Compliance Specialist

Job Summary

Gibson Dunn is a leading global law firm, advising clients on significant transactions and disputes. Our exceptional teams craft and deploy creative legal strategies that are meticulously tailored to every matter, however complex or high-stakes. The firm’s work is distinguished by a unique combination of precision and vision.

Based in London, Paris, Frankfurt, or Munich, the Compliance Specialist will be responsible for facilitating the onboarding of new clients and new matters in the Firm’s Paris office, with secondary responsibilities covering our Middle East and German offices, in line with the Firm’s onboarding procedures and compliance policies relating predominantly to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Client Due Diligence (CDD) and sanctions screening.

This role reports directly to the Senior Manager, Compliance Programs with indirect (i.e., dotted line) reporting to local office Compliance Partners/Money Laundering Risk Officers (MLROs).

Responsibilities include:

• Ensure that the onboarding of new clients, matters and third-party payors comply with the Firm’s internal AML, CDD, and trade sanctions / export control policies.
• Respond to queries relating to the interpretation of relevant legislation, regulation, and Firm policies pertaining to AML and trade sanctions.
• Review new client, new matter and CDD forms submitted by partners, as well as global screening reports generated through third-party customer screening and risk intelligence tools, to verify compliance with AML, CDD, and trade sanctions / export control policies.
• Ensure CDD memos, new client, and matter opening forms and supporting KYC documents are filed on the Firm’s central database.
• Maintain adequate records of the status of client and beneficial owner identification and verification for new and existing clients.
• Monitor changes to AML rules and regulations across all applicable jurisdictions and assist the Firm’s Compliance Officer, Senior Manager, Compliance Programs, and Compliance Partners/MLROs with updating/implementing applicable policies and procedures.
• Stay current on, and ensure compliance with, new procedures, guidance and best practices; attending AML and trade sanctions courses and seminars as needed or directed.
• Ongoing review of CDD documentation held for existing clients.
• Conduct training for new and existing attorneys and other relevant staff on the client intake process.
• Assist in the submission of AML questionnaires and annual AML returns as and when requested or required by local regulators.
• Assist with the Firm’s internal compliance monitoring processes.
• Support the Senior Manager, Compliance Programs or Compliance Specialists, as applicable, providing cover during annual leave.
• Participate in demos and planning discussions with respect to, and assist with testing and/or piloting of, new third-party or internally constructed software applications relating to client intake, AML compliance, CDD, trade sanctions and export control compliance, and client lifecycle management generally.
• General ad hoc duties; including but not limited to supporting compliance-related projects.

Qualifications

• Ability to escalate and communicate issues in a timely and effective manner.
• Ability to organise and prioritise multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment; work under pressure and complete job assignments in an accurate and timely manner; respond appropriately to shifting demands.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
• Excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively with a broad range of colleagues in a professional manner.
• ​Self-starter who can work independently on most daily work assignments while also collaborating as needed across a larger, multinational team.

Experience

• Must be fluent in French and English (additional proficiency or fluency in German and/or Arabic an advantage).
• Good understanding and working knowledge of trade sanctions and export control compliance, particularly in relation to sanctions screening report consumption and interpretation, resolution, and, where needed or advisable, escalation of “hits” in such reports.
• Good understanding and working knowledge of AML regulations and legislation in relevant jurisdictions.
• Experience with the compliance aspects of client onboarding, with a strong preference for experience in a multinational law firm environment.
• Good understanding and working knowledge of AML, CDD, sanctions, and other compliance policies.
• Understanding of corporate structures including companies, trusts, partnerships, PE funds, etc.
• Experience with LSEG World-Check, Moody’s Compliance Catalyst / Orbis, Intapp, and/or M365 applications a plus.

Gibson Dunn will consider for employment qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of local law.

Locations:

London, Munich, Frankfurt, Paris

EEO Statement

Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity for all partners, employees and applicants and, in accordance with the applicable federal and state laws, does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, color, religion, matriculation or political affiliation, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, ancestry, age, marital status or partnership status, family responsibilities, disability, medical condition, personal appearance, genetic information, predisposing genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and sex offenses, arrest or conviction record, or on any other basis prohibited by law.