Head of Risk Management & Compliance

at  AO Shearman

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• A legal qualification and a strong background in risk management (at least 7 years’ experience) within a law firm or similar professional services environment.
• Demonstrated experience in interpreting and implementing regulatory frameworks and legislation.
• Proven leadership skills with experience in managing and developing teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Fluent in English and French.
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying abreast of the latest developments in risk management and compliance.

DEPARTMENT PURPOSE

At A&O Shearman, we are committed to upholding the highest standards in risk management and regulatory compliance. We have established internal policies and procedures that address key areas such as, for instance, client acceptance, data retention, and cooperation with authorities to mitigate risks and navigate regulatory challenges impacting our operations. These internal risk management policies and procedures must be implemented or updated as the regulatory environment evolves.

ROLE PURPOSE

The Head of Risk will play a pivotal role in ensuring that the firm’s global risk management policies and procedures are effectively implemented and adhered to at the level of the Luxembourg office. The successful candidate will work closely with the global risk teams and local heads of departments to maintain the firm’s reputation for excellence and its commitment to compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Policy Interpretation and Training:

• Serve as the local expert on regulatory frameworks and legislation affecting the firm’s operations, including, among others, AML-CTF, international sanctions regime, GDPR, DAC6 and whistleblowing.
• Interpret and implement existing and new legal requirements, ensuring that all practices are compliant with the latest local standards.
• Implement and monitor procedures for onboarding new clients and the ongoing monitoring of client relationships.
• Assist legal teams in drafting and negotiating client engagement terms.
• Update GDPR registers, ensure data retention compliance, support DAC6 notifications.
• Review supplier agreements and coordinate the assessment of the suitability of new solutions.
• Maintain internal policies, templates, and assessments.
• Responding to queries relating to the implementation of risk management policies, professional conduct and complaints.
• Develop and deliver comprehensive training programs for our lawyers and staff to foster a culture of compliance and risk awareness.

1. Supervisory Duties:

• Oversee the work of one in-house lawyer and three risk and compliance analysts responsible for the client file opening procedures.
• Ensure that the team operates efficiently and in accordance with internal policies and external regulatory requirements.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and performance evaluations to the team.

1. Strategic Advice and Project Assistance:

• Offer high-level advice to the firm’s management team on risk-related issues, contributing to strategic decision-making. This includes being responsible for the regular update of the firm’s risk register.
• Assist with key strategic projects, providing risk management insights and ensuring that risk considerations are factored into project planning and execution.