Risk & Compliance Lawyer

Department: Risk & Compliance

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: London

Description

Why Bates Wells?

We’re an award winning, purpose driven City law firm. We were the first UK law firm to become a B Corp and are the highest scoring global law firm in the B Corp community. Globally recognised as the market leading UK firm for charities and purpose-driven organisations, our commercial teams are also using law as a force for good and driving change from the inside out.

Our values are key to our success, and you’ll be able to make a real impact from day one.

Come and join the firm who have a standout and authentic commitment to a triple bottom line, where we’ll never prioritise profit over people and planet.

The role

Join a Risk & Compliance team where you'll provide guidance and input across the business on all aspects of regulatory compliance, acting as a first point of contact for escalations and offering general support to the team. The team handles a range of complex and evolving issues in the compliance space, while staying aligned with the needs of the practice and business teams it supports.

This role involves working with the Director of Risk, the Senior Risk & Compliance Lawyer, and the wider R&C Team to help manage the firm’s regulatory risk.

This role can be offered on a full-time or part-time basis. 

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the main escalation point for onboarding team queries on core compliance issues, including AML, CDD, sanctions, and conflicts/confidentiality, escalating to senior risk leaders as needed. 
• Support Data Protection/GDPR matters, including advising on data breaches (and ICO escalations), responding to DSARs, and drafting DPIAs. 
• Assist with internal investigations in line with SRA Principles and Codes of Conduct. 
• Review client engagement terms and support responses to client questionnaires, tenders, and audits. Also review supplier contracts and advise on regulatory aspects of procurement. 
• Conduct initial reviews of complaints and potential claims, support reporting to senior management and insurers, and maintain the firm’s Risk Register. 
• Contribute to the development and delivery of regulatory risk training, including mandatory and ad hoc sessions. 
• Help develop, review, and maintain compliance policies and procedures. 
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments and share relevant insights with the Risk & Compliance team and wider firm. 
• Support the business in meeting regulatory standards, including ISO accreditations.
• Assisting the R&C Team with ongoing projects to continually improve the firm’s approach to all aspects of regulatory compliance. 

About You

• A qualified lawyer with at least 2 years’ PQE and compliance experience in a law firm. Alternatively, you may be an experienced lawyer looking to transition into a risk-focused role. 
• An understanding of professional conduct rules and the regulatory landscape.

What are we like to work for?

Impact-Driven Purpose: We align profit with social purpose to create lasting positive impact for our people, communities, and planet.

Committed to the Climate: Through our Climate & Nature Group, we reduce environmental impact and drive a just transition to net zero.

Championing Inclusion: We foster a diverse, inclusive culture where creativity and innovation thrive.

Flexible and Hybrid Working: Our hybrid model supports balance, with part-time options and at least two office days weekly.

Progressive Benefits: We offer green pensions, IVF support, private healthcare, and more for your well-being and growth. 
At Bates Wells, equity, diversity, and inclusion are part of who we are and how we work. As a B Corp and purpose-driven law firm, we’re committed to building a workplace that is fair, inclusive, and representative of all.