COLP - Compliance Officer For Legal Practice

COLP - Part-Time
Harrogate, North Yorkshire Leading Specialist Law Firm

An exciting opportunity for an experienced Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP) to join a leading specialist law firm based in the beautiful spa town of Harrogate.

Our client is a well-established and highly regarded Yorkshire law firm, recognised for its specialist expertise and outstanding reputation within its field. As the firm continues to develop, it is seeking an experienced COLP to provide strategic oversight of its regulatory and compliance framework.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced compliance professional or senior solicitor looking for a flexible, part-time COLP position within a successful and respected legal practice.

The Role

As COLP, you will take responsibility for overseeing the firm's compliance with the SRA Standards and Regulations, ensuring that appropriate systems, controls and procedures are in place and operating effectively.

Working closely with the firm's senior leadership, you will provide trusted advice and guidance on regulatory matters and play an important role in maintaining the firm's high standards of governance and risk management.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Acting as the firm's Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP) and fulfilling the associated regulatory responsibilities.
• Overseeing compliance with the SRA Standards and Regulations and relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
• Monitoring and reviewing the firm's compliance framework, policies and procedures.
• Providing advice to partners and staff on regulatory, ethical and compliance matters.
• Identifying, assessing and managing compliance and regulatory risks.
• Overseeing appropriate systems for recording, reporting and addressing compliance issues.
• Supporting the firm with SRA compliance, audits, risk management and regulatory reporting.
• Keeping the firm informed of relevant changes to legislation, regulation and professional standards.
• Working alongside the firm's MLRO and other senior stakeholders where appropriate.
• Promoting a strong culture of compliance, professional standards and good governance across the firm.
• Providing practical, commercially focused advice which supports the firm's continued success.

About You

We are looking for an experienced COLP or senior legal professional with significant regulatory and compliance experience.

You will ideally have:

• Previous experience acting as a COLP, or substantial experience in legal regulatory compliance with the ability to undertake the role.
• Strong knowledge of the SRA regulatory framework and the responsibilities of a COLP.
• Excellent understanding of risk, governance and compliance within a law firm environment.
• The confidence and credibility to work directly with partners and senior management.
• A pragmatic and commercially minded approach to compliance.
• Excellent communication, organisational and analytical skills.
• The ability to operate independently and provide sound professional judgement.
• A proactive approach, with the ability to identify potential issues before they become problems.

Flexible, Part-Time Opportunity

The firm is open to considering a part-time appointment, making this an attractive opportunity for an experienced COLP seeking gr