Head of Legal Compliance

2 weeks ago

North West England, United Kingdom MERJE Full time £100,000 - £150,000 per year

Head of Legal Compliance (COLP)

Location: North West (Hybrid)

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer

Salary: c.£130,000 + Bonus + Benefits

We are seeking an experienced and strategic
Head of Legal Compliance (COLP)
to join a growing, ambitious law firm. This is a senior appointment, central to maintaining the highest ethical and regulatory standards while the firm continues its growth.

This role goes beyond technical compliance. We are looking for a leader who can integrate regulatory discipline into a collaborative, people-focused culture.

A truly exciting time to join this law firm that is scaling with ambitious growth plans and where they put their people at the heart of their business.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Regulatory Leadership:
    Act as the firm's principal contact with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), managing notifications, audits, and official communications.
  • Risk Strategy:
    Define regulatory risk over a 1–3-year horizon, anticipate changes, and adjust policies proactively.
  • Cultural Integration:
    Promote a sustainable culture of compliance, ethics, and professional conduct throughout the firm.
  • Policy and Oversight:
    Conduct audits, risk assessments, and maintain policies to ensure regulatory adherence and operational clarity.
  • Reporting:
    Prepare high-level compliance reports for the Board, highlighting risks and remediation actions.
  • Judgement and Influence:
    Balance regulatory requirements with commercial objectives, providing practical guidance across the business.

Candidate Profile:

We are looking for a meticulous, confident professional with strategic leadership experience and a strong alignment with a people-focused, values-driven culture.

Essential Requirements:

  • In-depth knowledge of SRA Standards and Regulations, Legal Services Act 2007, and broader compliance frameworks.
  • Minimum of 5 years' experience in a COLP role or equivalent compliance leadership position within a legal environment.
  • Exceptional analytical and communication skills, able to translate complex regulations into clear, actionable advice.
  • Ability to influence senior stakeholders and foster firm-wide accountability.
  • Experience with compliance systems, risk registers, policy documentation, and ISO frameworks (ISO9001, ISO27001, etc.).
  • Must be a registered lawyer of England and Wales, a Registered European Lawyer, or registered with the Bar Standards Board.
  • Qualified ISO Internal Auditor or demonstrable experience with ISO auditing principles.

Why Join?

  • Work in a firm where compliance is seen as a strategic advantage.
  • Join a values-driven, human-centric culture with a focus on professional growth and employee wellbeing.
  • Shape and embed compliance strategy in an ambitious, expanding environment.
  • Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits reflecting the seniority of the role.

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