AML Manager

LR Legal Recruitment; Bristol; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

LR Legal Recruitment is seeking an experienced AML Manager to join its Quality & Risk Team at a leading law firm in Bristol. The role oversees the firm's AML framework, client onboarding, and the accuracy of client and matter data in the Practice Management System (Lawman).

Working with MLRO and legal teams, you will strengthen controls, manage a team, provide advice on complex due diligence, and drive continuous improvement across onboarding and work acceptance.

Qualifications

• Experience in AML within a law firm.
• Strong knowledge of CDD and regulatory requirements.
• Experience with client onboarding processes.
• Experience with Practice Management Systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee centralised AML and client onboarding processes.
• Lead and develop the Work Acceptance Team, encouraging high performance and consistent service delivery.
• Develop, maintain and continuously improve AML policies, procedures and internal controls.
• Support audits, monitoring activity and regulatory reviews, including remediation plans where required.

Skills

AML knowledge

CDD

Onboarding processes

Data quality

Regulatory compliance

Team management

Education

AML qualification

Degree in relevant field

Tools

Lawman

AML screening platforms

Job description

Location: Bristol (with regular travel to other offices)

Salary: Competitive + Benefits

Type: Full-time

The Role

We are seeking an experienced AML Manager to join our Quality & Risk Team within a leading law firm. This is a key role responsible for overseeing the firm’s anti-money laundering framework, client onboarding processes, and the quality and accuracy of client and matter data within the firm’s Practice Management System.

Working closely with the MLRO, Deputy MLRO, legal teams and business services functions, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring robust AML controls, regulatory compliance and continuous improvement across the firm’s client inception and work acceptance processes.

You will lead the centralised AML function, provide expert advice on complex client due diligence matters, and manage a team responsible for ensuring consistent, high-quality onboarding standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of client and matter data quality within the firm’s Practice Management System (Lawman)
• Lead and improve client and matter inception processes across the firm
• Manage the firm’s centralised AML and client onboarding processes
• Develop, maintain and continuously improve AML policies, procedures and internal controls
• Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs)
• Sanctions screening
• Complex client structures including trusts and corporate entities
• Manage relationships with third-party screening and electronic verification providers
• Oversee and support AML training across the business
• Supervise and develop the Work Acceptance Team, encouraging high performance and consistent service delivery
• Support audits, monitoring activity and regulatory reviews, including remediation plans where required
• Analyse AML data and prepare reports, recommendations and improvement plans
• Assist with maintaining team guidance, process manuals and best practice documentation
• Support wider quality, risk and business improvement initiatives

About You

The successful candidate will have:

• Previous experience working as an AML Manager within a law firm
• Strong knowledge of AML, CDD and financial crime compliance requirements within legal services
• Experience managing client onboarding processes and improving operational workflows
• Experience using and managing legal Practice Management Systems and client databases
• Experience with electronic identity verification and AML screening platforms
• Ability to analyse complex AML documentation and provide clear recommendations
• Experience managing and developing a team
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and risk management principles
• Excellent attention to detail, organisation and analytical skills
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels

An AML qualification and degree-level education would be advantageous.