Head of Risk & Compliance

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated individual to join our team as Head of Risk & Compliance and also act as the firm's Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO).

Our firm

At Myerson, we do things differently.

Recognised as a Top 200 UK Law Firm by The Lawyer , ranked Top Tier by The Legal 500 , commended by The Times Best Law Firms , and named Corporate Culture & Wellbeing Champions at the Manchester Legal Awards, we have built a reputation for excellence, innovation and outstanding client service.

As one of the largest independent law firms in the North West, our success has been achieved through sustainable, organic growth rather than mergers or acquisitions. Our reputation has been earned through entrepreneurial thinking, exceptional people and a commitment to delivering outstanding results for our clients.

We are proud of our collaborative, supportive and independent culture, and we look for people who share our values, ambition and commitment to excellence. In September 2024, Myerson became a 100% employee-owned business, making us the first law firm in the Manchester market to take this significant step. Employee ownership helps protect the independence, stability and people-first culture that make Myerson such a rewarding place to build a career, while ensuring that everyone has a shared stake in our continued success.

The role

This role is pivotal in ensuring the firm’s compliance with regulatory and legal requirements, maintaining our professional integrity, and managing risk effectively. The list of responsibilities for this role is significant. Whilst not an exhaustive list, the following key duties will give some insight into the opportunity on offer:

• Maintain/improve the Firm’s compliance framework, ensuring adherence to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Standards and Regulations.

• Act as a key advisor to the COLP and the Board on compliance-related matters.

• Monitor changes in relevant legislation and regulations, ensuring the Firm remains up to date and compliant, including general statutory and regulatory issues.

• Maintain and monitor the Firm’s risk registers.

• Conduct regular internal audits and risk assessments to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.

• Draft, review, and update policies and procedures to ensure best practices in compliance.

• Oversee and manage the complaints process for the Firm and liaise with the Legal Ombudsman and SRA concerning any relevant matters.

• Serve as the Firm’s MLRO, responsible for overseeing compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) legislation, including the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations.

• Investigate and assess internal reports of suspicious activity, deciding whether to file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) with the National Crime Agency (NCA).

• Provide guidance and training to staff on AML requirements and their obligations.

• Conduct AML risk assessments and ensure the effective implementation of client due diligence (CDD) measures.

• Work closely with the COLP, COFA and other stakeholders to identify, assess, and mitigate statutory, regulatory and operational risks.

• Oversee the management of compliance breaches, ensuring appropriate reporting and remediation actions.

• Prepare and present regular compliance and AML reports to the COLP and Board, highlighting key risks, trends, and areas requiring attention.

• Act as the primary liaison with regulatory bodies, including the SRA and NCA, on compliance matters.

• Design and deliver training programmes to ensure all staff understand their compliance and AML responsibilities.

• Implement training issues that might flow from complaints that are received, both Firm wide and individual departments.

• Foster a culture of compliance and ethical practice across the Firm.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking a confident, motivated and capable compliance professional who demonstrates the highest standards of personal and professional integrity.

The successful candidate will be educated to degree level and have significant experience in a compliance role within a professional services environment, ideally within a law firm. Strong working knowledge of SRA Standards and Regulations, anti-money laundering legislation and other relevant regulatory frameworks is essential.

You will be an excellent communicator, capable of building strong relationships with stakeholders across the firm and delivering clear, engaging training to colleagues at all levels. We are looking for someone with a proactive and analytical approach, exceptional attention to detail and the confidence to challenge constructively when required.

Equally important is a commercial and entrepreneurial mindset, a willingness to embrace positive change and a genuine desire to contribute to the continued success and development of the firm.

Benefits include:

Generous annual leave, day off on your birthday, private healthcare, discretionary bonus scheme, smart working, flexible working hours, health and wellbeing contribution, regular team and firmwide socials, volunteer day, milestone awards, death in service scheme, a contributory pension scheme, genuine career progression, and both technical and professional learning and development programmes.

Myerson are strong advocates of a successful work/life balance, and we are proud to foster a workplace free from discrimination. We welcome applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds with the same ethos, passion and enthusiasm.