The posting
Company Description
Who we are
We are one of the largest international law firms in the world. With over 30 offices across the globe, we strive to exceed the expectations of our clients, providing them with the highest-quality advice and legal insight, which combines the firm’s global standards with in-depth local expertise.
Our firm, work and people span jurisdictions, cultures, and languages. We offer our clients a truly international perspective. We believe every career should be rewarding and stimulating – full of opportunities to learn, thrive, and grow. That’s why we’re so proud of our inclusive, friendly, and team-based approach to work.
Our one firm global strategy is focused on targeted growth led by the needs of our core clients, those who we can best support with the breadth and depth of Clifford Chance expertise, across the sectors and geographies, which matter most to them.
You’ll find our clients in commercial and industrial sectors, the financial investor community, governments, regulators, trade bodies, and not-for-profit organisations. But no matter who they are or why they’ve reached out to us, we provide a world-class service every step of the way. And that’s possible thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit and conscientious approach to work that you’ll find across all of our teams.
Whichever area of the business you join, you’ll become an integral part an innovative, diverse and ambitious team of people. Clifford Chance is a place where the brightest minds and the best of colleagues meet.
Job Description
The role
The Clearance Centre (Business Intake) is a central part of the firm's risk management function and reports, ultimately, to the firm's General Counsel.
Working in the Clearance Centre, you will be working as part of a team responsible for the intake of all business, including the day-to-day assessment of new and existing clients of the firm across Clifford Chance's global practice, including Europe, the Middle East and Asia, as well as supporting our team in the US.
Your work will involve liaising with both partners and lawyers to ensure that Client Due Diligence is conducted on all new clients in accordance with the firm's policy and any applicable legislation.
This includes completion of an AML risk assessment often in the context of matters which are highly complex transactions. Periodic assessments of high-risk clients must also be conducted.
You will also work with senior members of the Clearance Centre, including General Counsel and/or the US General Counsel, where your work requires escalation.
From your first day with us, you will have varied opportunities to continually grow and develop your skills and knowledge. From formal training, informal coaching and mentoring through to skills-based and technical training and on-the-job learning. Examples include the following:
- You will develop a multidisciplinary skill set working with partners, lawyers and business professionals from all the firm's offices and practice areas, many of whom are experts in their field.
- You will have exposure to work that often involves complex, high-value matters that frequently headline in the financial and business press, as well as work involving emerging markets and technologies.
- We will provide the opportunity for you to develop as a recognised practitioner and, ultimately, become an expert in the field.
We use AI applications to streamline routine tasks, so you can focus on high value work that requires your expertise and judgment.
Key responsibilities
Your primary responsibility will be to advise on whether new and existing clients can be accepted and retained by the firm. You will take into account legal / regulatory requirements, internal policies and strategies, as well as reputational and commercial implications.
The role includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Assessing the risk profile of new and existing clients.
- Determining the nature and level of client due diligence required for anti-money laundering compliance purposes.
- Assessing the overall suitability of a client for the firm, having regard to regulatory, reputational and commercial considerations.
- Monitoring existing clients and updating relevant details.
- Supporting ongoing monitoring and remediation programmes, including undertaking periodic reviews and risk reassessments of existing clients and ensuring that client due diligence records remain current and accurate throughout the client lifecycle.
- Determining any applicable conditions upon which clients can be accepted or continued.
- Analysing information contained in the firm's Business Intake systems.
- Dealing with ad hoc questions / queries from Partners and lawyers relating to AML and other related engagement issues.
- Contributing to the continuous improvement of our documentation, processes and systems.
- Reflecting the firm's values and our Code of Conduct.
- Utilising and developing the firm's AI tools in connection with day-to-day and ad hoc tasks to foster innovation and efficiencies.
Qualifications
Your experience
You will have experience in compliance and ideally a working knowledge of applicable AML rules, gained in a leading international law practice. Experience will also include:
- A degree or equivalent qualification
- Proven ability to gather and analyse information, applying a methodical and practical approach to problem-solving.
- Knowledge of applicable anti-money laundering regulations.
- Sound commercial awareness and the ability to resolve issues in a pragmatic manner.
- Strong attention to detail, with the ability to maintain accurate records and apply critical thinking.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively, using initiative to manage a varied workload and competing priorities.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across the firm.
- Ability to adapt quickly to new processes, systems and technologies.
- Commercially minded, with strong operational business acumen and the ability to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
- A positive and adaptable approach, with the ability to embrace challenges and remain calm under pressure.
Additional Information
How we will support you
From your first day with us, you will have varied opportunities to continuously grow and development your skills and knowledge. From formal training, informal coaching and mentoring through to skills-based and technical training and on the job learning.
Hybrid working
This role follows our 'balanced' hybrid working approach and as long as business needs allow, you will be supported to work in a hybrid way in line with the hybrid working policy.
What we offer including our broad range of benefits and working environment
When you join Clifford Chance, you will have access to a broad range of benefits to support you across many aspects of your personal and professional life including financial, wellbeing, lifestyle, and family friendly benefits. For more information on what we offer specifically in the UK, please visit our What We Offer page on our career site.
Equal opportunities
At Clifford Chance, we understand that our true asset is our people. Inclusion is good for our team and their families, our firm and society.
We are committed to treating all employees and applicants fairly and equally regardless of their gender, gender identity and expression, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, social or economic background, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation, or age. This applies to recruitment and selection, terms and conditions of employment including pay, promotion, training, transfer and every other aspect of employment.
We have a variety of flourishing employee networks. These networks are a place for colleagues to share experiences and advocate for change wherever they see an opportunity for improvement.
Our goal is to deliver an equality of opportunity, an equality of aspiration and an equality of experience to everyone who works in our firm.
Find out more about our inclusive culture here.
