About Acuity Law

Acuity Law is a dynamic law firm with a modern organisational structure and an agile, fluid team-centric model. Not held back by tradition, we are always looking to improve our client service and grow our community of lawyers.

We are a team of instinctively commercial lawyers and legal professionals, passionate about delivering the best legal service with our people and our clients at the heart of everything we do.
As experts in our fields, total quality at all levels of our business is our hallmark. This is our measure of success: long-standing client relationships, helping our clients to achieve their business objectives as an extension of our client’s commercial and legal teams.

The firm’s culture is reflected in the quality of service to clients and the speed and precision with which the Acuity Law team gives advice.

Role Overview

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Compliance Manager to join our award-winning law firm. As the Compliance Manager, you will work with the COLP/COFA/MLRO to ensure that the firm operates in full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards. You will play a critical role in developing and implementing compliance programs, conducting internal audits, and providing guidance on legal and regulatory matters. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of legal and compliance frameworks, excellent analytical skills, and a keen eye for detail.

Join our reputable law firm and contribute to our commitment to legal and regulatory compliance. As the Compliance Manager, you will play a vital role in upholding our ethical standards, protecting our reputation, and ensuring the firm’s compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

Compliance Program Development

• In conjunction with the COLP/COFA/MLRO, develop and implement an effective compliance program to ensure adherence to legal and regulatory requirements.
• Stay up to date with changes in laws, regulations, and industry best practices, and assess their impact on the firm.
• Design and deliver training programs to educate employees on compliance policies and procedures.
• Monitor compliance metrics and develop reports to track the effectiveness of the compliance program.
  

Regulatory Compliance

• Conduct regular reviews of the firm’s activities to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations, including SRA Standards and Regulations, anti-money laundering (AML), data privacy, and other relevant regulations.
• Monitor changes in laws and regulations, assess their impact on the firm, and recommend necessary actions to maintain compliance.
• Develop and maintain policies and procedures to address regulatory requirements and promote a culture of compliance.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure compliance with professional ethics and standards.

Internal Audits and Investigations

• Conduct periodic internal audits to assess compliance with policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify potential compliance issues and irregularities and initiate appropriate investigations.
• Document audit findings and recommendations and report them to senior management.
• Develop corrective action plans and monitor their implementation to address identified compliance deficiencies.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation

• Conduct firm-wide risk assessments to identify potential compliance risks and vulnerabilities.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies and controls to minimize the firm’s exposure to legal and regulatory risks.
• Provide guidance to the firm’s lawyers and other members of staff on compliance-related matters and potential risks.
• Stay informed about emerging compliance trends, issues, and best practices to enhance the firm’s risk management efforts.

Claims and complaints

• Assist the COLP to manage any claims and complaints from clients and third parties as to matters of conduct, allegations of negligence etc including any internal investigations into the circumstances giving rise to claims and complaints.
• Report claims and circumstances to insurers.

Insurance

• Help manage the firm’s relationship with its PI insurers.
• Assist the Operations Director with the preparation of renewal forms.

Compliance Reporting and Documentation

• Prepare and submit required compliance reports and returns to regulatory authorities.
• Work with the firm’s auditors on its SRA audit.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, including compliance policies, procedures, and training documentation.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with record-keeping requirements.
• Assist in responding to regulatory inquiries and examinations as necessary.

Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales or a Bachelor’s degree in Law, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Proven experience (4+ years) as a Compliance Manager/professional within a reputable law firm.
• Strong knowledge of legal and regulatory frameworks, including SRA Standards and Regulations, AML, data privacy, and professional ethics.
• Familiarity with relevant laws and regulations in the legal industry (e.g. legal professional rules, legal professional privilege).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret complex legal and regulatory requirements and provide practical guidance to stakeholders.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with the utmost discretion.
  Professional certifications in compliance (e.g., Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional) are a plus.