Head of AML in London

Department Risk and Compliance work in collaboration with the business to ensure best practice across the Firm, effectively managing all aspects of the regulation surrounding the efficient running of the Firm. We are looking for someone with high attention to detail who prides themselves on providing an excellent service.

Role

This role will lead a team in driving all aspects of anti-money laundering, including ongoing maintenance of and compliance with effective anti-money laundering systems and controls. It will also take a lead on the Firm's response to sanctions. The role will have responsibility for providing advice and guidance to our Partners and lawyers, and ensuring the highest standards are upheld across the AML Team and more broadly across the Firm.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the AML Team in delivering a cohesive anti-money laundering strategy and maintaining compliance with the Firm's AML policies, controls and procedures.
• Act as a role model and effective line manager and supervisor of the Financial Crime Risk Managers and wider AML matter onboarding team, building a team that embraces continuous learning and opportunities for career development.
• Manage the Firm's MLRO Team inbox in Intapp (our Matter Opening system).
• Act as the escalation point for complex AML queries for the AML Team and the Firm more broadly, liaising with the MLCO/COLP and MLRO where appropriate.
• Engage and build relationships with the client-facing legal experts in the business across sanctions, financial crime and AML more broadly.
• Contribute effectively to the continuing development of the Firm's Matter Opening system (Intapp).
• Lead on the training to be delivered to the Firm regarding AML and anti-terrorism financing.
• Support all sanctions-related work which will involve regular engagement of other stakeholders in the Firm.
• Contribute towards other ad‑hoc projects within the department as and when requested.
• Provide ad‑hoc out-of-hours support (including weekends) to Partners and Lawyers on emergency matters relating to AML (shared amongst the AML team).

Skills and Experience

• Significant experience as a qualified solicitor in an AML‑focused role with proven experience in managing escalations on complex AML, sanctions and financial crime matters.
• Experience working in a law firm compliance role is essential.
• Significant experience and knowledge of the relevant legislation and guidance including MLRs, LSAG and POCA.
• Significant experience in successfully managing and leading a team.
• Meaningful experience with Intapp (our Matter Opening system) is highly desirable but not essential.
• Proven experience in liaising with senior stakeholders in providing advice and guidance on AML‑related policies and procedures.

Additional Attributes

• Strong people management skills and a proven track record of building a high‑performing team.
• Strong interpersonal skills to present oneself in a commercial and confident manner to a range of stakeholders.
• Highest standards of legal rigour, delivered with care in a professional and pleasant manner.
• Excellent drafting skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Effective record keeping.
• Strong teamwork, collaborative and supportive.
• Strong organisational and prioritising skills to meet demanding internal clients.
• Efficient and responsive with the ability to challenge and influence senior stakeholders.
• Ability to manage own diverse workload.
• Robust, diligent and confident, able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proactive, resilient and calm under pressure.
• Takes responsibility for and attends to self‑development.
• Flexible and agile approach to workload, collaborating with the General Counsel Team and other department members.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

This job profile is not an exhaustive list of duties but merely an outline of the key components of the role.