Compliance Lawyer

About this role

About Latham & Watkins

Latham & Watkins is one of the world’s leading global law firms advising the businesses and institutions that drive the global economy. We are the market leaders in major financial and business centers around the world. Our investment in people, commitment to innovation, and focus on the future empower you to build an incredible career and thrive as an exceptional professional in a supportive culture. If you aspire to be the best, and work with the best, this is where you belong.

The Compliance Lawyer is an integral part of Latham’s Office of General Counsel (“OGC”). The OGC Compliance Team is responsible for managing the firm’s global compliance programs to ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements in the jurisdictions where the firm operates. This role will be responsible for providing legal support and guidance for firm compliance programs at the global, local, and team levels, particularly in the areas of financial crime, including Anti-Money Laundering (“AML”) and sanctions. This role will be located in our London or Manchester office. Please note that this role may be eligible for a flexible working schedule that allows for a hybrid and in-office presence.

Responsibilities & Qualifications

Other key responsibilities include

• Monitoring compliance-related statutory, regulatory, and other developments in the jurisdictions in which the firm operates and proactively leading initiatives to update global and local compliance programs in response to such developments, including the new EU AML package
• Preparing and submitting firm compliance reports to government regulators, including the Office for Financial Sanctions Implementation (“OFSI”)
• Supporting the OGC compliance team in implementing its AML strategic plan and related projects
• Supporting other ad hoc compliance programs, such as DAC6 and criminal corporate offences when necessary
• Preparing responses to compliance-related inquiries from firm clients, vendors, external regulators, internal and external auditors, and other third parties; developing and updating protocols, standard responses, and templates for responding to such requests
• Reviewing and advising on compliance-related terms and conditions in contracts and other service agreements with firm vendors, clients’ engagement terms and outside counsel guidelines; providing legal analyses and responses to compliance-related questions from firm lawyers and staff
• Assisting with the preparation for audits by, or other inquiries from, internal auditors, external auditors, and regulators

We’d love to hear from you if you

• Possess the initiative, self-motivation, and ability to work independently
• Demonstrate the ability to lead others in projects and tasks to a successful conclusion
• Exhibit an advanced ability to perceive and analyse problems and develop alternative strategies to solve them

And have

• A law degree from an accredited law school
• A qualification as a lawyer currently licensed to practice, preferably in England & Wales, however candidates qualified in another jurisdiction in which Latham operates are also eligible to apply
• A minimum of 3-4 years’ post qualified experience within financial crime compliance, preferably in a large international law firm
• Experience managing global compliance projects, preferably in a large international law firm

Benefits & Additional Information

Successful candidates will not only be provided with an outstanding career opportunity and welcoming environment, but will also be provided with a generous total compensation package with bonuses awarded in recognition of both individual and firm performance. Eligible employees can participate in Latham’s comprehensive benefit program which includes:

• Health insurance as well as group income protection and life assurance
• A pension plan
• Wellness programs
• Employee discounts
• And more!

Additionally, we have a range of programming including Global Affinity Groups, which are open to all. These groups provide a firmwide platform to share experiences and advice as well as an opportunity to participate in a supportive network with common interests to help make life at the firm even better.

Latham & Watkins is an equal opportunity employer. The Firm prohibits discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, or any other characteristic or condition protected by applicable statute. #MidSenior

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