Role summary/purpose of job
The Legal Department, made up largely of qualified lawyers, exists to manage the firm’s risk exposure and to provide advice to the Partners about a range of compliance issues.

Assisting locally in the London office (and as part of a global team) with the implementation of internal risk processes, particularly in the area of conflicts of interest and anti-money laundering, and other compliance requirements arising from relevant jurisdictional regulations (e.g. the Solicitors Regulation Authority Code of Conduct).

Location Overview: London
Our London office is at the heart of our global network, in one of the most exciting world cities. London is arguably the world’s greatest financial centre: all of the world’s leading financial institutions have a significant presence here. It’s home to the headquarters of more than 100 of Europe’s largest companies.

Our London team has a reputation that’s second to none. They’re the team the world’s leading businesses turn to for help with their most challenging problems. They work with colleagues around the world on complex, cross-border deals and disputes. Whether you join as a lawyer, a recent graduate or in a business services role, London is a great place to work.

You will have the opportunity to work on challenging, engaging work that will give you the opportunity to make your mark and progress your career. We believe there is no better place to work.

Function Overview
The Global Business Acceptance team manages the firm’s risk exposure and provides advice to the firm on issues relating to the selection and clearance of new clients and matters across the multiple jurisdictions in which the firm operates. The team advises on a variety of risk and compliance topics including: conflicts of interest, client confidentiality, due diligence required for our clients, sanctions and reputational and commercial risks the firm may need to think about in relation to any given client or matter. The team is part of the firm’s wider Legal Department and is truly global.

Key responsibilities and deliverables

Part of a team providing advice on risk issues and conflicts and anti-money laundering analysis covering the operations of the firm in all jurisdictions. The role holder will:

• Analyse and identify potential conflict and confidential information issues arising from potential and existing matters.
• Advise on and assist with the implementation of solutions to resolve conflicts and confidentiality issues including, where appropriate, assistance with drafting consent letters and erecting appropriate information barriers.
• Undertake due diligence and reputational risk assessment on new clients and matters.
• Undertake ongoing monitoring of existing clients in line with client due diligence policies.
• Identify and analyse any sanctions risks that may apply to potential and existing clients and matters.
• Assist with the development, administration, monitoring and maintenance of policies and procedures and ensure conflicts, anti-money laundering, risk and related issues are dealt with consistently across the firm.
• Answer queries from partners, fee earners and staff at all levels relating to the interpretation of relevant legislation, regulation and firm policies pertaining to conflicts of interest, regulatory compliance and anti-money laundering.
• Carry out other discrete conflicts, anti-money laundering and compliance research or projects and auditing as necessary.
• Deliver training on risk issues to the firm and otherwise be an ambassador for the team within the wider firm.
• Act as a point of technical escalation to the Business Acceptance Analysts.

Key Requirements

• The role will suit qualified and non-qualified candidates with experience in a highly regarded commercial law firm or significant conflicts and/or anti money laundering experience obtained in a risk and compliance department of a reputable international law firm.
• A sound and broad knowledge of the law is required, with preference given to experience in risk and compliance.
• Requires a comprehensive knowledge of applicable ethical rules and guidelines and related compliance issues applicable to international law firms. Keenness to keep abreast of changes to relevant legislation and guidance.
• A high level of IT skills is essential and must include familiarity with applications such as Word, Outlook and Excel. Web-based and general research skills essential.

Freshfields Overview

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is a major international law firm, providing business law advice of the highest quality. We want to be the law firm that clients turn to for legal advice where it most matters, wherever in the world that may be. The Firm has over 2,400 lawyers in 28 offices around the world, providing a comprehensive service to national and multinational corporations, financial institutions and governments.

Our people make our firm - we are a people business and want to create a welcoming and supportive environment where all can flourish. We see diversity as a strength which creates fresh perspectives and generates new ideas. We enjoy our work and are determined to do an outstanding job. We deliver best when working in teams. Our culture is a product of the combined mindsets and behaviours of our people which is through the Being Freshfields principles, outlined below:

• we show respect to everyone
• we are there for one another
• we are open with each other
• we are positive role models

We think and work globally - we don’t just say we are one firm; we act like one firm right across the world. We work wherever our clients need us. This is how we define ourselves, not by reference to where we have offices. Cross-border work isn’t just what we do, it is what we excel at. We understand what it really takes to work across different legal systems and commercial environments and to bridge language and cultural gaps.

We aim to add value in everything we do - we are passionate about helping our clients succeed. We use our experience and creativity to help clients make judgements and achieve their goals. In everything we do, we seek to make a real difference to the communities in which we operate.

Freshfields is committed to promoting equality and diversity and to developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds make important and positive contributions to our business and how we service our clients.

Inclusion

Freshfields is an equal opportunities employer and all applications received by the firm will be considered by the firm on the basis of their merit alone and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background. All offers of employment will be conditional on the candidate having/securing the right to work in the UK and providing the firm with evidence of that right (as required by the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006) prior to employment commencing.

Freshfields is a Ban the Box employer. We ask applicants to disclose criminal convictions only when a conditional job offer is made. A conviction does not automatically lead to withdrawal of the offer: we make decisions on a case by case basis and take a number of factors into account (eg the role you are applying for and the circumstances of the offence). You would have the opportunity to discuss the matter with us before we make a decision.