Global AML and Sanctions Lawyer

Dentons is designed to be different. We are driven to always be the firm of the future, to challenge the status quo, and to provide holistic business solutions to our clients in new and innovative ways. We are the lightbulb moments. The bold ideas. We are the world's largest global law firm, with 12,000+ people across 80+ countries. Driven by the diverse perspectives of our people, our clients, and our communities, we combine local knowledge with global insight.

About the role

Dentons is currently recruiting a Global AML and Sanctions Lawyer to join their Global AML Team for a fixed term period of 18 months (maternity cover). The role will support  the Global AML and Sanctions Manager and the Global Head of AML and Sanctions Compliance to advise, design and implement effective controls and policies to ensure the Global firm and its staff comply with the Global AML policy, applicable anti-money laundering (AML) laws and regulations, international financial sanctions and professional conduct rules and best practice in relation to new business intake processes.

The role will involve assessing clients and their matters to ensure compliance with applicable legislation and to advise the Firm on financial crime and other risk issues.

Responsibilities

• Keeping up to date with applicable AML laws and regulations globally and advising on how these changes affect the Firm and its processes.
• Advising on the application of international financial sanctions, reviewing and clearing issues and obtaining licenses (where applicable).
• Managing and undertaking applicable financial sanction updates.
• Monitoring political situations and keeping up to date with current affairs.
• Handling all types of client due diligence checks, client care and general risk issues with minimal supervision.
• Handling complex matter opening issues taking into account local legal requirements (as applicable).
• Reviewing and drafting documents including engagement letters, client engagement terms, supplier contracts and NDAs.
• Assisting with the review and approval of all new matters and clients.
• Assisting with AML and sanctions audits.
• Advising on complex inter-office working arrangements.
• Drafting, maintaining and implementing Global AML and sanctions policies, procedures and best practice guidance notes.
• Providing a 'concierge' service to partners by liaising with clients directly on AML issues, either in person, on the phone or in writing.
• Assisting with AML investigations and reporting AML reporting (as applicable).
• Develop internal AML awareness and establish effective training programmes including delivering AML and sanctions training.
• Assisting on tasks and projects supporting the Global Head of AML and Sanctions Compliance.

Requirements

Technical skills

• Qualified and admitted solicitor/ lawyer, preferably with in-house experience or compliance/risk experience working in a law firm or a professional services environment.
• Experience in drafting a range of legal documents.
• A good knowledge of relevant compliance rules and regulations, including (but not limited to) confidentiality, anti-bribery and corruption, money laundering, UN/UK/US/EU sanctions, and other international laws and regulations.
• Highly effective research skills including experience using due diligence software.
• Able to assemble research and produce clear, accurate findings.
• Able to analyse issues and draw/express conclusions succinctly.
• Able to advise the wider firm on AML and financial crime risk issues, clearly and succinctly.

General skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Able to interact at all levels within the firm and is a good team player.
• Able to confidently and clearly explain problems and issues to partners/fee earners and proactively contribute to their resolution.
• Able to use internal precedents and draft emails in plain English.
• An understanding of 3E (or equivalent systems) and the billing processes.
• PC literate with a good working knowledge of MS Office, e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Able to keep all general administration up-to-date and under control.
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills; can clearly explain and present problems and issues to others.
• Able to demonstrate excellent customer facing skills.
• Able to make incisive decisions and remain calm under pressure.
• Able to effectively manage and prioritise tasks where appropriate.
• Able to analyse and recognise the need for improvement to systems and suggest options for improvements to the Global Head of AML and Sanctions Compliance.
• Take an efficient and organised approach to dealing with administration. 
• Able to be an ambassador for Dentons, being professional in outlook and attitude.

The above is intended to describe the general content of, and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities or requirements.

Benefits

Remuneration and benefits package will reflect the successful candidates experience and country where hired.