The title might look familiar… but life at Hedges is anything but.
We know the challenges that come with risk and compliance roles in legal practice — firefighting, box-ticking, outdated systems, and being brought in after decisions are made.
That’s not how we do things.
At Hedges Law, we’ve reimagined the traditional model by putting ownership in the hands of the people who actually drive the business forward — including those who protect it.
Here, risk and compliance isn’t a back-office function — it’s a strategic voice at the table, shaping decisions, policies and safeguards alongside people who are genuinely invested in the firm’s long-term success. And as one of the UK’s first employee-owned law firms, you won’t just advise the business, you’ll own part of it — no waiting around for a “Financial Freedom Day” that may never come.
We also understand what drives experienced Solicitor / Lawyers — and how frustrating it can be to feel undervalued, brought in too late to influence decisions, stuck enforcing outdated processes, or held back by slow-moving leadership and limited commercial input.
If that sounds familiar, it’s worth reading on.
At Hedges, our people are:
• Empowered (your voice genuinely shapes the business)
• Valued as strategic contributors, not gatekeepers
• Trusted to balance compliance with commerciality
• Challenged in a progressive, forward-thinking firm
• Supported with modern systems and processes
• Accelerated in their development
• Rewarded properly — including profit share
And this is because we are EMPLOYEE-OWNED — one of a very small number of firms in the UK with this structure.
Fancy a confidential coffee and chat (virtual or otherwise)?
Ok, back to being different…
We may have a 235-year heritage as a Private Client Legal Practice, but that doesn't mean we're a stale, dull & oppressive law firm like so many others. No chance.
Whilst we love and embrace our heritage and history, we’ve evolved this firm with the times to become a truly 21st century business: making it our job to innovate, excite, and ensure that when future generations look at our pictures lining the wall, not only can they see what a terrific, friendly bunch we are, BUT that we were also the 'dream team', the mavericks, the leaders in the field, the game-changers: those who kept moving Hedges forward and relevant, making it one of the most beautifully different law firms of its time.
Word on the street: "City Firm Quality exported to Oxfordshire & The Cotswolds".
The 5th employee-owned law firm in the UK so you will have a share in the business' success from day one. There's no 'buy-in' and no liability with our innovative trust shareholder structure. It's really special and means the world to our employees.
Last year was our biggest revenue year yet and we have ambitious and exciting plans for the future - there's still so much to do and achieve and we're not happy unless we're pushing boundaries… So, how about you come and be a part of our future and us a part of yours?
The Role at a Glance
Solicitor / Risk & Compliance Lead
Hybrid Working 3 Days Per Week
Competitive Salary
Plus: Extensive Benefits Including Company Profit Share via Employee Ownership
Reporting to: Managing Director
Why this role matters
As Head of Risk & Compliance, you’ll play a key role in shaping how the firm operates, grows, and protects its reputation. This isn’t about maintaining the status quo. It’s about building robust, intelligent, commercially aware frameworks that enable the firm to thrive.
About the role
Your role will centre on identifying and mitigating risk across the business, ensuring that robust, effective policies and procedures are not only in place but consistently followed. You’ll act as a key compliance advisor to the firm, providing guidance that balances regulatory requirements with commercial awareness.
You will oversee AML and KYC processes, take on COLP responsibilities, and manage all aspects of data protection and GDPR compliance. Regular file reviews and regulatory audits will form part of your remit, alongside handling complaints and claims with professionalism and care.
In addition, you’ll manage CQS and panel memberships, deliver training to staff on risk and compliance matters, and play a key role in supporting the firm’s Professional Indemnity renewal process.
About you
You’re not just technically strong — you’re someone who can engage, influence and lead.
• Qualified Solicitor - likely 5+ years PQE
• Strong experience in Risk & Compliance within a legal environment
• Deep understanding of legal and regulatory obligations
• Commercially aware with a pragmatic approach
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Confident advising at all levels of the business
• Strong IT skills and openness to innovation
• Engaging, approachable and a natural people person
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical skills
• Positive, proactive and solutions-focused
• Calm under pressure and able to meet deadlines
• A true team player who supports colleagues
• Always looking to improve systems and ways of working
Benefits
• 25/28 days annual leave (pro rata) plus statutory holidays
• Life Insurance
• Company pension
• Profit sharing through Employee Ownership
• Salary sacrifice options
• Paperless technology to make your life easier
• Coaching & personal development
• A genuinely people-first culture
• High calibre, supportive team
The Bigger Picture
We have ambitious plans, exciting growth ahead, and a clear vision for the future.
And we’re looking for someone who wants to be part of that journey.
If you’re ready to move from being a compliance function… to being a strategic leader and business owner…
Let’s start with a confidential coffee and an honest conversation.
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