At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creation of a new cross-border law firm with a focus on international clients.
- Company: Innovative legal practice in Holborn, London, offering hybrid working.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and long-term growth potential.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with a collaborative culture and significant career opportunities.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping a modern law firm from the ground up.
- Qualifications: 5+ years PQE with experience in commercial litigation and offshore jurisdictions.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 120000 £ per year.
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
FTE 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.
Senior Solicitor / Compliance Lead - Build a New Cross-Border Law Firm from the Ground Up employer: Clara Rose Consultancy
Join a pioneering legal practice in Holborn, London, where you will have the unique opportunity to shape a new cross-border law firm with an international focus. Enjoy a flexible working environment that promotes autonomy and responsibility, alongside significant long-term growth potential as you help establish compliance frameworks and operational structures. This role not only offers competitive remuneration but also the chance to engage in high-quality, intellectually stimulating work while being part of a collaborative and innovative team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Solicitor / Compliance Lead - Build a New Cross-Border Law Firm from the Ground Up
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the legal field, especially those involved in cross-border work. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or mentors.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with someone from the firm, highlight your experience with offshore jurisdictions and compliance frameworks. Make it clear how your background aligns with their ambitious goals for the new law firm.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see an opportunity to contribute ideas on building the firm's regulatory framework or risk management processes, don’t hold back. This shows you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in shaping the future of the practice.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives you a chance to tailor your submission to what we’re really looking for in a candidate who can help us build something special.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Solicitor / Compliance Lead - Build a New Cross-Border Law Firm from the Ground Up
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for building a new law firm shine through. We want to see that you’re excited about the opportunity to shape something meaningful and that you understand the unique challenges of a cross-border practice.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in offshore jurisdictions or compliance roles. We’re looking for someone with a strong background in commercial litigation and an understanding of SRA regulations, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Be specific about your previous leadership experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities of this position. We love a good story, so make it engaging!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re proactive and keen to join our team from the get-go!
How to prepare for a job interview at Clara Rose Consultancy
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of cross-border law, especially regarding BVI and Cayman structures. Familiarise yourself with the firm's existing client base and their needs, particularly those from Mainland China and Hong Kong. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also invested in the firm's mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves a significant amount of leadership and compliance oversight, be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in these areas. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led a team or managed compliance processes, and how those experiences can translate into building a new law firm.
✨Emphasise Flexibility and Autonomy
This position offers a unique opportunity for flexibility and autonomy, so highlight your ability to work independently and manage your time effectively. Share examples of how you've thrived in less structured environments and how you can contribute to the firm's growth while maintaining that flexibility.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the firm's vision, the challenges they anticipate during the ABS authorisation process, and how they plan to navigate the complexities of international law. This not only shows your genuine interest but also helps you gauge if the firm aligns with your career aspirations.
