Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP)

Cogito Talent; Salford; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A multi-award winning law firm in the United Kingdom is looking for a Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP) to ensure compliance with SRA Standards and Regulations. This senior role requires a detail-oriented professional who can maintain regulatory frameworks, conduct audits, and report compliance status. The ideal candidate will have over five years of experience in a legal environment, strong analytical skills, and must be a registered lawyer of England and Wales. A commitment to ethical practice and leadership is essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in a COLP role or equivalent compliance leadership position in a legal environment.
• Experience in a top 500 or SME sized law firm.
• Familiarity with ISO frameworks and certification programs.

Responsibilities

• Maintain compliance with SRA Standards and Regulations.
• Liaise with the SRA for notifications, audits, and investigations.
• Conduct compliance audits and risk assessments.
• Develop and implement internal policies for regulatory compliance.
• Report on compliance status to the Managing Partner and Board.
• Promote a culture of compliance and ethics.

Skills

Knowledge of SRA Standards and Regulations

Legal compliance or risk management experience

Strong analytical and communication skills

High integrity and professional judgment

Organisational skills and familiarity with compliance systems

Influencing senior levels

Developing risk and compliance strategies

Education

Registered lawyer of England and Wales or equivalent

Qualified ISO Internal Auditor

Job description

Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP)

Location: Manchester (Hybrid)

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

We are seeking an experienced Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP) to join a multi-award winning, forward-thinking, full-service law firm, recognised for their commitment to professional integrity, collaboration, and client excellence.

The COLP will be the firm’s principal contact with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), responsible for overseeing compliance across all areas of the business. Working closely with the CEO, Board, and Heads of Department, you’ll ensure the compliance framework is robust, proportionate, and aligned with strategic objectives.

The role requires a high degree of professional judgement, balancing regulatory compliance with commercial objectives. The COLP must anticipate potential regulatory risks over a 1–3 year horizon, interpreting emerging changes in SRA regulation and adjusting firm policies accordingly.

This is a senior, autonomous position that combines regulatory oversight, risk management, and the opportunity to shape a culture of ethical and compliant practice across the firm.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain firm-wide compliance with SRA Standards and Regulations.
• Act as the primary liaison with the SRA, managing notifications, audits, and investigations.
• Conduct regular compliance audits and risk assessments, identifying and mitigating potential risks.
• Develop, implement, and maintain internal policies and procedures to ensure ongoing regulatory compliance.
• Prepare regular reports for the Managing Partner and Board on compliance status, breaches, and remedial actions.
• Promote a strong culture of compliance, ethics, and professional conduct across the firm through training and engagement.
• Ensure prompt and accurate reporting of any material breaches or issues to the SRA.

About You

We are looking for a confident, detail-oriented professional who thrives in a leadership role that requires both strategic thinking and hands‑on delivery. Your cultural fit to the platform is fundamental – this firm leads by example, role model care, integrity, support and awareness for all its people – and clients.

You will have

• In-depth knowledge of SRA Standards and Regulations, the Legal Services Act 2007, and relevant compliance frameworks.
• Proven experience in legal compliance or risk management within a law firm setting.
• Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to provide clear, pragmatic advice.
• High integrity, professional judgment, and discretion when dealing with confidential matters.
• Strong organisational skills and familiarity with compliance systems, risk registers, and policy documentation.
• The ability to influence at senior levels and foster a culture of compliance and accountability.
• Proven ability to develop and implement risk and compliance strategies, including experience in leading ISO certification programmes (including but not limited to ISO9001, ISO27001, ISO14001, ISO22301).

Essential Qualifications

• Must be a registered lawyer of England and Wales, a Registered European Lawyer (REL) or an individual registered with the Bar Standards Board under Regulation 17 of the European Communities (Lawyer’s Practice) Regulations 2000.
• Has worked in the legal industry, ideally in a top 500 / or SME sized law firm. Understands the implications of scaling up a focus on risk management and exceptional governance.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a COLP role or equivalent compliance leadership position in a legal environment.
• Qualified ISO Internal Auditor (or significant familiarity with ISO frameworks).