Legal Practice / Risk & Compliance Manager

CRA Legal; York; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading regional law firm in Yorkshire is seeking a Practice Manager / Risk & Compliance Officer. This pivotal role combines operational leadership with regulatory oversight, aiming to enhance compliance culture and risk management across the organization. The ideal candidate will bring significant experience and a strong understanding of the legal environment, contributing to both strategic and operational objectives.

Benefits

Structured and tailored training opportunities

Performance-related bonus scheme

Enhanced holiday allowance

Subsidised city centre parking

Active wellbeing programme

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience in a compliance or risk-related role within a law firm or regulated sector.
• Strong working knowledge of SRA regulations and AML legislation.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to influence stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary contact for regulatory, risk, and compliance matters firmwide.
• Oversee AML, CDD, and GDPR processes ensuring compliance.
• Manage onboarding and induction processes for new staff.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Risk management

Operational leadership

Client management

Communication

Education

Legal qualification or law degree

Job description

Position: Practice Manager / Risk & Compliance Officer
Location: York (with hybrid working)
Salary: £40,000 - £60,000 (depending on experience

We are acting on behalf of a long-established and highly regarded regional law firm with a strong foothold in the Yorkshire legal market. The firm has a deeply embedded culture of professionalism, integrity and community trust, and continues to enjoy measured growth and a reputation for high-calibre legal services.
As part of their continued evolution, an opportunity has arisen for an experienced and forward-thinking individual to take on a dual-capacity role that blends operational leadership with regulatory oversight. The role of Practice Manager / Risk & Compliance Officer is newly created and offers significant influence at the heart of the business.
This is a pivotal position, designed for someone who thrives in a multi-faceted role and is passionate about embedding a culture of risk awareness, regulatory compliance and operational excellence across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities
Compliance & Risk Management
-Serve as the primary point of contact for all regulatory, risk, and compliance matters firmwide.
-Oversee AML (Anti-Money Laundering), CDD (Customer Due Diligence), GDPR, and sanctions processes, ensuring full alignment with SRA and broader legal sector standards.
-Lead and deliver internal risk assessments, compliance audits, and file reviews across multiple office locations.
-Draft, review and maintain firm-wide policies and procedures to reflect changes in legislation, SRA guidance, and market best practice.
-Act as liaison during SRA audits and inspections; maintain up-to-date records to demonstrate regulatory compliance.
-Champion a culture of compliance across the firm, promoting continuous improvement and best practice through training and internal communications.

Operational & Strategic Management
-Manage and develop the firm's onboarding and induction process for new staff and lateral hires.
-Oversee a small onboarding and compliance administration team, providing clear direction, support and leadership.
-Evaluate and refine compliance systems and technologies; lead the implementation of new solutions where necessary to enhance monitoring and reporting functions.
-Act as Client Services Manager - handling and resolving client complaints with professionalism and sensitivity.
-Deliver firmwide training sessions and workshops, ensuring all staff are well-versed in regulatory requirements, data protection obligations, and risk mitigation processes.
-Contribute to the wider operational strategy of the firm as a trusted advisor to the Partners, offering risk-based input on key business decisions.

Candidate Profile
The successful candidate will be both operationally astute and commercially aware. This is an excellent opportunity for someone seeking to step into a key strategic role within a progressive legal environment.

Essential Experience & Attributes
-Minimum of 3 years' experience in a compliance, operational or risk-related role within a law firm or another regulated sector (e.g., financial services, professional services).
-Strong working knowledge of SRA regulations, AML legislation, GDPR, and associated risk frameworks.
-Proven ability to influence and educate stakeholders at all levels.
-Excellent communication skills, with a balanced approach to leadership and collaboration.
-Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
-Technologically literate - able to assess and implement compliance tools, systems and workflows.

Desirable
-A legal qualification or law degree (preferred but not essential).
-Prior experience of managing complaints and/or acting as a Client Services lead.
-Familiarity with multi-office structures and the nuances of risk management across different teams and service lines.

Benefits & Culture
-A genuinely supportive and inclusive working environment with a commitment to long-term career development.
-Structured, funded and tailored training opportunities.
-Performance-related bonus scheme.
-Enhanced holiday allowance, including paid closure over the Christmas/New Year period.
-Subsidised city centre parking.
-Long service recognition, including additional leave entitlements.
-Access to subsidised legal services (after 12 months).
-Active wellbeing programme, including mental health support, eye care contributions, team events and volunteering initiatives.

Next Steps
If you are an experienced legal operations or compliance professional seeking a more influential and strategic platform - this is a rare opportunity to align yourself with a stable, well-respected and forward-looking firm. All conversations will be handled in the strictest confidence.
To arrange an exploratory discussion or to submit your interest, please contact us directly on 07378 123456