AML/Conflicts Specialist

A leading UK law firm with a network of offices from the South Coast to Scotland, working together as one national team. An innovative practice and the first top 50 law firm to achieve “Platinum Standard” Investors in People, our values and culture are not just words on our website but are the heartbeat of the firm. The lack of barriers between departments, a real lack of hierarchy, zero tolerance for arrogance makes Shoosmiths a fantastic place to work.

Shoosmiths LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and is also recognised as a multi-national practice with the Law Society of Scotland which regulates Scottish activities. We are also authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to carry out financial services regulated activities, including but not limited to insurance mediation and investment services. 

As a “Subject Matter Expert” to the centralised Client & Matter Inception team you will be responsible for undertaking and overseeing anti-money laundering (AML) /client due diligence (CDD) checks on new and existing clients, conflict of interest checks, on-going client monitoring, sanctions checks and assisting with other risk management procedures.

You will be the first point of contact for queries and escalations, and ensuring all actions carried out by the Client & Matter Inception team are conducted in a timely and efficient manner in accordance with all internal policies and procedures and in compliance with regulatory and legal requirements.

• Take responsibility for the efficiency and delivery of the client inception process
• Collaborating with the Partners/Legal Advisers/PAs within the Practice Groups to ensure accurate information about clients and matters is obtained
• Manage all escalations in a timely manner, analysing the relevant issues and resolving the query or escalating as appropriate within the Quality and Risk Directorate
• Reviewing new client and matter information ensuring satisfactory details are provided by the Legal Advisors/PAs and asking for further information as necessary, including from clients
• Reviewing the CDD and undertaking research or obtaining further information
• Analysing the CDD results and escalating AML issues to the Team Manager as required
• Conducting conflict of interest checks using the firm's databases
• Analysing conflict of interest search results and escalating conflict issues to the Team Manager as required
• Following up with LAs/PAs or other employees swiftly when seeking information or conflict resolution from other stake holders around the firm
• Recording information, as required, for compliance and auditing purposes

• Demonstrable knowledge/understanding of a regulatory/control environment
• Track record of working within a regulatory/control environment
• AML expertise, particularly the Money Laundering Regulations and CDD requirements
• Knowledge of conflict of interest checks in any regulatory environment would be advantageous
• Financial services related qualifications would be advantageous (e.g. IAQ or similar)

Performance Standard

• Exceptional interpersonal & communication skills both verbally and written
• Strong client relationship skills
• Organised/structured approach
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and demanding environment
• Focused on quality of output as well as speed of delivery
• Excellent attention to detail

Backgrounds Checks

Due to the nature of the work undertaken, confirmation of employment will be subject to a variety of checks which will be carried out once an offer of employment is accepted.  These checks will include employment references covering the last 5 years, proof of ID, proof of address covering the last 5 years, Personnel Vetting credit search (which will only highlight insolvency or County Court Judgments - should any adverse data show on the Personnel Vetting search then any offer of employment made will be withdrawn).Terrorism Check (against data supplied by the Bank of England) and a DBS check previously known as a Criminal Records check.

Our approach to our people is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion and well being. Our ambition is to build a diverse and ambitious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and talents, and a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognises and nurtures talent, and has a strong sense of community between colleagues.

This means that everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, whatever their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.