Risk Lawyer

CMS are recruiting for an experienced Risk Lawyer to join our Risk and Compliance team in London. 

About us

CMS is a Future Facing firm with more than 70 offices in over 40 countries and 5,000+ lawyers worldwide. We combine deep local market understanding with a global perspective. We are passionate about building strong relationships with our clients, our people, and the communities we work in.

We take a bold, dynamic, and agile approach to ensure our clients are able to face the future with confidence. We are driven by technology and readily embrace the possibilities it opens up for developing new and better ways of working.  Our aim is to inspire, impact and support our clients and our people, helping them to maximize their potential and thrive.

About the Role

In this role, you can expect to get involved in a variety of work including: 

This role is a great opportunity for the right candidate to make a real contribution towards the shape and vision of this forward-thinking Department. 

The role supports the Head of Risk/Senior Risk Manager in identifying and managing the firm’s regulatory, compliance and professional risks.
•    Responding to a wide range of compliance queries raised by fee earners and business support departments (“internal clients”)
•    Respond to general risk queries on the interpretation and application of the SRA Code of Conduct 
•    Providing support to internal clients on general compliance matters such as share dealing, confidentiality obligations, outside interests, anti-bribery and corruption
•    Assisting with auditor, third party reliance, secondment and supplier documents
•    Advise internal clients on the use of engagement letters and terms of business, including key provisions such as, conflict wavier language, confidentiality, limitation of liability
•    Amending existing policies and procedures or drafting new ones
•    Review and advise on client terms, working closely with the Risk Department’s Contract Lawyer
•    Deliver firm-wide training on compliance and risk issues so that internal clients are kept up to date with the firm's policies and procedures as well as understanding their personal responsibilities
•    Assisting with internal risk assessments, audits and investigations
•    Assisting with data protection issues, such as data breaches and subject access requests
•    Reviewing client file requests in accordance with firm protocol
•    Maintain and improve systems, processes, procedures, policies and team guidance
•    Acting as a point of contact on regulatory risk issues from the wider new business intake teams, including Conflicts, AML and Matter Administration
•    Advise internal clients on any relevant risk and compliance issues associated with the taking on of new business
•    Monitor developments in relevant law, regulation, policy and market practice
•    Assisting the Head of Risk/Senior Risk Manager with various strategic risk projects from time to time and the firm’s General Counsels
•    Building the profile of the Risk Department within CMS UK

About You

We will invest in your ongoing training and development to support your professional goals and help you to thrive in your role from day one.  Our opportunities are open to all suitably qualified applicants, so to be considered for this role you must meet the following skills and experience:

Qualified lawyer – 5 years PQE
•    Experience of working in an international commercial law environment
•    Knowledge of the SRA code of Conduct
•    Contract review experience 
•    Excellent research and analytical experience
•    Discrete and professional as the information will be confidential and sensitive
•    Flexible and able to adapt to new situations, processes and technology. 
•    Proactive, resilient and calm under pressure
•    Ability to handle conflicts and difficult queries with diplomacy and tact
•    Able to demonstrate structured critical thinking skills
•    Sound judgement and analytical skills
•    Clear and efficient communication skills

What's in it for you?

We want to reward you today and help you plan for tomorrow.  We appreciate that everyone is different, therefore we have designed a benefits system that offers choice and flexibility based on individual needs and lifestyles.  To name just a few, these include: 

• Competitive basic salary (reviewed annually)
• Flexible, hybrid working policy
• Generous bonus scheme
• Up to 25 days holiday (rising to 28 days with service)
• Holiday exchange scheme
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced parental leave
• Reasonable adjustments and accommodation for disabled talent in accordance with the Equality Act 2010

If you would like to read more information regarding our range of benefits please visit our Rewards & Benefits page on our website.

Equal Opportunities

At CMS, we place diversity and inclusion at the centre of our culture and at the heart of our organisation.  Not only does it make our firm a more rewarding place to work, but it also creates a stronger, more successful, and sustainable business where everyone feels comfortable and welcome. 

We are a Disability Confident Employer, and we actively encourage applications from people with disabilities, whether visible or invisible.  We are committed to promoting equality of opportunity as well as recruiting, retaining, and developing disabled talent at CMS.  If you have a disability, or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements or adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact Ruth Kavanagh at TalentAcquisition@cms-cmno.com who will be happy to support you. 

Ready to apply?  Here are the next steps.

We look forward to receiving your application via our CMS Careers site.  Please contact our Talent Acquisition team if you have any questions.  

Please note that we have a preferred agency panel in place. Only applications submitted via the portal at the point of instruction will be accepted.