Risk & Compliance Lawyer
Reports to: Head of Risk & Compliance (EU)
Location: London
Why We're Looking For You
We are looking for a Risk & Compliance Lawyer to support the Professional Indemnity Manager, the firm's Claims Counsel and the International Risk and Compliance Director. The role involves providing regular advice on professional responsibility, conduct, regulatory and compliance issues and ensuring compliance with SRA Standards and Regulations and other relevant legislation and procedures. The candidate will help identify areas of risk inherent in the firm’s practice and ensure that best‑practice mechanisms and procedures are in place to respond to and manage those risks.
The ideal candidate is willing to go the extra mile, is strong‑willed yet calm, and can drive projects forward. They are an excellent communicator—enthusiastic, inquisitive and collaborative—and work effectively with lawyers and support staff at all levels and across jurisdictions.
Areas Of Focus And Responsibilities
* Work with the International Risk and Compliance Director, Claims Counsel and Professional Indemnity Manager on the annual renewal of the firm’s global professional indemnity insurance and other associated programmes.
* Maintain close relationships with insurers and brokers, notifying them of new claims and updating on ongoing claims.
* Support the Professional Indemnity Manager and Claims Counsel with handling current claims and circumstances in the EU region and instruct external counsel.
* Advise the firm on insurance‑coverage issues and work on resolutions.
* Support the EU Complaints Handling Process, helping to resolve client complaints and maintain the firm’s complaints register.
* Monitor claim and complaints risks ongoingly and report to Senior Management.
* Assist the Revenue Control Manager and Credit Control team with the recovery of outstanding fees, especially where services have been challenged or are subject to complaint.
* Help develop and implement new technologies and support the International Risk and Compliance Director with the preparation and implementation of global annual declarations.
* Review reports of potential Risk and Compliance breaches and report trends.
* Provide day‑to‑day support to the Head of Risk & Compliance (EU) and the International Risk and Compliance Director on queries and enquiries around professional conduct obligations in the EU.
* Monitor legal and regulatory changes and help review and update the firm’s Risk & Compliance policies.
* Work with the Knowledge team to create, develop and manage Risk & Compliance sections of the intranet.
* Assist with the provision of firm-wide Risk & Compliance training and lead the implementation of new legislation and rules.
* Assist with other Risk and Compliance projects as required.
This list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive and the role may include additional tasks as required.
Technical Skills And Experience
* Qualified solicitor or Insurance Claims Handler with experience of complex client complaints and PII claim/circumstance notifications with minimal supervision.
* Understanding of the PI insurance market and experience dealing with PI insurers is desirable.
* Experience of policy drafting/implementation and training is desirable.
* Detailed knowledge of the SRA Handbook, especially the SRA Codes of Conduct and PI and conflict of interest issues.
* Strong commercial aptitude with a modern, pro‑active approach.
* Ability to manage workload and move projects forward.
* Solutions‑focused, initiative‑driven and independent thinking.
* Excellent attention to detail and organised approach.
* Excellent oral and written communication skills, with ability to handle queries efficiently and diplomatically, influence others and build collaborative relationships.
* Highly PC literate, especially with Excel and database management.
The Essentials
* Hours: 9:30am to 5:30pm (flexibility required).
* Hybrid working policy: average 2‑3 days per week in the office.
* Flexible benefit package including pension, private medical insurance, Denplan, season ticket loan, discounted gym memberships, lifestyle discount scheme, holiday options, flu jabs, doctors consultation service, cycle‑to‑work scheme, on‑site café and more.
About Withers
Withers is a law firm focused on people, performance and collaboration. For 125 years we have supported some of the world’s most remarkable people and organisations at defining moments in their lives. As a global private client firm, we are trusted advisors to families, founders, fiduciaries and businesses, as well as governments, charities and financial institutions.
We structure, grow and preserve capital, protect reputations and relationships, ideas and innovations, and secure our clients’ legacies across generations. With a culture of high performance, we deliver excellent service consistently across the firm and provide tailored solutions built on trust.
Information for Recruitment Agencies
Withers prefers to recruit directly. When agencies are needed, we use a preferred supplier list and will not accept unsolicited applications from non‑PSL agencies for this role.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Withers provides equal opportunities for all employees in relation to recruitment, training and promotion. Decisions are made based solely on the requirements of the job and are not influenced by consideration of ethnic origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation or disability.
Job Details
* Seniority level: Not Applicable
* Employment type: Full-time
* Job function: Legal
* Industries: Law Practice
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