Senior Solicitor / Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP)
Consumer-Claims Law Firm – Hybrid (London, UK)
The Opportunity
We are expanding consumer-claims practice into the UK. This is a pivotal leadership role combining regulatory oversight, operational leadership, and hands-on legal work.
As the firm’s Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP), you will ensure the firm’s full compliance with SRA Standards & Regulations, drive operational effectiveness in a high-volume environment, and support the growth and strategic direction of the firm.
You will report directly to the Managing Partner / Board and be empowered to influence firm-wide compliance, risk management, and case-handling strategies from day one.
What You’ll Do
Regulatory Compliance & Governance
* Lead and maintain all systems, processes, and controls to ensure SRA compliance.
* Maintain and review policies, procedures, and compliance frameworks.
* Investigate potential breaches, document outcomes, and ensure timely SRA reporting.
* Serve as the primary point of contact for the SRA, audits, and regulatory requests.
* Oversee AML/CTF compliance, conflicts checks, client-care obligations, and file-opening processes.
* Collaborate with the Data Protection Officer to ensure GDPR and data-protection compliance.
Business Leadership & Operational Insight
* Advise senior management on regulatory, compliance, and operational matters.
* Identify and implement process improvements across workflow, case-handling, and reporting.
* Contribute to management reporting, KPI dashboards, and performance monitoring.
* Support firmwide operational planning, including risk mitigation and efficiency initiatives.
Case Management & Responsibilities
* Manage a small caseload of consumer-claims matters, including financial mis-selling and other disputes.
* Provide high-quality legal advice on escalated or complex cases.
* Develop best-practice strategies and precedents.
* Ensure all matters meet SRA compliance and internal quality standards.
Supervision & Team Leadership
* Supervise a small team of paralegals and junior fee-earners.
* Conduct file reviews, audits, and quality assurance checks.
* Coach, mentor, and provide performance feedback in line with SRA supervisory obligations.
Risk Management & Compliance Culture
* Maintain and update the firm’s risk register.
* Lead internal audits and implement corrective actions.
* Identify emerging risks in consumer-claims operations.
* Oversee complaints handling and root-cause analysis.
* Deliver internal training on compliance, regulatory obligations, and best-practice case management.
* Foster a culture of ethics, quality, client-care, and accountability across the firm.
What You Bring
* Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales).
* Proven experience in consumer-claims, financial mis-selling, or other high-volume contentious legal areas.
* Prior COLP, compliance, or regulatory experience highly advantageous.
* Demonstrated supervisory experience with paralegals or junior fee-earners.
* Strong business acumen, commercial awareness, and analytical skills.
* Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
* High integrity, regulatory judgment, and commitment to professional standards.
Why Join Us
* Play a pivotal leadership role in a growing consumer-claims practice.
* Shape compliance culture and influence strategic direction.
* Balanced responsibilities combining compliance oversight, team supervision, and hands-on legal work.
* Supportive, flexible, hybrid working environment.
* Competitive salary and professional development opportunities.
Additional Information (UK Hiring Standards)
* Right to Work: Candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK.
* Data Protection: All recruitment data will be processed in accordance with UK GDPR.
* Equal Opportunities: We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background or identity.
* SRA Requirements: Appointment is subject to satisfactory regulatory checks, including suitability to hold the COLP role.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diverse perspectives. If you want your work to matter, we want to hear from you.