Officer - Risk Assessment & Conflicts

Ashurst is a leading progressive global law firm with a rich history spanning more than 200 years. We are proud of our history and are future-focused, having expanded into new technologies through our NewLaw division, Ashurst Advance, and our consulting arm. Our in-depth understanding of our clients and commitment to providing excellent standards of service have seen us become a trusted adviser to local and global corporates, financial institutions and governments in all areas of commercial law.

In order to comply with regulatory and client requirements, Ashurst will undertake appropriate vetting of staff. When applicants accept a job offer, Ashurst, alongside a specialist provider, will undertake professional verification and background checks. These checks are only undertaken with consent, and in accordance with our legal and regulatory obligations.

Working as part of our global Risk & Compliance function, the Business Acceptance team is responsible for ensuring the firm is protected from reputational, legal, and commercial risks. This includes analysing all new clients and matters to identify and resolve legal and commercial conflicts of interest, ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CTF) obligations, and meeting international regulatory requirements for sanctions, politically exposed persons (PEPs), and client-related negative press.

The role is ideally suited to an individual with a clear and confident communication style, strong analytical and research skills, and a desire to work collaboratively with a dynamic and motivated team. The successful candidate will have a keen eye for detail, an interest in current affairs, and the ability to work well under pressure. A legal qualification is not essential, but problem solving, professionalism, and sound judgement are key.

Key responsibilities of the role include:

• Research relevant information sources and international databases to compile documentation needed to verify the identity of clients of the firm.
• Analyse sufficiency of identity documentation in the context of global firm policy, local anti-money laundering laws, and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate.
• Accurately record relevant client and matter information in the firm's Risk Assessment and Conflicts Databases.
• Compose extensive written risk assessments, including technical analysis of money laundering, bribery, reputational, and sanctions risks, with reference to sectoral and jurisdictional risks and FATF-identified risk typologies.
• Liaise with partners, fee earners, and external clients, providing comprehensive explanations of relevant policy, local laws, and regulations to support requests for client identification documentation.

This is a full-time, permanent role based in our Glasgow office with hybrid working.

The successful candidate will have:

• Degree qualified in Law, Risk Management, Business, Politics, Economics, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake relevant research and analyse complex information.
• Strong interpersonal skills required to engage all levels of legal, including Partners and other Firm Management, and support staff.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and a demonstrable ability to multi-task and work well under pressure.
• Strong IT literacy and the ability to adapt to new processes and technology quickly.
• Knowledge of AML/CTF obligations and knowledge of legal conflicts of interest would be beneficial but is not essential.

We offer you all the things you should expect from an international law firm, some of which include:

• Competitive remuneration with the flexibility to reward high performance;
• Flexible working;
• Corporate health plans;
• A global professional development offering for all employees;
• An industry-leading programme that celebrates diversity and inclusion.

We are committed to delivering positive impacts to our communities through our Social Impact programme. We aim to recruit, retain and promote the best people from the widest possible talent pools. We are committed to offering a safe and welcoming environment for all employees to ensure they are supported to work at their best.

Beyond this, what sets Ashurst apart from others is our global strength, our drive to innovate and collaborate, and our commitment to excellence. It is these values that make Ashurst a unique place to work.