Risk & Compliance Officer (Law Firm)

Danebury Associates; Leeds; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Danebury Associates seeks a Risk & Compliance Officer to join its Risk & Compliance function in the United Kingdom. The role focuses on AML, sanctions and financial‑crime responsibilities to support regulatory compliance and robust risk management across the business.

You will handle CDD checks, AML monitoring, sanctions screening, and provide training and policy guidance while engaging with lawyers and business services to embed best practice.

Qualifications

• Experience in law firm Risk & Compliance, AML, Financial Crime, or Client Onboarding.
• Strong knowledge of AML regulations, sanctions requirements and CDD processes.
• Excellent analytical, investigative and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and review Client Due Diligence (CDD) checks for new and existing clients.
• Support ongoing AML monitoring and ensure compliance with Money Laundering Regulations.
• Act as a first‑line contact for AML, sanctions and financial‑crime queries, escalating complex matters.
• Assist with sanctions screening, investigations and referrals.
• Identify emerging risks, trends and potential compliance concerns, providing clear reporting and recommendations.
• Support the development and delivery of compliance and financial‑crime training across the firm.
• Contribute to policy updates, regulatory research and continuous improvement initiatives within Risk & Compliance.

Skills

AML regulations knowledge

Sanctions

Financial crime experience

Client onboarding experience

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Job description

A UK law firm is seeking to appoint a Risk and Compliance Officer to join its established Risk & Compliance function. This is an excellent opportunity for a compliance professional with strong AML, sanctions and financial‑crime experience to play a key role in supporting the firm’s regulatory framework and ensuring robust risk management across the business.

The Role

Working within a collaborative and well‑regarded Risk & Compliance team, you will support the firm’s obligations under the Money Laundering Regulations, SRA Standards & Regulations, and wider financial‑crime legislation. The role combines advisory work, operational compliance activity, and stakeholder engagement across the firm.

You will act as a key point of contact for AML, sanctions and financial‑crime queries, ensuring matters are escalated appropriately and that best practice is embedded throughout the firm.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct and review Client Due Diligence (CDD) and Customer Due Diligence checks for new and existing clients.
• Support ongoing AML monitoring and ensure compliance with the Money Laundering Regulations 2017.
• Act as a first‑line contact for AML, sanctions and financial‑crime queries, escalating complex matters to senior compliance stakeholders.
• Assist with sanctions screening, investigations and referrals.
• Identify emerging risks, trends and potential compliance concerns, providing clear reporting and recommendations.
• Support the development and delivery of compliance and financial‑crime training across the firm.
• Contribute to policy updates, regulatory research and continuous improvement initiatives within the Risk & Compliance function.

About You

The firm is interested in candidates who can demonstrate:

• Experience in law firm Risk & Compliance, AML, Financial Crime, or Client Onboarding, ideally within a law firm or professional services environment.
• Strong knowledge of AML regulations, sanctions requirements and CDD processes.
• Excellent analytical, investigative and communication skills.
• A proactive, organised and solutions‑focused approach with strong attention to detail.
• The ability to build trusted relationships with lawyers, business‑services teams and senior stakeholders.