At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead risk and compliance, shaping policies and frameworks for a thriving legal practice.
- Company: Join Hedges Law, one of the UK's first employee-owned law firms with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, profit sharing, extensive leave, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working, supportive team, and a genuine people-first culture.
- Why this job: Be a strategic leader, influencing decisions and driving innovation in a forward-thinking firm.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with 5+ years PQE and strong risk and compliance experience.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
The title might look familiar... but life at Hedges is anything but. We know the challenges that come with risk and compliance roles in legal practice — firefighting, box-ticking, outdated systems, and being brought in after decisions are made. That's not how we do things. At Hedges Law, we've reimagined the traditional model by putting ownership in the hands of the people who actually drive the business forward — including those who protect it. Here, risk and compliance isn't a back-office function — it's a strategic voice at the table, shaping decisions, policies and safeguards alongside people who are genuinely invested in the firm's long-term success.
We also understand what drives experienced Solicitor / Lawyers — and how frustrating it can be to feel undervalued, brought in too late to influence decisions, stuck enforcing outdated processes, or held back by slow-moving leadership and limited commercial input. If that sounds familiar, it's worth reading on.
- Empowered (your voice genuinely shapes the business)
- Valued as strategic contributors, not gatekeepers
- Trusted to balance compliance with commerciality
- Challenged in a progressive, forward-thinking firm
- Supported with modern systems and processes
- Accelerated in their development
- Rewarded properly — including profit share
And this is because we are EMPLOYEE-OWNED — one of a very small number of firms in the UK with this structure. Fancy a confidential coffee and chat (virtual or otherwise)?
We may have a 235-year heritage as a Private Client Legal Practice, but that doesn't mean we're a stale, dull & oppressive law firm like so many others. No chance. Whilst we love and embrace our heritage and history, we've evolved this firm with the times to become a truly 21st century business: making it our job to innovate, excite, and ensure that when future generations look at our pictures lining the wall, not only can they see what a terrific, friendly bunch we are, BUT that we were also the 'dream team', the mavericks, the leaders in the field, the game-changers: those who kept moving Hedges forward and relevant, making it one of the most beautifully different law firms of its time.
The 5th employee-owned law firm in the UK so you will have a share in the business' success from day one. There's no 'buy-in' and no liability with our innovative trust shareholder structure. It's really special and means the world to our employees. Last year was our biggest revenue year yet and we have ambitious and exciting plans for the future - there's still so much to do and achieve and we're not happy unless we're pushing boundaries... So, how about you come and be a part of our future and us a part of yours?
As Head of Risk & Compliance, you'll play a key role in shaping how the firm operates, grows, and protects its reputation. This isn't about maintaining the status quo. It's about building robust, intelligent, commercially aware frameworks that enable the firm to thrive.
Your role will centre on identifying and mitigating risk across the business, ensuring that robust, effective policies and procedures are not only in place but consistently followed. You'll act as a key compliance advisor to the firm, providing guidance that balances regulatory requirements with commercial awareness. You will oversee AML and KYC processes, take on COLP responsibilities, and manage all aspects of data protection and GDPR compliance. Regular file reviews and regulatory audits will form part of your remit, alongside handling complaints and claims with professionalism and care. In addition, you'll manage CQS and panel memberships, deliver training to staff on risk and compliance matters, and play a key role in supporting the firm's Professional Indemnity renewal process.
You're not just technically strong — you're someone who can engage, influence and lead.
- Qualified Solicitor - likely 5+ years PQE
- Strong experience in Risk & Compliance within a legal environment
- Deep understanding of legal and regulatory obligations
- Commercially aware with a pragmatic approach
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Confident advising at all levels of the business
- Strong IT skills and openness to innovation
- Engaging, approachable and a natural people person
- Detail-oriented with strong analytical skills
- Positive, proactive and solutions-focused
- Calm under pressure and able to meet deadlines
- A true team player who supports colleagues
- Always looking to improve systems and ways of working
Benefits include 25/28 days annual leave (pro rata) plus statutory holidays, life insurance, company pension, profit sharing through Employee Ownership, salary sacrifice options, paperless technology to make your life easier, coaching & personal development, and a genuinely people-first culture.
We have ambitious plans, exciting growth ahead, and a clear vision for the future. And we're looking for someone who wants to be part of that journey. If you're ready to move from being a compliance function... to being a strategic leader and business owner... Let's start with a confidential coffee and an honest conversation.
Solicitor / Risk & Compliance Lead (COLP) - Part-Time, Flex, Hybrid in Northam employer: RecruitmentRevolution.com
Contact Detail:
RecruitmentRevolution.com Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Solicitor / Risk & Compliance Lead (COLP) - Part-Time, Flex, Hybrid in Northam
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the legal field. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to firms you admire, like Hedges Law. A friendly email or a quick chat can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your personality! When you get an interview, let your true self shine through. Firms like Hedges value authenticity and want to see how you’ll fit into their unique culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you note can go a long way. It shows you’re genuinely interested and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Solicitor / Risk & Compliance Lead (COLP) - Part-Time, Flex, Hybrid in Northam
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your passion for risk and compliance in a legal setting.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect how your experience aligns with our values at Hedges. Highlight your strategic thinking and how you've influenced decisions in previous roles — we love that!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills can contribute to our innovative approach. Talk about your experience with AML, KYC, and data protection, and how you’ve made a difference in those areas.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to join our employee-owned firm!
How to prepare for a job interview at RecruitmentRevolution.com
✨Understand the Firm's Unique Approach
Before your interview, take some time to really grasp Hedges Law's innovative model. They value risk and compliance as strategic roles, not just back-office functions. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to this forward-thinking environment.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Awareness
This role requires a balance between compliance and commerciality. Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated these waters. Highlight how your decisions positively impacted the business while ensuring compliance.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Hedges Law is looking for someone who can engage and influence at all levels. During the interview, ask insightful questions that demonstrate your understanding of their challenges and your eagerness to be part of the solution. This will show them you're not just a candidate, but a potential team player.
✨Emphasise Your People Skills
As a natural people person, it's crucial to convey your ability to lead and support colleagues. Share specific instances where you've fostered collaboration or improved team dynamics in previous roles. This will resonate well with their people-first culture.