Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP) – BBS Law
Location: Manchester (Hybrid)
Reports to: Chief Financial Officer
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
About Us
BBS Law is a multi-award winning, forward-thinking, full-service law firm recognised for our commitment to professional integrity, collaboration, and client excellence through our Partner led approach. We are on an exciting growth path and we are now seeking an experienced and strategic Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP) to ensure our firm continues to operate with the highest ethical and regulatory standards.
The Role
As COLP, you will be the firm’s principal contact with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), responsible for overseeing compliance across all areas of our business. Working closely with the CEO, Board, and Heads of Department, you’ll ensure our compliance framework is robust, proportionate, and aligned with our strategic objectives.
The role requires a high degree of professional judgement, balancing regulatory compliance with commercial objectives. The COLP must anticipate potential regulatory risks over a 1–3 year horizon, interpreting emerging changes in SRA regulation and adjusting firm policies accordingly.
This is a senior, autonomous position that combines regulatory oversight, risk management, and the opportunity to shape a culture of ethical and compliant practice across the firm.
Key Responsibilities
* Maintain firm-wide compliance with SRA Standards and Regulations.
* Act as the primary liaison with the SRA, managing notifications, audits, and investigations.
* Conduct regular compliance audits and risk assessments, identifying and mitigating potential risks.
* Develop, implement, and maintain internal policies and procedures to ensure ongoing regulatory compliance.
* Prepare regular reports for the Managing Partner and Board on compliance status, breaches, and remedial actions.
* Promote a strong culture of compliance, ethics, and professional conduct across the firm through training and engagement.
* Ensure prompt and accurate reporting of any material breaches or issues to the SRA.
About You
We are looking for a confident, detail-oriented professional who thrives in a leadership role that requires both strategic thinking and hands-on delivery. Your cultural fit to our platform is fundamental – we lead by example, role model care, integrity, support and awareness for all our people – and clients.
You will have:
* In-depth knowledge of SRA Standards and Regulations, the Legal Services Act 2007, and relevant compliance frameworks.
* Proven experience in legal compliance or risk management within a law firm setting.
* Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to provide clear, pragmatic advice.
* High integrity, professional judgment, and discretion when dealing with confidential matters.
* Strong organisational skills and familiarity with compliance systems, risk registers, and policy documentation.
* The ability to influence at senior levels and foster a culture of compliance and accountability.
* Proven ability to develop and implement risk and compliance strategies including experience in leading ISO certification programmes (including but not limited to ISO9001, ISO27001, ISO14001, ISO22301).
Essential Qualifications:
* Must be a registered lawyer of England and Wales, a Registered European Lawyer (REL) or an individual registered with the Bar Standards Board under Regulation 17 of the European Communities (Lawyer’s Practice) Regulations 2000.
* Has worked in the legal industry, ideally in a top 500 / or SME sized law firm. Understands the implications of scaling up a focus on risk management and exceptional governance.
* Minimum 5 years’ experience in a COLP role or equivalent compliance leadership position in a legal environment.
* Qualified ISO Internal Auditor (or significant familiarity with ISO frameworks).
Why Join BBS Law
* A values-driven, people-focused culture.
* Supportive leadership team with a commitment to professional growth and wellbeing.
* Opportunity to shape compliance strategy in a growing, ambitious firm.
* Competitive remuneration and benefits package.