Client Due Diligence Officer

Irwin Mitchell; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in Birmingham is seeking a Compliance Officer to conduct client due diligence and manage conflicts of interests. You will ensure compliance with legal requirements and provide guidance to internal teams. Ideal candidates should have strong knowledge of SRA regulations and excellent analytical skills. This role offers a range of benefits, including generous holidays and flexible working options.

Benefits

25 days holidays plus bank holidays

Generous pension schemes

Volunteering days – two paid days annually

Well-being initiatives

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of SRA Standards and AML legislation.
• Experience in conducting due diligence in a law firm.
• Excellent analytical and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct due diligence research and checks on clients.
• Engage with fee earners to resolve information gaps.
• Prepare Client Risk Assessments for review.

Skills

Due diligence knowledge

Analytical skills

Research skills

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Tools

Client due diligence software

Job description

Your Role and What You'll Be Doing

First impressions count, and our team plays a key role in setting the high standard of service that our clients expect from Irwin Mitchell. You will be responsible for ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and maintaining the firm’s reputation for integrity and ethical practices.

Your role involves conducting client due diligence and conflict of interests checks on potential clients and their matters. You will provide guidance and support to colleagues on compliance with our rules and regulations and internal IM policies related to onboarding clients, acting as a key contact for internal stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Client Due Diligence
2. Conduct due diligence research and checks on clients, related parties, and matters to ensure compliance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements, including KYC, KYB, sanctions, PEP, and adverse media checks.
3. Engage with fee earners, clients, or related parties to resolve information gaps.
4. Prepare Client Risk Assessments and CDD packs for review by fee earners and support the client and matter risk assessment process.
5. Escalate high-risk matters promptly to the Team Leader with risk analysis and mitigation proposals.
6. Monitor existing clients and escalate any change in risk rating to high, referring complex issues to the Coach or GCT for advice.
7. Conflicts Checks
8. Investigate, analyze, and manage conflicts by interrogating IM systems, running searches, and engaging with fee earners.
9. Document decisions and analysis, filing all information appropriately.
10. Guide fee earners on policies related to conflicts and onboarding queries.
11. Escalate complex or high-risk conflicts to the Team Leader.
12. Communication and Customer Focus
13. Maintain effective communication and provide excellent customer service, liaising with internal stakeholders to resolve onboarding issues.
14. Continuous Improvement
15. Recommend process and procedure improvements to the Team Leader and collaborate with colleagues to develop themes from daily activities.

About You

Essential

• Strong knowledge of SRA Standards and Regulations, AML, sanctions, and financial crime prevention legislation.
• Experience conducting due diligence and conflict searches in a law firm.
• Excellent analytical, research, and decision-making skills.
• Proficient with client due diligence software and related tools.
• High attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively.

Desirable

• Knowledge of 3e or similar systems.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements in other professional sectors or international law firm regulations.

Our Benefits

• 25 days holidays plus bank holidays; option to buy additional holiday.
• Generous pension schemes.
• Volunteering days – two paid days annually.
• Westfield Health membership and access to Aviva Digital GP services.
• Well-being initiatives and flexible working options.
• Recognition as one of the Best Workplaces for Wellbeing 2024.

We are committed to diversity, inclusion, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability, fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive.