Business Acceptance Lawyer Advisor

Freshfields; Greater London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global law firm in London is seeking a Business Acceptance Lawyer/Advisor to navigate complex legal and regulatory risks. In this role, you will work collaboratively within a dedicated team to manage client onboarding processes, ensuring compliance and client confidentiality. We're looking for a qualified lawyer or experienced compliance professional with a solid understanding of anti-money laundering, regulatory compliance, and conflict resolution. This full-time role offers an opportunity to play a key part in supporting the firm’s success.

Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer or experienced risk/compliance professional.
• Experience advising on conflicts of interest and regulatory compliance.
• Strong legal knowledge of AML and conflict analysis.

Responsibilities

• Advise on conflicts and AML across jurisdictions.
• Conduct analysis on potential conflicts of interest.
• Draft consent wording and manage client confidentiality.
• Complete due diligence and reputational risk assessments.
• Support policy development and compliance practices.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication

Conflict management

Anti-money laundering knowledge

Regulatory compliance understanding

Education

Qualified lawyer

Experience in legal or compliance roles

Job description

We are looking for a talented Business Acceptance Lawyer / Advisor to join our dynamic Legal Department in London.

Working as part of a global Business Acceptance team this is a fantastic opportunity to work at the heart of an elite global law firm where you will play a key role in helping to navigate complex legal regulatory reputational and commercial risks. You will be part of a collaborative global team working at the forefront of the client and matter onboarding process.

About Us

Freshfields is a leading international law firm committed to excellence and innovation. Our Legal Department plays a vital role in the firms success comprising both qualified lawyers and non‑lawyers. We manage the firms risk exposure and provide critical advice on a broad spectrum of legal and compliance issues. Our mission is to support the firm in the effective management of regulatory legal operational and information security risks thereby preserving and maximising the firms long‑term value.

The global Business Acceptance team focuses on client and matter selection, conflicts of interest, client confidentiality, anti‑money laundering, sanctions and reputational risks. We operate in a fast‑paced collaborative and supportive environment where analytical thinking, commercial acumen and strong communication skills are essential.

Role Purpose

As a Business Acceptance Lawyer / Advisor you will play a crucial role in helping to shape the firms internal risk processes in the London office and globally focusing on conflicts of interest, anti‑money laundering and compliance with jurisdictional regulations such as the SRA Code of Conduct.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide advice on conflicts, AML and broader risk issues across all jurisdictions where the firm operates.
• Conduct in‑depth analysis on potential conflicts of interest and manage client confidentiality.
• Draft consent wording and establish information barriers.
• Complete client and matter due diligence and reputational risk assessments.
• Monitor existing clients in line with CDD policies.
• Identify and assess sanctions risks.
• Support policy development and ensure consistent compliance practices.
• Respond to queries on legislation, regulation and firm policies.
• Deliver training and act as a technical escalation point for analysts.

Requirements

Qualified lawyer or experienced risk / compliance professional with experience advising on conflicts of interest, anti‑money laundering (AML) and regulatory compliance within an international law firm.

Strong legal knowledge and understanding of the ethical rules and regulatory frameworks governing AML and conflicts analysis in a global law firm context.

Strong analytical and organisational skills.

Excellent written and verbal communication with the ability to explain complex issues clearly and concisely.

The Ideal Candidate

• Confident, diplomatic and proactive.
• Detail‑oriented and consistent in routine compliance tasks.
• Interested in current affairs and their potential impact on a global law firm and its clients.
• A reliable team player with a flexible can‑do attitude.
• Able to work under pressure and manage competing priorities without compromising quality.
• Committed to delivering a first‑class service to internal clients.
• A team player who is hardworking, maintains perspective and has a healthy sense of humour.

Inclusion

Freshfields is an equal opportunities employer and all applications received by the firm will be considered by the firm on the basis of their merit alone and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background. All offers of employment will be conditional on the candidate having / securing the right to work in the UK and providing the firm with evidence of that right (as required by the Immigration Asylum and Nationality Act 2006) prior to employment commencing.

Freshfields is a Ban the Box ask applicants to disclose criminal convictions only when a conditional job offer is made. A conviction does not automatically lead to withdrawal of the offer : we make decisions on a case by case basis and take a number of factors into account (eg the role you are applying for and the circumstances of the offence). You would have the opportunity to discuss the matter with us before we make a decision.

Key Skills

• Business Intelligence
• Sales Experience
• Compliance Management
• Risk Management
• Cold Calling
• Lean Six Sigma
• Upselling
• Business Management
• Regulatory Reporting
• SAP Supply Chain Management
• Economic Development
• Product Development

Employment Type

Full‑Time

Experience

Years

Vacancy

1