Compliance Officer for Legal Practice

ZEDRA Group; Knutsford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Compliance Officer for Legal Practice to ensure adherence to legal and regulatory obligations. This role is crucial for maintaining compliance with SRA standards and involves reporting any serious breaches to the authorities. The ideal candidate will have over five years of experience as a qualified lawyer, with a strong background in compliance management. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a boutique law firm while ensuring that all legal practices meet the highest standards. If you are self-motivated and possess excellent communication skills, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 5+ years PQE as a qualified lawyer in a reputable SRA regulated law firm.
• At least 2 years of experience as a Compliance Officer for Legal Practice.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with SRA's regulatory arrangements and firm's authorisation.
• Report serious breaches to the SRA promptly.

Skills

Compliance Management

Legal Knowledge

Time Management

Communication Skills

Education

Qualified Lawyer

Job description

As part of the ZEDRA group, ZEDRA Legal Services (ZLS) is a Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) regulated business.

ZLS is a boutique private practice law firm serving its sister company, ZEDRA Trust Company (UK) Limited and a limited number of private clients in connection with private client matters, PoAs, wills, trusts and probate.

As Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP), you will play a key role in ensuring the firm adheres to its legal and regulatory obligations under both primary legislation and the SRA’s Standards and Regulations.

Key Accountabilities

The main function of the role is to ensure:

• Compliance with the terms and conditions of ZLS's authorisation.
• Compliance by ZLS and its managers, employees or interest holders with the applicable SRA regulatory arrangements.
• That ZLS's managers and interest holders and those it employs or contracts with do not cause or substantially contribute to a breach of the SRA's regulatory arrangements.
• That prompt reporting is made to the SRA of any facts or matters that they reasonably believe are capable of amounting to a serious breach of the terms and conditions of the firm's authorisation, or the SRA's regulatory arrangements applicable to the firm, its managers or employees.
• The SRA is informed promptly of any facts or matters that the COLP reasonably believes should be brought to its attention so that it may investigate whether a serious breach of its regulatory arrangements has occurred or otherwise exercise its regulatory powers.

Knowledge and Experience

• Be a qualified lawyer 5+ years PQE working for a reputable SRA regulated law firm.
• Have previous experience as a Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP) of at least 2 years.
• Have excellent prioritisation and time management skills.
• Be self-motivated and focused on ensuring ongoing compliance with the SRA’s Standards and Regulations.
• Have the ability to articulate any issues of concern at Board level and to senior management.
• Be fluent in English, with strong verbal and written communication skills which are critical to the position.