Risk & Compliance Lawyer

Withers

Job title: Risk & Compliance Lawyer 

Reports to: Head of Risk & Compliance (EU)

Location: London

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a Risk & Compliance Lawyer. Supporting the Professional Indemnity Manager, the firm's Claims Counsel and the International Risk and Compliance Director, the role will involve providing regular advice on professional responsibility, conduct, regulatory and compliance issues and ensuring compliance with SRA Standards and Regulations and other relevant legislation and procedures. It will also involve assisting in identifying areas of risk inherent in the firm’s practice and ensuring that there are best practice mechanisms and procedures in place to respond to and manage those risks. 

The ideal candidate will be willing to go the extra mile, joining a dedicated team committed to supporting the firm’s client-focused work. They will be strong-willed yet calm, eager to take responsibility and drive projects forward.  An excellent communicator - enthusiastic, inquisitive, and collaborative - they will work effectively with lawyers and support staff at all levels and across jurisdictions.  

Areas of focus and responsibilities

• Working with the International Risk and Compliance Director, Claims Counsel and Professional Indemnity Manager in dealing with the annual renewal of the firm's global professional indemnity insurance and other associated insurance programmes.  
• Working closely with the firm's insurers and brokers, notifying them on any new claims in the firm and updating on any on-going claims.
• Supporting the Professional Indemnity Manager and Claims Counsel with the handling of current claims and circumstances in the EU region and instructing external counsel.
• Advising the firm in respect of insurance-coverage issues and working on resolutions.
• Supporting the Professional Indemnity Manager with the EU Complaints Handling Process on behalf of the International Risk & Compliance Director and seeking to resolve client complaints and maintaining the firm's complaints register.
• Monitoring claim and complaints risks on an ongoing basis and reporting to Senior Management.
• Assisting and advising the Revenue Control Manager and the Credit Control team with the recovery of outstanding fees, particularly in instances where the fees or the firm’s services have been challenged or are the subject of a complaint.
• Supporting the International Risk and Compliance Director, Claims Counsel and Professional Indemnity Manager with the development and implementation of new technologies. Assisting the International Risk and Compliance Director with the preparation and implementation of the firm's global annual declarations.
• Review reports of potential Risk and Compliance breaches and reporting on particular trends.
• Providing support to the Head of Risk & Compliance (EU) and the International Risk and Compliance Director by managing day-to-day queries enquiries on a wide range of matters professional conduct obligations in the EU, including offering guidance on professional responsibilities in accordance with the SRA Codes of Conduct and other relevant professional codes.
• Monitoring legal and regulatory changes and helping to review and update the firm's Risk & Compliance policies, ensuring alignment with Law Society best practice and SRA requirements.
• Working with the Knowledge team to create, develop and manage Risk & Compliance sections of the intranet and ensure it complies with current legislation.
• Assistance with provision of Risk & Compliance training firm wide and leading the implementation of new legislation and rules.
• Assisting with other Risk and Compliance projects as and when required. 

This list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive.  It is intended to describe the general content of, and requirements for the performance of this job, and as such, the role may also include undertaking additional tasks as required.

Technical Skills and experience

• A qualified solicitor or Insurance Claims Handler with experience of handling complex complaints from clients and PII claim/circumstance notifications, with minimum supervision.
• Understanding and familiarity with the PI insurance market, experience dealing with PI insurers, is desirable.
• Experience of policy drafting/implementation including training desirable.
• Detailed knowledge of the SRA Handbook and, in particular the requirements of the SRA Codes of Conduct, particularly in reference to PI issues and related conflict of interest issues, is essential.
• Strong commercial aptitude with a modern, pro-active approach.
• Ability to effectively manage workload and move projects forward.
• Solutions focused, proven initiative and independent thought.
• Excellent attention to detail together with a methodical and organised approach.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to handle queries efficiently and diplomatically, influence others, and build strong, collaborative relationships that inspire confidence among partners and staff.
• Highly PC literate particularly with good Excel and database management experience.

The essentials

• 9.30am to 5.30pm but flexibility is a must.
• Hybrid working policy with an average of 2 to 3 days per week in the office.
• 12 week probation period.
• 12 week notice period.
• Flexible benefit package including pension, private medical insurance, denplan, season ticket loan, discounted gym memberships, lifestyle discount scheme, the ability to buy and sell holidays, flu jabs, doctors consultation service, cycle to work scheme, on site café and more.

About Withers

A law firm focused on people, performance, and collaboration.

For the past 125 years, we have supported some of the world’s most remarkable people and organizations at defining moments in their lives.

As the global private client firm, we are trusted advisors to families, founders, fiduciaries and businesses – and more than this, to governments, charities and financial institutions. We structure, grow and preserve capital. We protect reputations and relationships, ideas and innovations. We secure our clients’ legacies across generations. We are united in our commitment to integrity, quality and collaboration. We have a culture of high performance and deliver excellent service consistently across the firm. We provide tailored solutions built on trust and partner with our clients to achieve their goals.

Many of our clients are shaping the future, and creating solutions to tackle many of the world’s problems. It makes for a fascinating and challenging practice. Our role is to get to know each individual client, find out where they want to be, and help them to get there – whether they are building a business, buying a home or protecting and defending their interests. To meet their unique needs we are exceptionally collaborative, working together across teams and time zones. And we are agile – focusing on strategy rather than rigid ideas and traditional hierarchy.

We are delighted that we have been awarded Mansfield Certification Plus in relation to our recruitment and leadership progression efforts in the US and UK. This certification is an encouraging milestone as we continue to champion diversity within our organization and in the wider legal sector.

Join us to be part of a team that is always looking to the future. Where initiative, big ideas and bold moves are always encouraged. Where you can truly be yourself.

Information for Recruitment Agencies

Withers endeavours to recruit and fill vacancies directly. However, when we do need to engage with agencies, Withers operates a preferred supplier list and will not be accepting unsolicited applications from non-PSL agencies for this role.

Equal Opportunities Employment Statement 

It is the policy of Withers to provide equal opportunities for all employees in relation to recruitment, training and promotion. Decisions in these areas will be made only by reference to the requirements of the job and shall not be influenced by any consideration of ethnic origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation or disability.