Risk and Compliance Counsel

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Title :

Risk and Compliance Counsel

Location :

London

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, the Risk and Compliance Counsel’s primary responsibilities will be to support the London office Money Laundering Risk Officer (MLRO), Money Laundering Compliance Officer (MLCO), Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP), and the Firm’s global Compliance Officer across two areas: (1) the further development, management, and oversight of procedures, standards, and controls that are required or expected by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) with respect to Anti-Money Laundering (AML), among other areas, and (2) the supervision and management of the London compliance team, which maintains the office’s and Firm’s practices and promotes compliance with the Firm’s AML, Counter Terrorist financing (CTF), and Client Due Diligence (CDD) policies, controls, and procedures in London.

This role will report to the Firm’s global Compliance Officer, with indirect (i.e., dotted line) reporting into the Firm’s London office MLRO, MLCO, and COLP.

Responsibilities include:

  • Ensure that the onboarding of new clients and matters complies with the Firm’s internal AML/CTF, CDD, and screening policies for trade sanctions, politically exposed persons (PEPs), adverse media, etc.
  • Provide AML/CTF legal and regulatory interpretation and advice in the context of prospective new client and new matter intake, especially in relation to clients and matters identified to carry enhanced risk, and, if possible, with respect to trade sanctions / export control laws and policies.
  • Lead the Firm’s London Compliance team, in coordination with the Firm’s global Compliance Officer, and work collaboratively with other departments to integrate compliance management into business processes; further train and upskill the existing London Compliance team members and promote that team’s adherence to the Firm’s internal processes, developed by or in coordination with the Firm’s global Compliance Officer and Compliance Manager.
  • Foster a risk and compliance-aware culture in the Firm’s London office, engage with Firm partners and other colleagues regarding AML/CTF/CDD and other regulatory requirements and expectations of the SRA, and work with stakeholders to streamline processes; engage with the SRA and clients as needed or requested.
  • Lead on monitoring for developments and changes with respect to U.K. AML/CTF rules and regulations and SRA requirements and expectations; provide timely updates on such developments and changes to key stakeholders; coordinate with the COLP, MLRO, MLCO, and global Compliance Officer, as applicable, with updating/implementing applicable policies and procedures.
  • Oversee the London office’s compliance monitoring efforts, including identifying and addressing any compliance concerns, and making recommendations to key stakeholders on any areas requiring attention.
  • Update, develop, and, in coordination with the London Compliance team, deliver training for new and existing attorneys and relevant staff on the client intake processes, with particular focus on CDD and AML/CTF processes and procedures and SRA requirements and expectations.
  • Oversee and coordinate the preparation of responses to U.K. AML/CTF questionnaires and annual U.K. AML returns as and when requested or required by local regulators, and lead on the preparation of the London office’s AML/CTF risk assessments.
  • Deputizing for the London office MLRO or Deputy MLRO, as needed, in responding to internal suspicious activity reports or other referrals and ensuring they are quickly assessed and documented in the MLRO’s/Deputy MLRO’s absence, including (where appropriate) reporting to the relevant authorities.
  • Participate in 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/CTF compliance, CDD, trade sanctions and export control compliance, client lifecycle management, and other compliance initiatives more generally.
  • Assist with general ad hoc duties; including but not limited to supporting compliance-related projects.

Qualifications

  • Ability to work independently and strategically, while also being a team player; strong leadership and team management skills.
  • Ability to identify, resolve, and communicate regarding issues concisely and in a timely and effective manner.
  • Ability to organize and prioritize 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; experience with analyzing data, with advanced Excel skills a plus.

Experience

  • English-qualified lawyer who is experienced in AML/CTF (and ideally sanctions) and has a minimum of three (3) years of experience working either at a senior level within a global law firm on U.K. AML/CTF and sanctions compliance, with direct reporting into an MLRO/Deputy MLRO preferable, or for the SRA in a law firm audit or similar capacity.
  • Strong understanding and working knowledge of legal and regulatory obligations in England, including the Money Laundering Regulations, POCA, and the SRA Standards and Regulations.
  • Proven track record of managing a team successfully and developing colleagues.

 

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

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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.