clients.
- Providing advice on AML/CTF to fee earners and other professionals.
- Reviewing and updating compliance policies, plans, and procedures.
- Ensuring compliance with the Data Protection Act and UKGDOR, providing advice and guidance.
- Assisting with opening and onboarding new clients to the firm.
- Assisting with internal audits.
- Running and advising on conflicts (or potential conflicts) of interest.
- Carrying our PEP and Sanction screening.
- Conducting ad-hoc research in all areas of risk and compliance.
- Conducting new joiner compliance inductions, creating awareness around the importance of compliance at the outset.
- Coordinating with the Lexcel Independent File Reviews.
- Assist the Head of Compliance with the maintaining of our Lexcel accreditation renewals.
- Assist the Head of Compliance with our annual AML external audits.
- Provide supervision and guidance to the compliance coordinator where appropriate.
- Any other duties that may arise or be requested from time to time by the Head of Compliance.
Person specification
Essential skills
- Over 3 years’ experience working in a law firm within a compliance function, with experience at advisor/analyst level.
- Must have a very strong working knowledge and understanding, and articulation of the SRA StaRs and AML Regulations, at advisory level.
- Must have knowledge and previous dealings with conflicts, at advisory level.
- Sound understanding and interpretation of DPA/UKGDPR including at advisory level.
- A track record of being able to make decisions on compliance matters.
- Previous experience with auditing client files.
- Experience in delivering training (in-person and online).
- Experience in collating information/data and producing quality monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
- Excellent interpersonal skills – this person will liaise with both lawyers and business services groups, in each case at all levels of seniority and from all offices.
- Excellent time management, planning and organisational skills.
- Proficient with Microsoft applications, including Outlook, Word and Excel.
- A high attention to detail to produce work/documentation which is consistently of a high standard.
- Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to prioritise workload to increase efficiency for the department.
- Logical approach to problem solving and analysing issues.
- Excellent research skills.
- Capable of working under pressure with commitment to deliver under tight deadlines.
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential management issues and information with discretion.
- Pragmatic, solution-oriented mind-set.
Desirable skills
- Experience of working and adhering to Lexcel accreditation.
- AML certification (e.g. ICA Certificate in AML).
- Experience in introducing elements of automation tools/IT in compliance procedures.
How to apply
If you would like further details or wish to apply for this position please email your CV and covering letter direct to support.recruit@devonshires.co.uk and complete the diversity monitoring questionnaire which can be accessed by button below.
All recruiters must submit their candidates’ CV via our HR team or using the recruitment inbox listed above. Only HR can agree terms of business with third parties, provide the appropriate privacy notice to be shared with candidates and ensure that the firm maintains its commitments to LEXCEL, ISO27001 and Equality Diversity & Inclusion.
Devonshires Solicitors LLP is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. As such all job applicants, employees, partners and third parties who come into contact with us, will receive equal treatment, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, trade union activities, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We welcome applications from groups where we are currently underrepresented. For this reason, we ask that all candidates complete the recruitment monitoring survey in complete confidence for statistical purposes in order that we can effectively monitor how well our Diversity procedures are working. To review our policies on Diversity & Inclusion and Dignity at Work please visit our recruitment pages at www.devonshires.com.