Blake Morgan's internal Risk and Compliance team enables the firm to achieve its corporate objectives by effectively managing legal, regulatory and operational risk, governance and assurance across the business. The team provides high quality, accessible and timely support to colleagues and promotes best practice and continuous improvement across the firm.
We are looking for an experienced senior Risk & Compliance lawyer (or senior Risk & Compliance professional) to take a leading role in providing practical, commercially focused Risk and Compliance advice across the firm. Reporting to the Director of Risk & Compliance, the successful applicant will have more than eight years' all-round experience gained within the Risk and Compliance function of a law firm, including experience leading the Risk and Compliance team, and will be confident advising colleagues at all levels on complex and sensitive matters.
The role will include advising on the SRA Principles and Codes of Conduct, conflicts, confidentiality, disclosure, supervision and ethics; leading or supporting investigations into potential misconduct and regulatory breaches; and helping the firm respond effectively to regulatory change and emerging risks.
You will also advise on economic crime, data protection, information security, cyber incidents, complaints and business continuity; contribute to regulatory audits and the firm's ISO 9001, ISO 27001 and ISO 14001 management systems; deliver training; lead cross-business projects; and take responsibility for the day-to-day supervision and development of the Risk and Compliance team. You will support the Director of Risk & Compliance in the leadership of the function, including day-to-day management of direct reports, and deputise for them during periods of absence. This is a varied, visible and influential role requiring sound judgement, credibility and a collaborative approach.
We support hybrid working, typically with 2-3 days flexible office attendance, according to business need.
Skills / Experience Required
- More than eight years' all-round experience in Risk and Compliance within a law firm, with senior-level experience that includes leading the Risk and Compliance team or deputising for its leader
- A qualified lawyer, such as a solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive or an experienced Risk and Compliance professional with senior-level expertise
- Strong working knowledge of the SRA regulatory framework and the practical application of professional conduct obligations within a law firm
- Experience advising on complex issues involving conflicts, confidentiality, disclosure, supervision, ethics and professional conduct
- Extensive knowledge of anti-money laundering and sanctions requirements, including client due diligence, enhanced due diligence and suspicious activity concerns
- Experience of leading or supporting sensitive investigations and assessing potential reporting obligations to the SRA or other authorities
- Experience of data protection, information security, cyber incidents, complaints, professional negligence claims and/or business continuity (the latter is advantageous but not essential)
- Experience of supporting regulatory audits, control testing, risk assessments and the development of firm-wide policies, procedures and guidance
- Experience of leading projects, improving processes and implementing legal or regulatory change across a business
- Experience of designing and delivering engaging Risk and Compliance training
- Experience of managing, coaching and developing colleagues, with the leadership capability to support the Director of Risk & Compliance and deputise for them as required
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to advise and constructively challenge stakeholders at all levels
- Practical and solutions-focused approach, balancing regulatory requirements, client service and commercial considerations
- Strong organisational skills, sound judgement and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
- Proactive, approachable and inclusive, with a commitment to continuous development and diversity in thinking
- Understands and complies with Information Security responsibilities commensurate with this advertised role including Data Protection and the duty of confidentiality
The interview process will start as soon as suitable candidates have been identified.
Blake Morgan strives to create and maintain a positive, non-discriminatory work environment. We will ensure that all applications for vacancies will be considered without discrimination against any person on the basis of race, colour, religion, disability, nationality, ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, age or marital status. We strive to ensure that our shortlisting and interviewing panels are diverse. Further details about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion can be found here.