Financial Crime Adviser

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About Herbert Smith Freehills

As one of the world’s leading law firms, we advise many of the largest and most ambitious organisations across all major regions of the globe. With over 5,000 people, including 3,100 lawyers and over 2,000 business services professionals, operating from our global network of offices across Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and North America, Herbert Smith Freehills is at the heart of the new global business landscape providing premium quality, full-service legal advice.

We recognise that the success of our business and our clients relies on the skills, knowledge and ideas of all our people. Our environment is one in which high performance is expected, in return, we will provide you with rewards and opportunities tailored to your personal and professional goals.

The Opportunity

Primary Objectives:

• Acting as a subject matter expert and trusted advisor to the Firm on its financial crime regulatory obligations. Although part of the London team, this role will primarily support the Paris and Luxembourg offices. Responsibilities include undertaking regulatory AML processes such as client due diligence (CDD), risk assessments, monitoring, and reporting, with the ability to handle more complex and higher-risk clients and matters.

Key Internal Relationships:

• Director of NBI – West
• Head of Financial Crime, Advisory
• Risk and Compliance Advisor, Paris
• Regional Practice Group Heads, Sector Leads and Client Relationship Partners
• Partners, Lawyers, PAs and Business Service Members
• Conflicts and Matter Management teams in NBI

Primary Responsibilities:

• Acting as a subject-matter expert and trusted advisor to the partnership and fee-earners on financial crime issues arising from new business, including application of relevant legislation, regulations, and policy.
• Liaising with Practice Teams to analyze and advise on risks from onboarding new clients and matters, especially higher-risk and complex businesses.
• Advising stakeholders on financial crime and reputational risks from complex new business, supporting decision-making.
• Carrying out detailed CDD research on clients, including analysis of ownership and control structures, using various research tools.
• Coordinating with the New Business Intake teams to ensure efficient processes for fee earners and PAs.
• Supporting and mentoring junior team members.

Qualification, Skills and Experience:

• Undergraduate degree (law degree desirable but not essential); at least 3 years’ financial crime compliance experience in the regulated sector.
• Fluent French speaker with comprehensive written French skills.
• ICA AML Diploma or willingness to undertake it (sponsored by the firm).
• Excellent research, analytical, and communication skills.
• Strong commercial awareness.
• Ability to prioritize and manage global workflows.
• High attention to detail and discretion.
• Ability to work autonomously and under pressure.
• Team player with a supportive attitude towards junior colleagues.

Additional Information:

• Working Pattern: Full time
• Location: London
• Contract type: Permanent
• We are committed to diversity and inclusion, fostering a respectful and inclusive culture that values all backgrounds and promotes innovation and high performance.

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