www.clearygottlieb.com

Risk Specialist (12 Month Fixed-Term Contract)

The purpose of the Risk Specialist is supporting the Risk team globally in advising senior management, partners, legal and office staff on legal matters affecting the Firm, including on-boarding new clients and matters in line with the Firm’s procedures developing and maintaining policies in key areas leading the implementation of internal risk processes and delivering relevant training and guidance.

The Risk Specialist is expected to exercise sound independent judgement, take ownership of risk matters, and provide clear, commercially aware advice to stakeholders at all levels. The role requires the ability to lead specific projects as new regulations or risk areas emerge, whilst managing day-to-day advisory queries with confidence and
authority.

Main Responsibilities

  • Producing and providing substantive analysis of reports for Conflict Check Requests relating to new business, Lateral Hires and Trade Report Requests.
  • Facilitating the client and matter on-boarding process by conducting risk checks on new clients and new mandates: conflicts of interest, client due diligence, sanctions and reputational risk checks.
  • Taking ownership of client due diligence processes, ensuring all evidence is reviewed, gathered, and maintained to the required standard.
  • Conducting in-depth analysis of conflict and due diligence results, determining appropriate next steps and remediation measures, including the establishment of information barrier arrangements and insider lists.
  • Monitoring and interpreting changes to relevant rules and regulations (including AML, SRA, DAC6, and sanctions regimes) and taking an active role in updating and communication of associated risk policies and processes across the Firm.
  • Contributing to the design, preparation, and delivery of risk training programmes and internal communications, ensuring content is accurate, practical, and accessible.
  • Providing guidance to partners, fee earners, and staff at all levels on the interpretation and application of legislation, regulation, and Firm policies related to regulatory law, risk management, commercial risk issues, and other compliance matters.
  • Maintaining and enhancing databases, records of processing activities, breach logs, risk registers, and internal know-how, ensuring data integrity and usability for compliance reporting and decision-making.
  • Supporting the Firm’s procurement function by identifying and assessing regulatory and commercial risks, providing specialist input to risk mitigation measures.
  • Conducting in-depth research and analysis on regulatory, commercial, and compliance issues to inform policy updates and risk assessments.
  • Liaising with regulators, including the SRA, to clarify requirements, resolve queries, and ensure ongoing compliance.
  • Contributing to ad hoc projects arising from regulatory, commercial, or compliance requirements across the Firm.

Skills and Competencies

  • Minimum of 5 years’ experience in conflicts resolution, AML compliance and client due diligence within an international law firm, preferably gained across multiple jurisdictions or in a global role.
  • Sound understanding of conflicts and AML rules, as well as geopolitical and governance considerations affecting compliance.
  • Familiarity with professional bar rules, DAC6, AML, and sanctions regulations relevant to the Firm’s activities.
  • Experience with IntApp or other conflicts management tools is a plus but not required.
  • Good understanding of corporate structures, including companies, trusts and partnerships.
  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to provide clear, practical guidance.
  • Highly analytical, with strong attention to detail.
  • Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, while managing own workload and adapting to changing priorities.
  • Excellent prioritisation skills, capable of performing under pressure and meeting tight deadlines
  • Methodical approach to problem-solving, breaking issues into components and asking relevant questions to ensure clarity before undertaking tasks.
  • Committed to maintaining and developing specialist knowledge in an evolving regulatory environment, including staying current with developments in AML, sanctions, and professional conduct rules.

If you are interested in applying, please submit a CV and short cover letter to the London Human Resources Team, LON-HR@cgsh.com.