Summary
Sidley in London
We are proud to offer our lawyers and professional staff myriad opportunities to apply their talents toward important, challenging projects on a global stage. Our culture of collegiality attracts people with diverse skills and backgrounds who are dedicated to teamwork, collaboration and superior client service.
Sidley has built an inclusive, collegiate culture firmwide and we maintain an environment focused on teamwork and cooperation. Our London office has a relaxed, down-to-earth friendliness, with lawyers and business professionals at all levels treating each other with genuine respect. We value the skills and knowledge that each team member brings and believe in creating a work environment where everyone thrives.
We are located in a distinctive new development at 70 St. Mary Axe with panoramic views across London. Based in the heart of the City and close to Liverpool Street station with all the area has to offer - fantastic restaurants and bars, shopping and sporting facilities. You’ll find a great social scene within the office, with organised events including sailing and skiing weekends, seasonal parties and charitable team activities.
Inclusion
Sidley is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive culture. We recognise that bringing together individuals from various backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives strengthens the quality of our legal work and continues to position us as a trusted leader in the legal profession. Our commitment to inclusion not only enriches our workplace but also enhances our ability to fulfill our mission providing the highest quality legal services for our clients.
Role overview
The Conflicts and New Business Associate Manager is responsible for supervising the London team of Conflicts and AML Analysts and a Conflicts New Business Team Administrator to ensure the effective day to day delivery of new business intake, conflicts clearance and AML processes across the UK and EU offices.
Based in the London office, the Associate Manager works within the UK and EU Conflicts and New Business team and reports to the Director of Conflicts, AML and Compliance Europe and Middle East. The role supports the operational delivery of the firm’s global Conflicts and New Business function, headquartered in Chicago.
This is a hands on operational management role. In addition to supervising junior professionals and setting clear day to day objectives, the Associate Manager is expected to remain actively involved in live matters and technical work, particularly where judgement, urgency or stakeholder sensitivity is required.
The role operates in a fast paced, service driven environment where responsiveness, sound judgement and the ability to prioritise under pressure are essential. Workloads can fluctuate and priorities may shift quickly in response to client and partner needs.
Success in this role will be demonstrated through consistent delivery against service standards, effective team supervision, appropriate escalation judgement and the ability to build constructive working relationships with partners and internal stakeholders.
The Conflicts and New Business team currently operates on a hybrid working model of three days per week in the office and two days working from home, although additional days in the office may be required in the future dependent on business need. Wednesday is currently the team’s anchor day, when all team members are expected to be in the office to support collaboration, training and team alignment. There is flexibility in selecting the remaining in office days, subject to operational requirements.
To support effective onboarding, relationship building and knowledge development, new joiners are expected to work predominantly from the office on a full time basis during their first few months with the firm.
Duties and Responsibilities
Key responsibilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each Essential Duty and Responsibility (the “Essential Duties”) satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the Essential Duties.
Team Supervision and Operational Management
The Associate Manager supervises a team of Conflicts and AML Analysts and a Conflicts New Business Team Administrator. The focus of the role is on managing day to day workflow, maintaining service standards and supporting the achievement of team objectives.
Responsibilities include:
* Set clear daily and weekly objectives for team members to ensure timely completion of conflicts checks, AML reviews and matter openings.
* Allocate and prioritise workloads to meet operational deadlines, including urgent and time sensitive new business requests.
* Provide day to day guidance, coaching and support to team members on the application of conflicts and AML policies and procedures.
* Monitor quality and consistency of output, reviewing work where required before escalation to a Conflicts Lawyer, Attorney or the Director.
* Ensure policies, practices and regulatory requirements are consistently applied and respected within the team.
* Conduct regular one to one meetings focused on performance, development and operational effectiveness.
* Provide input into hiring, onboarding, performance evaluations, promotions and reward decisions for direct reports.
* Identify and suggest moderate improvements to systems and processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
* Act as the first point of escalation for non-complex or moderately complex operational issues, escalating more significant matters to the Director where appropriate.
* Promote a collaborative and professional team environment, supporting knowledge sharing and consistent service delivery.
The Associate Manager will regularly interact with partners, associates and business services colleagues. The role requires confidence in explaining policy decisions, managing expectations and constructively challenging requests that fall outside firm policy where necessary.
Delivery of New Business and AML Services
In addition to supervisory responsibilities, the Associate Manager is expected to remain technically credible and hands on, supporting the team during peak periods and directly handling matters where required.
These responsibilities include:
Conflicts of Interest
* Oversee and, where required, conduct conflicts searches using the firm’s systems.
* Exercise judgement in reviewing search results and determining appropriate escalation.
* Liaise directly with partners to obtain complete and accurate instructions, ensuring that conflict analysis is based on reliable information.
* Support the coordination of conflict waivers and internal approvals in a timely manner.
Anti Money Laundering
* Oversee and, where required, conduct client due diligence and AML risk assessments in line with firm policy and regulatory requirements.
* Review AML documentation and risk assessments prepared by team members to ensure accuracy and consistency.
* Escalate higher risk or unusual cases appropriately and without delay.
New Business Forms and Matter Opening
* Oversee preparation and submission of New Business Forms to ensure compliance with firm policy and accuracy of information.
* Work closely with partners and support teams to resolve queries efficiently and avoid delays in matter opening.
* Provide clear and practical guidance on intake procedures, ensuring expectations are managed from the outset.
Policy Guidance and Cross Functional Collaboration
* Explain team policies, practices and procedures to internal stakeholders in a clear and practical manner.
* Work with adjacent departments to gain cooperation and resolve operational issues impacting matter intake and compliance processes.
* Support delivery of training to junior team members and relevant support staff on conflicts and new business procedures.
* Contribute to departmental projects and policy updates as requested by the Director.
Qualifications
Candidate profile
Education and Experience
* University degree or equivalent relevant qualification.
* At least three years of relevant experience as a team leader or supervisor within a new business intake, conflicts or compliance function, ideally within an international law firm.
* Experience supervising junior professionals or support staff in an operational environment.
* Working knowledge of conflicts search and risk management systems such as Intapp.
* Familiarity with compliance screening resources such as S&P Capital IQ, Orbis Bureau van Dijk and WorldCheck.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word and Excel.
Skills and Competencies
* Broad operational knowledge of conflicts, AML and new business intake processes.
* Understanding of core management practices including scheduling, prioritising, coaching and monitoring quality of work.
* Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple competing priorities.
* Sound judgement in identifying issues requiring escalation.
* Clear and confident written and verbal communication skills.
* Attention to detail and commitment to consistent process execution.
* Ability to work effectively within a team environment and maintain confidentiality.
Benefits
* Annual discretionary performance bonus
* Non-contributory pension scheme – 5% employer contribution, with an additional 3% matched from you
* 33 days paid time off – inclusive of short-term sickness absence
* Private Medical Insurance
* Permanent Health Insurance
* Life Assurance – equivalent to four times your salary
* Health club contribution
* Interest-free season ticket loan
* Free GP service and regular health checks
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