Compliance Officer

What we will offer

If you require this document in an accessible format (e.g. large print), please contact hr.recruitment@shlegal.com or call 020 7809 2711. 

We will offer you a place where you can be yourself and where there are no limits on what you can achieve. With us, you can take ownership of your career and have honest conversations throughout. You would join an ambitious firm with a clear strategy for profitable growth where you can get early responsibility and early involvement in growing the business. Here you can expect a competitive and fair reward as well as recognition based on all round performance. This forms part of our internal promise to you, The Deal, between the firm and its employees.

Team Structure

The Business Acceptance team consists of the Head of Business Acceptance, an AML and Sanctions Manager, three Senior Compliance Officers and ten Compliance Officers based in the firm's London office. The London team works closely with the Business Acceptance teams in Hong Kong and Singapore, which consists of a Business Acceptance Manager, a Senior Compliance Officer and three Compliance Officers.

Main Responsibilities

The successful candidate will provide support in the completion of Business Acceptance tasks, predominantly focusing on conflict searches and new business intake/matter openings. In practice, this will involve:

• Analysing conflict search results utilising Intapp Open software, identifying potential regulatory and/or commercial conflicts and facilitating the resolution of these.
• Managing incoming requests for new client and new matter openings and assessing any conflicts- or AML-related risks.
• Researching new clients for CDD purposes and assisting fee-earners in obtaining the information and documentation required for this purpose.
• Implementing and maintaining information barriers.
• Conducting sanctions screening.
• Working closely with other business support functions, including IT and Accounts.
• Assisting with the testing of software upgrades linked to the Business Acceptance team, such as the upgrade of Intapp Open.

Most of our roles are hybrid, meaning that colleagues benefit from working in our office and remotely. We are happy to discuss this and other flexible working arrangements with you as part of the application and interview process.

Attributes/Skills Required

• A strong understanding of Anti-Money Laundering legislation and conflicts rules applicable in all jurisdictions in which the firm operates.
• Proven experience and confidence in making decisions regarding conflicts and AML issues, and explaining those decisions to senior stakeholders within the business.
• Strong research skills and familiarity with widely used data providers such as Bureau van Dijk/Orbis, Companies House and Accuity.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritise effectively.
• A desire to build on existing knowledge and adapt to changes in processes and procedures quickly.
• Undergraduate degree is required, law degree is preferred.
• Experience of using Intapp Open software is required.
• Proven relevant experience in an established compliance team within a law firm or other regulated industry.

This job description is indicative only and does not represent an exhaustive list of responsibilities. The firm reserves the right to alter or change the responsibilities at any time, in line with the firm's strategy and business needs.

We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to having a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, culture or any other protected characteristics. We aim to create a culture where everyone can be themselves and is valued for their strengths and unique perspectives.

About the Firm

With 8 offices worldwide and with our headquarters based in London, Stephenson Harwood is a law firm where our people are committed to achieving the goals of our clients - listed and private companies, institutions, and individuals across the globe. Our mix of expertise and culture results in a combination of deep local insight and the capability to provide a seamless international service.

Our experience encompasses corporate, commercial litigation and arbitration, employment, pensions and private wealth, finance, marine and international trade, and real estate and projects.

We assemble teams of bright thinkers to match our clients' needs and give the right advice from the right person at the right time. Dedicating the highest calibre of legal talent to overcome the most complex issues, we deliver pragmatic, expert advice that is set squarely in the real world.

We understand the power of diversity in delivering that high calibre advice to our clients. We want to attract diverse talent and we particularly encourage applications from underrepresented demographics.

Our values:

Individuality - We encourage creativity and develop talent

Commitment - To be the best and deliver the highest standard

Teamwork - We work together to build close, long-term relationships

Straight talking - We say what we mean and do what we say

These values express the personality of the individuals within our firm. They are the behaviours we encourage in our people and the standards which inform our decisions and actions.

Our vision into 2026

To be a successful firm where talented people work together in an entrepreneurial environment, building long term client relationships.

This vision is about who we want to be, as well as who we are. It is as much about our values as about our character – the attributes we want to see from all of our people. It also reflects the importance of remaining independent - a clear sign that we are confident in our own future. That's how we unlock our entrepreneurial spirit, advising our clients with top performing teams.

A key part of the 2026 strategy is to focus on five core sectors: decarbonisation, life sciences, private capital & funds, technology, and transportation & trade. These have been identified as crucial in the drive for accelerated profitable growth.