A bit about us. This video from 2021 marks three decades of Ledingham Chalmers and explores our heritage, culture and what happens next, including our ambitious growth plans.
A central part of our approach is our core values, which guide how we work with each other, and our clients. And now we're looking for a colleague who'll champion those values and support our teams as they deliver what we know is a valuable service to our clients.
The role
The risk and compliance manager will report into the managing partner. Chances are you'll be based in Aberdeen, but we would welcome applications from across Scotland from those able to travel to the north east regularly.
If successful, you'll be responsible for managing the firm’s risk and compliance on a day-to-day basis — whether that relates to the Law Society of Scotland standards and regulations, anti-money laundering (AML) rules, data protection, or health and safety legislation.
That will include advising colleagues of changes to regulatory and legal duties. You'll help oversee all of the firm’s internal policies and procedures — working with the relevant central and legal teams to ensure these are fit for purpose from a regulatory perspective.
Initially you'll be responsible for line-managing one person, and ensuring work is delivered in the most effective way at an appropriate level.
You will have input into the annual budget planning process and be responsible for identifying, seeking approval for, and recruiting additional resource as appropriate
First year priority
A priority area in the first year would be to ensure our compliance with AML legislation. In so doing, you will work closely with our AML group (comprising partners across the firm), as well as our MLRO (Lynne Stewart) and MLCO (Jennifer Young).
Responsibilities will include —
Development and monitoring of AML policies and procedures, working with our AML group
Development and management of regular training to staff on AML requirements
Responding to day-to-day AML queries on client onboarding, CDD checks and source of funds
Attending Law Society of Scotland training with a view to taking on the role of the firm’s MLRO
Providing reports to the MLCO on AML activities and outcomes
Preparing reports to all partner quarterly meetings
Identifying, delivering and tracking improvements of AML policies and procedures
Researching and reporting (with recommendations) on adoption of new technology
Working with and supporting the cashroom partner (Nicola Reid) on production of accounts certificates
Working with and supporting the MLRO on the production of AML certificates
Being the firm’s main point of contact for handling Law Society of Scotland AML audits
Working with other teams such as finance and IT to manage, maintain, and update our client and matter opening process and procedures, as necessary
Investigating and reporting on any compliance issues and maintaining records within the MLRO book
Other responsibilities include —
Carrying out internal file reviews
Maintaining a system of partner to partner file reviews required for insurance purposes
Investigating and reporting on any compliance issues
Developing and implementing systems for monitoring and maintaining GDPR compliance and promoting best practice
In conjunction with our IT team, carrying out risk assessments and developing and implementing systems for monitoring, maintaining and reporting on cyber security
Reviewing and managing updates to the firm’s business interruption policy
The skills you'll bring to the role
You will have a passion for managing, developing and monitoring processes, helping drive change and winning “hearts and minds” through a positive user experience.
You’ll also have experience of working in or managing a compliance team, but that needn’t have been in a legal firm. Knowledge of relevant anti-money laundering (AML) legislation and guidance is essential.
Key competencies include being able to demonstrate —
Excellent attention to detail
Ability to prioritise a busy workload
Strong organisational, administrative and IT skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Obvious pride in the presentation of your work
Friendly, professional, and polite approach
It would be an advantage, but not necessary if you have —
Compliance testing/monitoring experience
A legal, financial, or professional services background
Knowledge of the legal sector and specific Law Society of Scotland standards and regulations (or similar professional standards)
Why Ledingham Chalmers?
There are excellent prospects at Ledingham Chalmers for personal development, training, and progression in a supportive environment.
Importantly too, this post comes with an attractive remuneration and holiday package as well as other bonuses, subject to qualifying conditions, and an additional day off on top of holiday entitlement for your birthday. This role is suitable for hybrid working.
Joining our team is a great opportunity to work alongside experienced and friendly professionals and become a valuable member of a thriving firm. Our growth plans depend on having the right team in place, and your contribution can be instrumental to our success.
But don't take our word for it. When asked why she chose Ledingham Chalmers, senior solicitor Emily Flett-Grant said: “For me, it was the support and the opportunities to progress and deal with a variety of clients and work, particularly at my early stage of my career. Since I joined, I have also had the freedom to shape my own career path and network, which has been really empowering.”
Interested?
Please send your CV with a covering letter to