Financial Crime Lawyer

We are recruiting for a skilled and experienced anti-money laundering (AML) and financial crime (FC) lawyer to join our team in Bristol or Manchester. This role is offered on a flexible working basis and would best suit a qualified solicitor with extensive experience of AML, FC and regulatory risks and requirements of a large law firm.

Your Role

As a key addition to our growing team, you will:

• Play a pivotal role in ensuring continued best in class compliance with AML and FC law and regulation
• Ensure the firm complies with all relevant AML and FC laws and regulations
• Support the Head of AML and FC in ensuring that the firm's policies, procedures and operations remain in full compliance with legal requirements
• Work closely with internal stakeholders, providing advice, conducting risk assessments, and managing FC-related compliance matters
• Support the Head of AML and FC, the wider risk team, MLCO and MLRO(s) to ensure that all aspects of the firm's business are conducted in compliance with the law, AML regulations, regulatory requirements, and firm policies
• Support in developing, implementing, and maintaining effective AML and FC policies, procedures, and controls in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements and best practice
• Work with the current MLCO, MLRO and deputies to assist in the discharge of their duties
• Act as a subject matter expert in AML, ABC, CTF, SAR reporting, sanctions and fraud, providing expertise on high-risk cases
• Conduct the investigation and support in the reporting of suspicious transactions, ensuring timely submission of suspicious activity reports (SARs) to the relevant authorities
• Support development of methodologies and conducting Firm Wide Risk Assessments to identify and mitigate potential risks across AML and FC
• Conduct horizon scanning and produce updates on changes and developments in AML and FC legislation and regulations and ensure that the firm's policies and procedures remain up-to-date and compliant
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across Risk and Compliance, Business Development, Can I Act partners and fee earners at all levels to address AML-related concerns and facilitate effective risk management
• Develop strategies to mitigate identified risks and ensure ongoing monitoring and assessment
• Support in developing and delivering AML and FC training programs to educate employees on financial crime policies, procedures, and legal requirements
• Assist in the preparation of responses to requests for information from regulators and clients and liaise directly with them
• Support in provision of responses to internal and external audit requests on financial crime compliance
• In conjunction with the MLCO and Head of AML and FC, develop remediation programmes to address any gaps identified as part of any internal or external audit
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of financial crime-related activities and initiatives
• Support the Head of AML and FC on financial crime-related projects

Your Skills & Experience

We are looking for:

• Background in providing AML/ FC advice at all levels of a regulated entity, including compliance monitoring, sanctions and financial compliance
• Experience acting as a subject matter expert across the firm on suspicious activity reporting, proceeds of crime, anti-bribery, fraud and failure to prevent tax evasion queries
• Experience in creating and providing training on AML and FC risks, laws and regulations
• Experience drafting, reviewing and implementing AML and FC policies, procedures and controls
• Experience in acting as a point of escalation for client and matter take on queries and escalations, including AML/ FC risk, ESG and reputational exposure considerations
• Flexible, effective and persuasive verbal and written communication skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships
• Strong drafting and communication skills
• Awareness of commercial issues with the ability to balance these considerations with managing stakeholder needs, within the context of regulatory and compliance requirements
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to carry out tasks independently

Your Team

TLT is known for the way we set new expectations and push the boundaries, but this can never compromise our firm, reputation or clients. Our Risk and Compliance team are there to make sure we are compliant with all our obligations in areas such as Data Protection, SRA and FCA regulation as well as protecting our clients and people. The team includes both experienced lawyers and technical specialists who address an extensive range of regulatory and ethical requirements, thinking both commercially and practically to make sure we remain compliant and true to our values.

About TLT

Fast paced, fast growing and forward thinking, TLT is the law firm that helps clients stay one step ahead, and we do the same for our people.

We work with high profile clients in innovative sectors. With local, national and international reach, we have over 1,800 people in offices across the UK and a network of partner firms across Europe, India and the US. TLT was named Law Firm of the Year at the Legal Business Awards 2023. This marks the third year in a row the firm has taken away this accolade in industry awards - having previously been named Law Firm of the Year at The Lawyer Awards in 2021 and the British Legal Awards in 2022.

Our purpose is to protect, prepare and progress our clients for what comes next and it's essential that we do the same for our people, our planet and our communities too. In our open and collaborative culture, we encourage everyone to be their whole self, to have a voice and to contribute.

Our Benefits

We value our employees highly and we want you to feel valued. You'll receive a competitive salary with an annual pay review. You will also have access to an extensive range of benefits via our flexible benefits scheme including 25 days holiday (which will increase to 30 days based on length of service) and private medical insurance.

At TLT we have a progressive fully flexible working approach. We empower our people to work in a place and at a time that meets their needs, those of their clients and of the wider team and firm. Part of this agile approach is a focus on hybrid working and supporting the work/life balance of our people.