Job Description

The Firm

HFW is a sector-focused global law firm with leading capability across shipping, aerospace, commodities, construction, energy and insurance. We also advise across core legal services including disputes, corporate, finance and regulatory.

We have more than 700 lawyers across 22 offices in Australia, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas. We are dynamic, entrepreneurial and deeply embedded in the industries we serve, combining sector expertise with practical, commercially focused advice for domestic and international clients.

The Role

To provide practice support to our offices on high-risk shipping transactional matters and the related know your client (KYC) requirements for these specifically, and on aspects of risk, regulatory compliance and conflicts more generally.

Key Responsibilities

The role will include but will not be limited to:

To provide practice support to our offices on high-risk shipping transactional matters and the related know your client (KYC) requirements for these specifically, and on aspects of risk, regulatory compliance and conflicts more generally.
Assisting with KYC, AML and sanctions searches on clients (as appropriate) and advising members of the firm to ensure proper identification of the legal client.
Assisting the Risk & Compliance team in general daily tasks.
Assisting in opening new matters and ensuring all matter and client details are correct and the completion of correct matter inception steps are undertaken.
Auditing files to check compliance with firm policy, legal and regulatory requirements as well as being aware of reputational and commercial implications, and providing practical, commercial advice where appropriate.
Assisting the Revenue & Collections team as necessary.
Providing internal training to the team and wider firm on KYC and AML, to embed best practice.
Undertaking research and other projects as needed.
Responding to ad hoc requests as directed by the business

Key Skills & Experience Required

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate excellent administrative skills, as well as the ability to develop strong working relationships with lawyers and business services staff across the firm. It will be essential to gain a rapid understanding of the firm's business in order to support the conflict decisions that need to be made as proactively as possible.

A minimum of 2 years experience in a compliance function at a professional services (ideally, law) firm.
Experience conducting KYC checks.
Understanding of financial documents highly desirable.
Bachelor of Finance, Laws or equivalent degree desirable, with some legal work experience preferred.
Demonstrated ability to work within a framework of regulatory compliance.
The capability, after training if necessary, to identify conflicts and risk within a law firm.
Resilience and the ability to develop and maintain strong internal and external relationships, while working both autonomously and as part of a global team.
Excellent communication skills.
The ability to work in an environment where quality output is paramount while dealing with tight deadlines.
Analytical and organisational skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects.
Strong attention to detail and proven ability to handle confidential information in a professional and discreet manner.
A high level of proficiency in MS Outlook, Word and Excel.

What's on Offer

Flexible working environment
Competitive compensation and benefits
Annual leave and medical insurance coverage
Opportunities for professional development and career growth
A range of wellness programmes, office activities and team-bonding events

Equal Opportunity Employer

HFW is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability or any other protected characteristic. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business needs.