This is an excellent opportunity join a renowned law firm, supporting robust risk management and client onboarding practices in Gatwick. As part of the client onboarding team, you’ll play a crucial role in ensuring the firm meets its regulatory obligations. The team manages conflict checks, client due diligence, file opening, and compliance oversight—working closely with legal teams to safeguard the firm and its clients. You will support management of the day-to-day activities of the team, guiding junior team members, and ensuring all client onboarding procedures meet the firm’s strict AML, CDD, and SRA standards.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Supervise daily operations of the Client Compliance team to maintain smooth workflow and high standards.
2. Conduct and review conflict checks, escalating issues when necessary.
3. Oversee the client and matter opening process, ensuring accurate data input and CDD compliance.
4. Review complex client structures (e.g. companies and trusts), verify source of funds, and escalate concerns appropriately.
5. Provide first-line support and guidance to team members and legal staff on CDD and file opening processes.
6. Deliver in-house training and support onboarding of new compliance officers.
7. Carry out quality audits and spot checks to ensure procedures are being followed correctly.
8. Maintain internal policy documents, user guides, and procedures.
9. Assist the Compliance Manager and Team Leader with reporting, improvement initiatives, and special projects.
10. Contribute ideas to enhance processes, systems, and user experience.
Key Experience:
11. Previous experience in a client compliance role, ideally in legal or professional services.
12. Solid working knowledge of AML regulations, CDD processes, and identifying high-risk factors such as PEPs and Sanctions.
13. Understanding of source of funds verification and conflicts of interest (desirable).
14. A proactive, problem-solving mindset with confidence in decision-making and escalation.
15. Excellent communication skills and a customer-focused approach.
16. Comfortable managing multiple demands and working under pressure.
17. Team player with supervisory experience and strong interpersonal skills.
18. Familiarity with legal case management systems and workflow tools.