Senior Compliance & Risk Counsel - International Law Firm

An exciting opportunity has arisen within a leading international law firm in the form of a Senior Compliance & Risk Counsel. The ideal individual will have strong commercial acumen and be able to successfully draft, review and negotiate a range of different commercial contracts.

Key responsibilities:

• Draft and update client engagement letters as well as standard terms of business to ensure alignment with regulatory standards and client expectations.
• Advise on outside counsel guidelines and bespoke client terms, providing clear guidance to internal stakeholders on complex contractual matters.
• Offer legal risk input during client pitches, requests for proposals (RfPs), and panel applications to support strategic business development initiatives.
• Provide expert advice on barrister, expert witness, and local counsel engagement terms to ensure compliance with both internal policies and external regulations.
• Collaborate with the Head of Procurement to review and negotiate supplier contracts, safeguarding the firm's interests while maintaining strong supplier relationships.
• Prepare corporate documents such as member resolutions and intra-group agreements that underpin effective governance across the organisation.
• Draft consultancy agreements that reflect best practice in risk mitigation while supporting the firm's commercial objectives.
• Develop and update firm-wide policies covering anti-bribery, hospitality and gifts, insider dealing, and other key areas of regulatory concern.
• Advise on Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) regulatory requirements, ensuring ongoing compliance with evolving standards.
• Assist with regulatory engagement activities by preparing documentation and supporting responses to external bodies as required.
• Provide guidance on complex conflict issues by analysing scenarios and recommending practical solutions that protect both clients' interests and the firm's reputation.
• Audit files for compliance with regulatory requirements, identifying areas for improvement and supporting continuous enhancement of internal processes.
• Support strategic risk management initiatives led by senior leadership, contributing insights that inform decision-making at the highest level.
• Assist in opening new offices by advising on relevant compliance frameworks and helping establish robust governance structures from day one.

Skills required:

• Qualified lawyer with at least 4 years' post-qualification experience gained ideally within commercial or corporate law settings either in private practice or in-house roles.
• Demonstrated strength in drafting contracts-including commercial agreements-and negotiating terms that balance legal rigour with commercial pragmatism.
• Comprehensive understanding of SRA Code of Conduct alongside familiarity with broader UK regulatory frameworks affecting law firms operating internationally.
• Motivation to deepen expertise in both domestic and cross-border regulatory requirements while remaining responsive to changes in legislation or industry standards.
• Experience handling conflicts of interest or conflict resolution scenarios would be advantageous but is not essential for success in this position.
• Ability to work independently using your own initiative while also thriving as part of a close-knit team dedicated to shared goals.
• Proven track record of building positive relationships with colleagues at all levels through considerate communication skills-both written and verbal-that foster trust and collaboration.
• Resilience under pressure coupled with flexibility in approach; able to adapt quickly when priorities shift or new challenges emerge within fast-evolving environments.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes by balancing competing demands effectively without compromising integrity or service standards.
• Previous experience working within large City or international law firms is highly desirable given the scale and complexity of matters handled.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates