Risk & Compliance Lawyer

Wedlake Bell is recruiting for a Risk & Compliance Lawyer to join our growing Risk & Compliance team. This is a full-time, permanent role - though applicants seeking a part-time role will also be considered.

As the wider firm continues to experience fast growth, the range and number of risk and compliance challenges arising daily continues to increase. This is a growth position working collaboratively with the Risk & Compliance Director (COLP) to provide comprehensive support and advice firm-wide on all risk and compliance matters.

The Risk & Compliance Lawyer will play a critical role in handling day-to-day risk and compliance issues, and contributing to the ongoing development of Risk & Compliance awareness, policies, and procedures throughout the firm. This is a highly-visible role across the firm, with advice sought regularly by Partners, fee-earners, and leaders in our business support teams.

This is an excellent opportunity for a candidate looking to step into a broad role covering a wide remit in a top City practice, where you will truly have an opportunity to shape the future of the firm. You may be an experienced Risk & Compliance Lawyer looking for a new challenge, or an experienced Solicitor (at least 5 PQE) looking for a career change from fee-earning. Ideally you will have prior experience gained within a Risk & Compliance position, or significant exposure to risk issues in a fee-earning capacity.

From day one, you will manage high-level work independently, supported closely by the Risk & Compliance Director in a role that provides endless opportunity for continuing professional development.

If this appeals to you, we encourage you to apply today for immediate consideration.

About Us:

Located in the heart of the City of London, Wedlake Bell is a Top 100 law firm offering full services across Private Client, Real Estate, Business Services, and Disputes. The firm has 81 Partners and a total headcount of around 400. We have grown year-on-year, attributed to the continual success of our legal teams, and the dedication of our staff members.

Our culture is widely-recognised as one of the best in City law, built on trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. Joining us, you will be part of a firm which supports work/life balance, personal development, and building strong connections. With regular cross-firm socials and events (including our renowned yearly ski trip and walking trips!), you will quickly feel like part of the WB team.

Key Responsibilities:

Legal Practice Compliance

• Provide front-line advice and guidance to Partners, lawyers, and business support teams on a wide range of legal and regulatory risk and compliance issues, escalating to the Risk & Compliance Director where appropriate;

• Assisting the Director of Risk and Compliance in advising on Professional Indemnity and other relevant insurance reviews, renewals and queries, including reporting claims and circumstances to insurers and outside Counsel;

• Assist the Director of Risk & Compliance on various tasks in their capacity as COLP. This includes recording, investigating, and managing complaints from start to finish, and ensuring that any lessons learned are fed back appropriately;

• Offer expert advice on the SRA Handbook (including the SRA Principles and Code of Conduct) and other relevant professional conduct queries including conflicts/confidentiality and disclosure;

• Draft, monitor and advise on the Firm's risk & compliance policies and procedures;

• Maintain the Firm's central registers that relate to risk and compliance;

• Support and manage the Firm's annual audit processes as relates to risk and compliance, acting as a point of liaison for relevant external audits;

• Support the maintenance of the Firm's external accreditations (e.g. Lexcel/CQS);

• Promote a strong culture of risk and compliance across the Firm by delivering regular training sessions, supporting new joiner inductions, and providing clear policies and guidance; and

• Ensure adherence to professional conduct obligations and oversee the management of the Firm’s risk exposure, including relationships with clients and third parties.

Data Protection, HR, Commercial Compliance

• Support the Data Protection Partner in handling routine enquiries and managing potential/actual breaches;

• Management of SRA records and working with HR for the bulk Practising Certificate renewal application; and

• Support the Director of Risk and Compliance in reviewing and advising on contracts – E.g. Terms of Engagement, Outside Counsel Guidelines, procurement or supplier contracts, etc – providing recommendations to mitigate risk, drafting amendments, and supporting due diligence.

General Responsibilities

• Deputise for the Risk & Compliance Director during periods of absence (if required);

• Proactively monitor legal and regulatory developments that may impact the Firm's policies and procedures and initiate any required changes;

• Contribute to the improvement of the Risk & Compliance function through maintaining a regular view of industry best practices, attending external conferences and roundtables to stay up-to-date with developments;

• Support and engage in Firm-wide projects as relates to risk and compliance; and

• Other ad hoc duties as required.

Key Skills and Qualifications:

• Qualified solicitor with either a current Practising Certificate and/or a strong background in risk and compliance within a law firm, with significant expertise advising legal stakeholders on risk and compliance issues to a senior level;

• Excellent knowledge of SRA Principles and Code of Conduct, Bribery Act, and other applicable legislation;

• Familiarity with law firm ethical principles including client care, conflict, confidentiality & disclosure, duties to the court, introductions and referrals, undertakings, outside interests;

• A professional negligence or litigation background is an advantage but not essential;

• Ability to take ownership of tasks and projects and manage own workload to meet deadlines;

• Excellent communication skills – must be able to interact and communicate effectively across all levels of seniority and on both an internal and external basis;

• Able to work well under pressure;

• Must have excellent attention to detail; and

• Strong IT and organisational skills.

Why join us?

• A competitive starting salary and bonus;

• A comprehensive pension plan;

• 25 days paid holiday per annum, plus additional leave for significant life events;

• Option to purchase up to five additional days of holiday each year;

• Life Assurance and competitive income protection scheme;

• Access to Private Medical and Dental Insurance from day one;

• Enhanced parental leave policies;

• Employee Assistance Programme with face-to-face counselling services;

• Variety of staff wellbeing initiatives including Pilates classes and subsidised gym memberships; and

• A range of bonus schemes recognising referrals and client introductions.

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, where every individual is respected and valued. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of their background or personal circumstances.

If you are passionate about joining a busy team and are eager for a challenging yet fulfilling career, we encourage you to apply.