Head of AML

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).
• Serve as the escalation point for complex AML queries, liaising with the MLCO/COLP and MLRO where appropriate.
• Engage and build relationships with client-facing legal experts across sanctions, financial crime and AML broadly.
• Contribute to the continuing development of the Firm's Matter Opening system (Intapp).
• Lead the training delivered to the Firm regarding AML and anti-terrorism financing.
• Support all sanctions-related work, involving regular engagement with other stakeholders in the Firm.
• Contribute to ad-hoc projects within the department as requested, possibly collaborating with colleagues across functions.
• Provide ad-hoc out-of-hours support (including weekends) to Partners and Lawyers on emergency matters related to AML (shared amongst the AML team).
• Undertake risk and compliance work in collaboration with the business to ensure best practice across the Firm, effectively managing all aspects of regulation surrounding the efficient running of the Firm.

The role will involve working with key internal stakeholders in a fast-paced environment, so managing your time and the expectations of others is paramount. You will be joining a hardworking and fun team that works together to provide a high level of service to the Firm and its clients.

Qualifications

• 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 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 liaising with senior stakeholders, providing advice and guidance on AML-related policies and procedures.

Skills and Attributes

• Strong people-management skills with proven experience building a high-performing team.
• Strong interpersonal skills to present themselves in a commercial and confident manner to a range of stakeholders.
• The highest standards of legal rigour, delivered with care, professionalism, and a pleasant manner.
• Excellent drafting skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
• A diligent and effective record keeper.
• Strong team player; highly collaborative and supportive, capable of working alongside colleagues and taking a supportive and agile approach.
• Strong organisational and prioritising skills, to meet demands of challenging and commercial internal clients, while dealing with competing priorities.
• Efficient and responsive, with the ability to challenge and influence senior stakeholders.
• Ability to manage own diverse workload.
• Robust, diligent and confident, capable of working independently and as part of a team.
• Proactive, resilient and calm under pressure.
• Responsibility for and pursuit of self-development.
• Flexible and agile approach to the workload, working closely with the General Counsel Team and other Department members.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.