Conflict & New Client Analyst (12mth FTC)

About Withers

A law firm focused on people, performance, and collaboration.

For the past 130 years, we have supported some of the world’s most remarkable people and organizations at defining moments in their lives.

We are united in our commitment to integrity, quality and collaboration. We have a culture of high performance and deliver excellent service consistently across the firm. We provide tailored solutions built on trust and partner with our clients to achieve their goals.

Many of our clients are shaping the future and creating solutions to tackle many of the world’s problems. It makes for a fascinating and challenging practice.

Our role is to get to know each individual client, find out where they want to be, and help them to get there – whether they are building a business, buying a home or protecting and defending their interests.

To meet their unique needs we are exceptionally collaborative, working together across teams and time zones. And we are agile – focusing on strategy rather than rigid ideas and traditional hierarchy.

Join us to be part of a team that is always looking to the future. Where initiative, big ideas and bold moves are always encouraged. Where you can truly be yourself.

What are we looking for?

The Conflict & New Client Analyst, to be based in London, will be responsible for processing conflict checks using the firm's New Business Intake ('NBI') workflow and ensuring any anti-money laundering and sanctions compliance obligations are attended to. 

Reporting to the Senior Client and Matter Inception Manager in the UK but and working to complement similar support provided by staff in APAC and on the East and West Coasts of the USA, the successful candidate will be responsible for processing conflict checks received via the New Business Intake ('NBI') workflow, processing, dealing with anti-money laundering, anti-bribery and corruption, and sanctions aspects of the Risk & Compliance team function and registering Client Due Diligence information and checking the data populated via the NBI in the Practice Management System ('PMS') which records details of the clients for whom we act and their respective matters. 

Areas of focus and responsibilities:

• Compare the scope of work to be undertaken and the conflict check details and if required, seek additional information.
• To process conflict checks received via the automated NBI process.  Analyze search results and in consultation determine whether the new matter is clear of an ethical or commercial conflict and appropriate for the firm to take on.
• Proactively following up when seeking information in order to resolve potential conflicts.
• Escalating any conflict issues "up chain" to the Senior Client and Matter Inception Manager and/or (where appropriate) to the Regional Heads of Risk & Compliance with clear analysis of the conflict and the conclusions reached so far.
• Maintaining and updating the conflict search database as key information becomes apparent on existing matters.
• Recording all conflict research, communication with Fee Earners and analysis and conclusion of the conflict resolution, for the purposes of compliance and auditing.
• To send conflict search listings and to monitor responses.
• Check client and client associated parties through our online PEP/sanctions screening tool and undertake research on Politically Exposed Persons ('PEP') and high-risk clients in order to create profile packs for management review.
• Process, check and record client due diligence documentation.
• Creation and ongoing management/housekeeping of restricted groups and information barriers.
• Maintenance of various Risk & Compliance records and registers.
• To deal with business acceptance queries (including conflicts and anti-money laundering ID queries)

This list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive. It is intended to describe the general content of, and requirements for the performance of this job, and as such, the role may also include the undertaking of additional tasks as required.

Key skills and experience:

• A minimum of 2-3 years’ experience gained within the legal professional services environment.
• Knowledge of international rules around conflicts of interests.
• Knowledge of international anti-money laundering legislation.
• Degree or other relevant qualifications.
• Highly PC literate - experience using Elite 3E, IntApp Open or similar management systems is desirable.
• Strategic thinker with commercial awareness.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders.
• Strong customer focus
• Service orientated: Recognizing internal and external clients and the importance of service delivery.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team and using own initiative, manage own workload and adapt to changing priorities.
• Adaptable to new systems, procedures and requirements of role.
• Flexible approach: willing to assist others in achieving team objectives.
• Confident dealing with senior management and ensuring service levels are adhered to. Well-disciplined and self-motivated.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Confident and proactive approach.
• Enthusiastic and positive attitude.

The Essentials

• This role is on a fixed term contract basis of 12 months, to cover a period of maternity leave within the team
• 9.30am to 5.30pm but flexibility is a must
• Hybrid working – minimum 2 days per week in the office
• 12 week probation period
• 4 week notice period
• Flexible benefits package including pension, private medical, season ticket loan, subsidised gym memberships, lifestyle discount scheme, on site café plus more.

Information for Recruitment Agencies

Withers endeavours to recruit and fill vacancies directly. However, when we do need to engage with agencies, Withers operates a preferred supplier list and will not be accepting unsolicited applications from non-PSL agencies for this role.

Equal Opportunities Employment Statement

It is the policy of Withers to provide equal opportunities for all employees in relation to recruitment, training and promotion.  Decisions in these areas will be made only by reference to the requirements of the job and shall not be influenced by any consideration of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic and national origin), religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.