Risk & Compliance Lawyer

Overview

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.

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.

• 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.

• Sup…