Compliance Analyst

Weil, Gotshal & Manges is a leading international law firm which acts for many of the most successful companies and institutions in the world in their high-stake matters and transactions. The firm has approximately 1,100 lawyers in 20 cities throughout the US, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

The London office was established in 1996 and has grown to become the second largest of the firm’s worldwide offices, with over 95% of lawyers in London being English-qualified and around 80% of our work home grown. Weil’s strategy is focused on long-term investment in recruiting and retaining exceptional talent at all levels. Our people celebrate diversity and inclusion, and our award-winning pro-bono programme is deeply ingrained in the firm’s culture.

The Compliance Team is responsible for providing legal, risk and regulatory advice and support to the London office. It assists the firm in managing new client and business acceptance and general compliance matters. This role will be part of a busy and experienced team which includes Compliance Analysts, Compliance Lawyers and the Compliance Director. The role will focus on anti-money laundering but will also involve working with the Compliance Team on a broad range of compliance issues and projects. It is a great opportunity to work within a highly regarded, friendly and supportive Compliance Team.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Anti-Money Laundering and Sanctions

• Develop and maintain an understanding of the firm’s anti-money laundering/terrorist financing policies and procedures.
• Complete client and matter checks including assessing any existing information, investigating company ownership and carrying out risk assessments, liaising with partners, fee earners and the MLRO where necessary.
• Carry out appropriate checks on suppliers or third parties as required
• Manage documentation obtained and keep database up-to-date.
• Proactively monitor status of anti-money laundering checks and ensure all checks are completed in good time, liaising closely with the Accounts team.
• Identify and monitor any high risk clients or matters, creating and assessing alerts when required.
• Identify potential sanctions issues.
• Keep abreast of changes to anti-money laundering regulations, relevant guidance and market practice and update team procedures.

General / administration

• Assist with management of team inbox and workflow and respond to queries from fee earners, secretaries and business support teams.
• General day-to-day support to the team, including assisting the Compliance Director and Compliance Lawyers.
• Work with IT department to maintain existing compliance systems and develop improvements.
• Assist with maintaining the internal Compliance portal page.
• Assist with the execution of projects across the team.

Conflicts and compliance

• Develop and maintain an understanding of all of the firm’s various compliance related policies and procedures.
• Develop and maintain an understanding of the firm’s conflicts policy.
• Assist the team with conflict check clearances for new matters and lateral hires and liaise with the Conflicts Team in New York in relation to screening processes.
• Assist with the creation and maintenance of insider lists and anti-bribery and corruption procedures including the gifts and hospitality register.
• Assist with the drafting of engagement letters and updating register of client engagement terms.

Experience and knowledge

• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office and strong IT literacy – essential.
• Good use of written and oral English – essential.
• Experience of working with various levels of personnel to deliver agreed outcomes – essential.
• Degree or equivalent relevant qualifications – desirable.
• Experience within a compliance, legal conflicts management or risk team – desirable.
• Experience of working in a law firm – desirable.
• Knowledge of the SRA Rules and anti-money laundering legislation – desirable.

Skills and competencies

• Excellent organisational skills.
• Good communication skills
• Demonstrates a ‘can do’ attitude when dealing with all levels of personnel.
• Enthusiastic team player with a positive and proactive approach.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Keen to learn and adaptable to new systems, procedures and requirements of the role.
• Self-motivated and able to take initiative.
• Ability to prioritise, meet deadlines and remain calm under pressure.

• Contributory Pension Scheme
• Life Assurance (4x annual salary)
• Income Protection Scheme
• Private Medical Insurance
• GP Service
• 25 days holiday
• Annual Well Being Allowance
• STL
• Discretionary Bonus Scheme