Sanctions/Risk Lawyer

Consultant at SSQ: The Legal Search Consultancy

Senior Risk Lawyer – Sanctions

Location: London (Hybrid)

Contract: Permanent, Full Time

Overview

An international law firm is seeking a Senior Risk Lawyer to take the lead on sanctions-related matters within its global Risk & Compliance function. This is a key role supporting the firm’s senior leadership, providing strategic legal advice on sanctions compliance, and ensuring robust internal controls across a multi-jurisdictional network.

The Role

The Senior Risk Lawyer will act as the firm’s lead adviser on sanctions issues, working closely with the Head of Legal Risk, the General Counsel, and other senior stakeholders. This position offers the opportunity to shape the firm’s sanctions strategy and play a central role in maintaining a strong compliance culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Advising on all sanctions-related matters impacting the firm and its clients
• Ensuring firmwide compliance with applicable sanctions regimes and assessing the implications of new measures
• Managing reporting obligations to relevant authorities
• Liaising with financial institutions and external stakeholders on sanctions issues
• Delivering training to partners and fee earners on sanctions compliance
• Reviewing and updating policies, procedures, and systems to ensure effectiveness
• Collaborating with colleagues across international offices and practice areas
• Providing ad hoc legal and compliance support as required

Candidate Profile

• Qualified lawyer (England & Wales) with 6–10 years’ PQE
• At least three years’ experience advising on sanctions matters within an international law firm or in‑house legal team
• Strong understanding of sanctions law, regulation, and enforcement trends
• Previous fee‑earning experience preferred
• Excellent communication and advisory skills with the ability to engage confidently with senior stakeholders
• Strong analytical and drafting ability, with high attention to detail
• Experience in financial crime or broader risk management desirable
• Discretion, professionalism, and the ability to handle sensitive information with care
• Flexibility to work across the firm’s international offices when required

The Team

The Risk & Compliance function operates globally, with professionals based across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. The team supports the firm’s leadership on all legal, regulatory, and compliance matters, maintaining a collaborative and solutions‑focused culture.

If you are interested, please apply or contact chloe.graham@ssq.com

Seniority level

• Associate

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Legal

Industries

• Legal Services