Risk and Best Practice Lawyer in Bristol

Location: Birmingham, Bristol or Leeds

Help Shape Risk, Compliance and Best Practice in a Growing National Law Firm

An award-winning UK commercial law firm is seeking an experienced Risk & Best Practice Lawyer to join its expanding risk and compliance function. This is an opportunity for a commercially minded legal professional to play a pivotal role in protecting and enabling a successful, growing business. Working at the heart of the firm, the successful candidate will provide strategic and practical advice across a broad spectrum of regulatory, compliance, risk and governance matters, partnering with senior stakeholders and supporting the delivery of high-quality legal services.

The firm is recognised nationally for its expertise across sectors including public services, health and social care, housing, construction, higher education, financial services and energy. With sustained growth, a strong reputation in the legal directories, and a collaborative culture, it offers an environment where talented professionals can make a genuine impact.

The Opportunity

As part of a specialist Risk & Best Practice team, the role offers significant variety and exposure to complex and business-critical issues. Key responsibilities will include:

• Advising partners, lawyers and business services teams on regulatory and compliance matters, including SRA Standards and Regulations, conflicts of interest, ethics, anti-money laundering, data protection and broader regulatory requirements.
• Providing guidance on legislation and regulatory frameworks such as the Proceeds of Crime Act, Bribery Act, Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act and related compliance obligations.
• Reviewing and advising on client engagement terms, outside counsel guidelines, supplier contracts and limitation of liability provisions.
• Managing professional indemnity claims and circumstances, including liaison with insurers and handling complaints from clients and third parties.
• Drafting, implementing and maintaining policies, procedures and best practice guidance across the firm.
• Supporting compliance monitoring activities, internal audits and quality assurance programmes.
• Delivering training and awareness programmes on risk, regulatory and compliance issues to colleagues at all levels.
• Assisting with key regulatory renewals, registrations, insurance programmes and external accreditations, including ISO standards and Cyber Essentials certifications.

About You

The ideal candidate will be a qualified solicitor or barrister in England & Wales with experience gained within a law firm risk, compliance or regulatory environment. They will bring:

• Strong knowledge of legal and regulatory frameworks relevant to professional services, including AML, financial crime, data protection and SRA regulation.
• Experience advising on contractual and commercial risk issues, particularly client engagement terms and liability provisions.
• An understanding of professional negligence principles and the management of claims and insurer notifications.
• Knowledge of legal ethics, client care, confidentiality, conflicts, regulatory disclosure obligations and professional conduct requirements.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to influence and advise colleagues at all levels of the business.
• A calm, pragmatic and solutions-focused approach to complex issues.
• The ability to balance commercial objectives with regulatory obligations.
• A collaborative mindset and a genuine interest in driving continuous improvement and best practice.
• Experience of quality management systems, ISO standards, internal auditing or business resilience frameworks would be advantageous but is not essential.

Why Apply?

This role offers the chance to join a highly respected and financially successful law firm with ambitious growth plans and a strong commitment to investing in its people. The successful candidate will enjoy a visible and influential position, working closely with senior leaders and helping to shape the firm's approach to risk, governance and regulatory excellence. For lawyers looking to move beyond traditional fee-earning into a strategic, business-facing role, this represents an exceptional opportunity to build a long-term career within a forward-thinking and collaborative environment.