At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead compliance efforts, ensuring adherence to regulations and managing risk across the firm.
- Company: Award-winning law firm specialising in human rights and complex litigation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to quality work and client service.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on compliance and regulatory standards in a dynamic legal setting.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in compliance, risk management, and a strong understanding of legal regulations.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
Gherson Solicitors is currently seeking to recruit an experienced Head of Compliance to lead the firm's risk and regulatory function, acting as the firm's Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP) and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO).
The successful candidate will take ownership of the firm's overall compliance framework, working closely with the Partners and senior management to ensure the firm meets its regulatory obligations, particularly in relation to client onboarding, matter initiation, and ongoing AML and sanctions compliance.
Previous experience in a senior compliance or risk leadership role is essential, as is a strong, in-depth understanding of the SRA Standards and Regulations, and all AML and sanctions regulations and compliance frameworks relevant to law firms.
Responsibilities
- Lead the firm's compliance function, working closely with the MLRO and Partners to ensure continued effective compliance with all relevant rules and regulations (particularly AML, sanctions, and the SRA Code of Conduct).
- Take ownership of the firm's regulatory relationship with the SRA and other relevant bodies.
- Provide authoritative guidance on conduct across the firm, particularly regarding conflicts of interest, ethics, and accounts rules, escalating and resolving issues as they arise.
- Design, implement, and own the firm's monitoring procedures to ensure continued compliance across all departments.
- Take ownership of sanctions compliance for payments made to the firm, working closely with both the Accounts team and fee earners to embed robust sanctions checks into day-to-day processes.
- Lead the ongoing review and development of the firm's AML and sanctions policies, ensuring they remain current and fit for purpose.
- Own the drafting and maintenance of firm-wide policies, procedures, and training materials, ensuring regulatory requirements are communicated clearly and effectively.
- Design and deliver training on AML, sanctions, and the SRA Code of Conduct to solicitors, fee earners, staff members, and external consultants.
- Monitor regulatory and legislative developments, advising Partners and senior management proactively on emerging risks and required changes.
- Lead internal investigations into compliance issues, reporting findings and recommendations to senior management as appropriate.
- Act as the firm's primary point of contact for compliance-related audits, assessments, and regulatory requests.
- Oversee a programme of file reviews to ensure continued compliance across the firm.
Requirements
- Significant experience in a senior compliance, risk, or regulatory role, ideally including experience as a COLP, COFA, MLRO, or in a similar leadership capacity.
- In-depth understanding of the SRA Code of Conduct, AML regulations, and sanctions compliance frameworks relevant to law firms.
- A strong track record of managing day-to-day compliance issues within professional services, along with experience shaping and leading a firm's overall compliance strategy.
- Up-to-date, detailed knowledge of sanctions regulations and the obligations on law firms in complying with them.
- Willingness to develop a detailed, cross-jurisdictional understanding of sanctions regulations in order to advise confidently on sanctions compliance concerns relating to legal fee payments.
- Strong experience handling confidentiality, ethics, and financial crime matters, with the credibility and gravitas to influence Partners and senior stakeholders.
- Areas of Focus
- GDPR and data protection
- Anti-bribery and corruption
- Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance
- Sanctions compliance and reporting
- Prevention of fraud SRA Code of Conduct and regulatory standards
- About Gherson
Started by Roger Gherson in 1988, Gherson Solicitors LLP is an award-winning practice in London.
Gherson LLP prides itself on quality work-product and client-service.
Gherson LLP specialises in complex and often politically sensitive litigation defending human rights, preparing asylum claims (private only), defending extradition request, challenging Sanctions designations, making applications to the European Court of Human Rights, providing tailored litigation and arbitration, and covering all aspects of UK inbound Immigration Law.
With over 40 years of experience, Gherson's expertise extends from meeting the migration needs of international businesspeople and UK-based companies to litigation in all UK jurisdictions, and the European Court of Human Rights and the European Court of Justice.
Gherson Solicitors LLP is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, age, sexuality, gender identification, or physical ability.
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Head of Compliance employer: Gherson LLP
Gherson LLP is an excellent employer located in the vibrant Greater London area, offering a dynamic work culture that values collaboration and transparency. Employees benefit from ongoing professional development opportunities and a supportive environment that encourages growth within the legal sector. Joining our team means being part of a dedicated group committed to excellence in client service and financial accuracy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Compliance
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like Gherson LLP looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Compliance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at Gherson LLP. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gherson LLP
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with Gherson LLP’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
