At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise on corporate criminal risks and shape compliance strategies for a global brand.
- Company: Join a well-known global brand at a pivotal moment of transformation.
- Benefits: Hybrid working model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with strong focus on continuous improvement and digitalisation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while tackling complex legal challenges.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with experience in international sanctions and financial crime compliance.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Exciting opportunity with our client to help build global infrastructure and teams from the ground up. What makes this especially compelling is that you’re not just stepping into a role—you’re helping shape how the business operates moving forward, with real visibility and impact. It’s a chance to be part of a well-known global brand at a pivotal moment of transformation and growth.
We are seeking a qualified lawyer to join the Legal team, reporting to the Head of Regulatory and Compliance. This role will be responsible for advising a global business on critical corporate criminal risks, including international sanctions, trade and export controls, anti-bribery and corruption (ABC), anti-money laundering (AML), and competition and antitrust compliance.
The ideal candidate will be technically strong, capable of distilling complex topics into clear guidance, and comfortable working on new and evolving challenges. This role requires a commercially astute professional with experience advising multinational corporations or financial institutions, managing investigations, and handling regulatory and licensing matters.
Key Responsibilities:- Provide strategic legal advice and guidance on international sanctions and export control matters, including:
- Global sanctions regimes (e.g., US, UK, EU, UN)
- Risks related to transactions, operations, supply chains, counterparties, jurisdictions, and products
- Licensing, exemptions, and reporting obligations
- Support the development, implementation, and maintenance of the organization’s trade compliance framework, including policies, procedures, and internal controls
- Work with external counsel on:
- Export control classifications (e.g., EU Dual-Use, EAR, ITAR, military items)
- Customs classifications (HS / CN codes)
- Collaboration with technical and operational teams
- Provide legal support on licensing strategies, export authorizations, exemptions, and reporting obligations
- Assess and manage financial crime risks, particularly in:
- Commercial transactions
- Customer and third-party relationships
- Cross-border flows of goods, software, technology, and technical assistance
- Advise on compliance with applicable ABC, AML, competition, and antitrust laws (UK, US, EU)
- Draft and review provisions in international commercial contracts addressing financial crime risks, including:
- Trade compliance
- Sanctions and export controls
- Customs and risk allocation clauses
- Contribute to and deliver compliance training and awareness initiatives tailored to business needs
- Support continuous improvement and digitalization initiatives, including:
- Trade compliance tools
- Screening solutions
- Automation of classification and control processes
- Ensure alignment with internal policies related to ethics & compliance, health & safety, cybersecurity, and financial governance
- Collaborate with stakeholders to prepare and support incident response planning
This role offers the opportunity to work both autonomously and collaboratively on complex legal matters. Close partnership with Legal, Ethics & Compliance, and cross-functional teams is essential. The position is based in London with a hybrid working model (approximately 3 days per week in the office).
Education:- Qualified lawyer licensed to practice in the UK, EU, or US
- Significant experience advising on international sanctions and/or export controls within a law firm, corporate, or financial institution
- Willingness to broaden expertise across financial crime risks (ABC, AML, antitrust)
- Working knowledge of UK, EU, and/or US regulatory frameworks
- Strong analytical, drafting, and communication skills
- Proven commercial judgment and ability to support business strategy
- Ability to influence stakeholders and navigate differing perspectives
- Strong cross-cultural awareness and ability to work in global environments
- Legal advisory in complex regulatory environments
- Risk assessment and mitigation
- Stakeholder engagement and influencing
- Contract drafting and negotiation
- Regulatory interpretation and application
- Project and workload management in a fast-paced environment
- Experience advising on ABC, AML, competition, or antitrust matters
- Exposure to regulatory investigations and enforcement actions involving authorities such as:
- UK Serious Fraud Office (SFO)
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
- National Crime Agency (NCA)
- HM Treasury / OFSI
- US Department of Justice (DOJ)
- Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
- Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)
- EU equivalent authorities
- Experience within regulated industries (e.g., technology, energy)
- International legal experience across multiple jurisdictions
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Anti-Financial Crime Legal Counsel in City of London
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including ZRG Careers, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
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We think you need these skills to ace Anti-Financial Crime Legal Counsel in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at ZRG Careers, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in ZRG Careers and the specific role of Anti-Financial Crime Legal Counsel. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for ZRG Careers’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at ZRG Careers
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at ZRG Careers.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at ZRG Careers.
