Compliance Officer

Compliance Officer - Watson Farley & Williams

Watson Farley & Williams is seeking a diligent and experienced Compliance Officer to join their team in London. This is a permanent position offering a broad range of responsibilities within the firm's compliance function.

What you'll be doing:

The day-to-day activities of the Compliance Officer role include:

• Reviewing new client and matter requests to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and liaising with fee earners for any outstanding information.
• Analyzing conflict check requests to identify legal and commercial conflicts, and consulting with partners.
• Conducting Politically Exposed Persons (PEP), sanctions, and background checks, and advising fee earners on the implications of results.
• Reviewing and advising fee earners on escrow agreements from a compliance standpoint.
• Maintaining various registers, including process agency matters, gifts and hospitality, data protection, PEPs, and enhanced risk matters.
• Responding to ad hoc queries and providing training.
• Supporting the wider team with ongoing and ad hoc Compliance Projects.

Compliance Projects:

Compliance projects are shared among the team and may include:

• Professional indemnity insurance renewal
• General insurance renewals
• Practising Certificate renewals
• Intranet/IT projects upgrades
• Tasks related to new office openings

Skills & qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Previous experience in anti-money laundering (AML) policies and procedures and regulatory compliance.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations, and Law Society/Bar Association guidance.
• Experience performing CDD (Customer Due Diligence) checks on entities and individuals, preferably within a law firm.
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Confident and articulate communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Capacity to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing circumstances professionally.
• Willingness and ability to take on new tasks and responsibilities with a strong service orientation.
• Excellent IT skills.
• Experience with Intapp software products is desirable.
• Language skills are desirable.

Please note: Watson Farley & Williams conducts thorough pre-employment screening checks.

What we can offer you:

We offer a competitive benefits and wellbeing package for all employees.

Who we are:

Watson Farley & Williams is an international law firm specializing in complex disputes and transactions. We leverage local knowledge and an integrated global network, with a strong sector focus on Energy, Transport, and associated Infrastructure. The firm has experienced significant growth, driven by a focused strategy, strong leadership, and the quality of its people. We are committed to achieving excellence and investing in our people to meet our business goals and values of respect, sharing, communication, and integrity. Our global practice spans offices across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and North America, ensuring consistent high service levels. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace that attracts and retains diverse talent, believing that opportunities for development and progression should be available to all.

Key skills/competency:

• Compliance Officer
• Anti-money laundering
• Regulatory compliance
• CDD checks
• Risk management
• Legal compliance
• Law firm operations
• Client onboarding
• Conflict checks
• Data protection