Compliance Officer

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Compliance Officer to join our growing law firm. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring that the firm operates in compliance with all applicable regulations, professional standards, and internal policies in both the United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates jurisdictions.

This role requires a strong understanding of legal regulatory frameworks, including the SRA Standards and Regulations (UK), Law Society compliance requirements, AML/CFT obligations, and local UAE regulations, particularly those issued by the Ministry of Justice and relevant free zone authorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure ongoing compliance with SRA Standards and Regulations, Law Society guidance, and UAE legal practice regulations.
• Monitor changes in relevant legislation and advise the firm on required policy updates or procedural changes.
• Draft, review, and implement compliance policies and procedures across all offices.
• Conduct risk assessments for clients, matters, and jurisdictions, including KYC/AML checks and enhanced due diligence where necessary.
• Investigate and report suspicious activities in line with local and international AML laws.
• Deliver compliance training to fee earners and support staff to ensure understanding of professional obligations and regulatory changes.
• Provide guidance and support to teams on compliance best practices.
• Maintain and oversee regular internal audits to ensure adherence to compliance controls and risk frameworks.
• Prepare compliance reports for management and regulatory bodies as required.
• Oversee GDPR compliance (UK) and applicable data protection regulations in the UAE.
• Ensure secure handling of client data and manage data breach reporting processes.
• Prepare reports for the Board/Managing Partners and assist during external audits or inspections.

Key Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in a compliance, risk, or regulatory role within a law firm or professional services environment.
• Strong understanding of:
• UK legal regulatory framework (SRA, Law Society, GDPR, AML regulations).
• UAE regulatory environment for legal practice, including DIFC/ADGM frameworks (advantageous).
• Excellent knowledge of AML/CTF best practices and risk management.
• Exceptional attention to detail with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and training skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage priorities across multiple jurisdictions.

What’s in it for you:

This opportunity is unrivalled by any other law firm:

• Small team in lovely city centre offices
• Early access to good quality work and clients
• Exposure to marketing and business development
• Exposure to various legal disciplines –you won’t be pigeon holed into one area of law!
• You won’t be competing with hundreds of others for progression within the firm
• The more successful our small firm becomes, the more opportunities there will be for you
• No glass ceilings - the role will become what you make it

The Firm:

Monarch Solicitors are an award winning commercial law firm.

Our ethos is to provide a very personal approach in how we deal with each case and focus on results for the client.

For more information about our firm please visit our website: www.monarchsolicitors.com

Applications: Apply now with a CV and cover letter for an immediate interview.

Salary: Dependent Upon Experience

STRICTLY NO AGENCIES – NO CALLS FROM AGENCIES WILL BE ACCPETED.

Job Type: Full-time