Principal Corporate, Crime & Investigations

Chadwick Nott; Wales; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international law firm in Cardiff is seeking a Principal Associate or Senior Associate to join their Corporate Crime & Investigations team. The role focuses on advising clients on financial sanctions and regulatory compliance, and managing complex investigations. Ideal candidates will have 5+ years PQE, with expertise in financial crime. This position offers a competitive salary and supports flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Birthday leave

Life Assurance (3x salary)

Pension Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Legal services discounts

In-house and external training

Dedicated Wellbeing team

Regular social and professional events

Qualifications

• 5+ years PQE or equivalent experience in financial crime and sanctions.
• Experience engaging with OFSI, OFAC, FCA and regulators.
• Ability to work independently and across jurisdictions.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on financial sanctions and regulatory compliance.
• Lead complex investigations including cross-border matters.
• Collaborate with colleagues internationally.

Skills

Deep expertise in financial sanctions

Strong investigative skills

Excellent communication

Commercial awareness

Education

Qualified Solicitor with 5+ years PQE

Job description

Overview

Principal Associate / Senior Associate - Corporate Crime & Investigations - 5+ years PQE - Cardiff

Location: Cardiff | Hours: Full time (35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) | Salary: £80,000 - £110,000 | PQE: 5+ years (or candidate with experience in financial sanctions)

Chadwick Nott are pleased to be working with a leading international law firm, currently seeking a Principal Associate or Senior Associate to join their Corporate Crime & Investigations team in Cardiff. This is a rare opportunity to work at the forefront of financial sanctions and regulatory investigations, contributing to high-profile matters across global markets.

The Role

You will advise clients across a range of sectors including aviation, defence, insurance, TMT, and education. The role will focus on financial sanctions, but also cover broader financial crime and compliance matters.

• Advising on UK and international sanctions regimes, AML laws, and anti-bribery frameworks
• Leading complex investigations, including cross-border matters
• Managing remediation projects and regulatory interactions
• Drafting strategic advice and supporting enforcement responses
• Collaborating with international colleagues to deliver commercial solutions
• Mentoring junior lawyers and contributing to team growth
• Driving thought leadership and business development initiatives

Candidate Requirements

This role is suited to a qualified Solicitor with 5+ years PQE, or equivalent experience in financial crime and sanctions. Ideal candidates will demonstrate:

• Deep expertise in financial sanctions and regulatory compliance
• Experience engaging with OFSI, OFAC, FCA and other regulators
• Strong investigative and case management skills
• Excellent communication and client-handling abilities
• Ability to work independently and across jurisdictions
• Commercial awareness and strategic thinking
• Experience in-house or within government is welcomed

Working Arrangements

• This role is based in the firm's Cardiff office. The firm supports flexible, hybrid and agile working arrangements, and offers a collaborative, inclusive environment with structured career development.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, the firm offers:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (rising with service)
• Birthday leave
• Life Assurance (3x salary)
• Pension Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme, annual leave purchase, enhanced pension options
• Legal services discounts
• In-house and external training
• Dedicated Wellbeing team
• Regular social and professional events

How to Apply / Contact

If you would like a confidential conversation about this opportunity, or have any questions, please contact:

Olivia Reed | [e-mail]
Phone: [phone] | Mobile: [phone]

Olivia Reed | LinkedIn

Chadwick Nott is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture and supporting our clients in doing the same. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of age, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation or background. Where a level of experience is indicated, please note this is intended as a guideline only.

*At Chadwick Nott, we are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture as well as supporting our large client network achieve the same. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications of all qualified candidates regardless of their age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, disability, culture or anything other personal characteristic. We champion and celebrate diversity in the workplace. Where a level of experience is indicated, please note that this is only a guideline.*