At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a project to enhance internal conflict processes and build a team of analysts.
- Company: Join HFW, a global law firm with a progressive approach to legal challenges.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: HFW values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on compliance and conflict resolution in a dynamic legal setting.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with 10 years of experience in conflicts management and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
The Risk & Compliance Department at HFW is led by the London-based Risk & Compliance Partner and is organised across four core functions: Risk Legal, Business Intake (KYC focused), Conflicts and Systems. The department includes a team of Risk Lawyers and paralegals across London and Hong Kong, advising on legal and regulatory risk, including financial crime, sanctions, data protection and broader compliance matters.
The Business Intake Team (KYC focused) is led by the Head of Business Acceptance (KYC), with Deputy Compliance Managers for EMEA and APAC. It comprises a global team of Compliance Officers and Senior Compliance Officers across London, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Melbourne, responsible for client and matter onboarding, KYC and business acceptance processes, and related risk assessment support.
The Conflicts function is led by the Head of Conflicts and includes a Conflicts Researcher Team Leader and a Conflicts Researcher, supporting the firm’s conflicts checking process and escalating legal or confidential issues to the appropriate specialists.
The Systems function is managed by the Compliance Systems Manager based in London, responsible for the development, maintenance and optimisation of the firm’s compliance systems, including the IntApp suite.
The Head of Conflicts will report to the Risk and Compliance Partner and is responsible for driving forwards a large-scale project to implement significant improvements to the firm’s internal conflicts processes and procedures, particularly as part of the firm’s IntApp Cloud Migration project. The successful candidate will conduct a gap analysis and train and build up a small team of conflicts analysts over the next 2-3 years. This role is crucial in ensuring the firm’s compliance with professional standards and regulatory requirements.
Key responsibilities
- Project Management: Lead on, and successfully deliver, a large-scale project to implement improvements to the firm’s internal conflicts processes and procedures.
- Conflict Resolution: Identify and resolve potential conflicts of interest and confidentiality issues arising from client matters, lateral hires, and mergers. Draft waivers and consent language required in the resolution of conflicts of interest and confidentiality issues. Update the conflicts and confidentiality provisions in the firm’s Terms of Business as necessary. Lead on internal investigations and other queries involving conflict of interest or confidentiality issues.
- Policy Development: Draft and update the firm’s internal conflicts of interest policies and procedures.
- Training: Provide training to partners and staff globally on conflicts of interest and confidentiality.
- Reporting: Regularly report to the firm’s management, Conflicts Committee, and partners on conflicts-related issues.
- Team Building: Build and lead a team of analysts to support the firm’s conflict resolution and risk management efforts. Line management and supervision of those currently running conflict checks.
Key skills and experience required
- Legal Background: Ideally qualified lawyer.
- Experience: Preferably 10 years of experience as a Conflicts Lawyer/equivalent in an international firm.
- People Management: Strong people management skills and experience of successfully leading a team.
- Communication: Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Strategic: Demonstrable strategic and leadership skills.
- Analytical Thinking: Strong problem-solving and holistic risk assessment abilities.
- Resilience: Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines.
- Systems: In-depth and hands-on experience of using IntApp suite of products (Open, Walls etc).
Kindly note that this job description is not contractual. It will be reviewed periodically and may be amended or altered to meet the needs of the firm. HFW aims to ensure equality of opportunity and we are actively working towards improving the diversity of our staff. All applications will be considered only on merit and the applicant’s suitability to meet the requirements of the role. HFW collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants to manage its recruitment process. The firm is committed to being transparent about how it collects and uses that data and to meeting its data protection obligations.
About HFW: HFW is a sector-focused global law firm with 22 offices across 15 countries. We have over 700 lawyers working across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia. We take a progressive approach to our roles in commercial business – thinking creatively and pragmatically to support our clients.
Head of Conflicts in London employer: Holman Fenwick Willan LLP
HFW is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation meets legal expertise. With a strong commitment to employee growth, HFW provides opportunities for professional development and collaboration within a diverse team of specialists. The firm's progressive culture fosters creativity and pragmatism, ensuring that every team member can contribute meaningfully to complex commercial challenges while enjoying a supportive and inclusive workplace.
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Conflicts in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Holman Fenwick Willan LLP, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Holman Fenwick Willan LLP
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
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