Senior Solicitor / Compliance Lead - Build a New Cross-Border Law Firm from the Ground Up in Peterborough

Build a New Cross-Border Law Firm from the Ground Up | Offshore & International Focus | Flexible Start with Long-Term Partnership Potential

Holborn, London / Hybrid Working Initially Part-Time (2–3 Days per Week) with Transition to Full-Time

Salary circa £100,000–£120,000 + Long-Term Growth Opportunity

This is a rare opportunity for a senior UK qualified solicitor to play a pivotal role in building and shaping a new London-based legal practice with an international and offshore focus, backed by an already established cross-border consultancy business and an existing flow of sophisticated work. The practice currently advises mainly Mainland Chinese and Hong Kong corporate clients on offshore and cross-border disputes and related matters involving jurisdictions such as the BVI, Cayman Islands and England & Wales. The next phase is ambitious and exciting: transitioning into a fully SRA regulated ABS law firm.

The founders are now seeking an experienced senior solicitor to become the legal and compliance cornerstone of the business during this growth journey. This role would particularly suit someone who enjoys responsibility, autonomy and building something meaningful, rather than simply servicing targets inside a large corporate structure.

• A senior associate, counsel or partner seeking a more entrepreneurial opportunity
• A former COLP/COFA looking for a flexible but intellectually stimulating position
• A solicitor with offshore or international experience seeking a strategic leadership role
• Someone pursuing a portfolio career or gradual step away from traditional private practice, while still remaining deeply involved in high-quality work

The Opportunity

You will become the senior UK legal presence within the business, working closely with the founders and external regulatory advisers to help establish and grow a modern, international law firm with a niche specialism and global client base. Initially, the role will be part-time and highly flexible, with a combination of home working and access to a Holborn office. As the ABS authorisation progresses and the practice expands, the role is expected to evolve into a full-time senior leadership position.

You will have genuine influence over:

• The development of the firm’s regulatory framework
• Compliance systems and operational structure
• Risk management processes
• Client onboarding and governance
• The long-term strategic direction of the practice

This is an opportunity to join at the beginning and become a central part of the firm's future.

The Work

The practice advises on sophisticated cross-border and offshore matters, often involving:

• BVI and Cayman structures
• International disputes and litigation strategy
• Corporate and shareholder disputes
• Asset tracing and enforcement‑related matters
• Coordination with offshore counsel and international advisers
• Multi‑jurisdictional commercial issues involving UK, Hong Kong and Mainland China stakeholders

You will:

• Provide strategic legal oversight on complex matters
• Liaise with offshore firms, UK counsel and international stakeholders
• Supervise and mentor a junior paralegal
• Help shape workflows, policies and operational systems
• Act as a reassuring senior presence for clients, regulators and counterparties

Compliance & ABS Leadership

A significant aspect of the role will involve helping guide the business through ABS authorisation and beyond. Subject to approval, the successful candidate is expected to assume key compliance responsibilities including:

• COLP
• Potentially COFA
• MLRO / AML oversight

You will work alongside specialist external consultants supporting:

• SRA compliance
• AML and sanctions
• Data protection
• Governance and policy drafting

This is a hands‑on role for someone comfortable balancing commercial realities with sensible, proportionate risk management.

About You

The firm is keen to hear from experienced solicitors with:

• Around 5+ years PQE, although significantly more senior candidates are very welcome
• A background in commercial litigation, disputes and/or corporate‑commercial work
• Experience involving offshore jurisdictions such as BVI or Cayman
• Strong understanding of SRA regulation and compliance frameworks
• Previous leadership, management or supervisory experience
• The confidence to operate within a growing entrepreneurial environment

Particular interest will be shown in candidates who have:

• Previously acted as COLP, COFA or MLRO
• Been involved in setting up or managing a law firm or ABS
• Worked extensively with Hong Kong or Mainland Chinese clients
• Strong AML and governance experience

The ideal person will be:

• Commercial and pragmatic
• Calm under pressure
• Comfortable making decisions
• Collaborative and low‑ego
• Excited by building and shaping something long term

Working Arrangement

The role offers genuine flexibility:

• Initially 2–3 days per week
• Hybrid/home working with access to a Holborn office
• Flexible scheduling rather than rigid office hours
• Particularly suitable for someone seeking a portfolio‑style role initially

However, candidates must be willing to transition into a full-time employed role once ABS authorisation is secured and the business reaches its next phase of growth.

What’s on Offer?

• FTE salary expected in the region of £100,000–£120,000
• Pro‑rata salary during the initial part‑time phase
• Significant long‑term strategic opportunity
• The chance to help build a modern international law firm from an early stage
• High‑quality cross‑border and offshore work
• Flexible and adult‑led working culture
• Hybrid working
• Pension and statutory benefits
• A genuinely unusual and intellectually engaging opportunity outside the traditional law firm model.

Interested? This is a genuinely rare role for a senior lawyer who enjoys autonomy, responsibility and international work, and who wants to play a meaningful part in building something ambitious and different. Applications are welcomed from candidates currently in private practice, consultancy, compliance leadership or offshore‑focused roles. For a confidential discussion, please contact Clara Rose: Email: Phone: 07971 493048. Even if you are not certain you tick every box, the firm is very open‑minded about backgrounds and would encourage an initial confidential conversation.