Description:

Position Summary:
To provide assistance to Partners and fee earners related to anti-money laundering (AML) and sanctions issues identified during the new business intake process, exercising sound commercial judgement and communicating effectively. The jobholder also provides support to the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) and the Global Compliance and New Business Operations Director in relation to AML compliance and other areas of risk requiring defensive analytical research and analysis. Key aspects of the role will involve monitoring developments in areas of legislation relevant to professional responsibility, risk and compliance such as AML, sanctions, counter-terrorist financing (CTF) and anti-tax evasion facilitation (ATEF). This role will help to create, develop and manage the OGC's policies and research materials, assisting with training as required, and providing other support as needed.

The position entails both independent decision-making and continuous interaction with the global New Business, AML and Compliance teams that operate nearly 24/7. The role's primary focus will be to resolve potential AML and sanctions issues related to new matters; however, other duties may be assigned as the position progresses and changes accordingly with the growing needs of an expanding department, in a global environment.

General Counsel: New Business
An International Law Firm Based in New York City opens more than 13,000 matters every year, or 1 matter per hour, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Playing a key role in assisting Partners and fee earners to identify potential AML and sanctions issues during new business intake, you will work at the heart of the Firm's operations and as a trusted advisor to our lawyers. Combining both sound commercial judgement and effective communication skills, you will support the OGC in handling all aspects relating to incoming new business for new clients or existing clients.

We are committed to clearing AML, sanctions and conflicts issues on incoming matters to provide expedited approval, and provide excellent client service from offices in London, Manila, New York and Tampa.

Duties and Accountabilities:

Advise the fee earners on AML and sanctions issues in accordance with current regulations. Liaise with the OGC, Global Compliance and New Business Operations Director and other Partners across the firm to clear any complex technical or commercial issues.
Act as a trusted advocate on the importance of compliance with AML legislation and adhering to Firm policy. Explaining the implications for the Firm of non-compliance with the law as necessary.
Conduct detailed research and analysis on clients of the Firm, their beneficial owners and managers, on law firms and other service providers instructed by the Firm to ensure full compliance, on a documented risk basis, with global AML, sanctions, CTF and ATEF rules and regulations to which the Firm is subject.
Provide support in respect of the development and delivery of sanctions, AML, CTF and ATEF training programmes run by the OGC to the fee earners, New Business, AML and Compliance teams.
Act as a role model for the team in supporting junior team member's personal development by mentoring them on a daily basis. This includes acting as an escalation point and guiding them through the whole AML clearance process.
Conduct quality control checks on all junior team members conducting AML tasks.
Provide feedback to the team members to address any knowledge gaps and the Managers for the review process.
Develop detailed understanding of laws and regulations relevant to Conflicts, AML, CTF and ATEF and work with the OGC to provide internal guidance and interpretation of them.
As and when necessary, assist with monitoring compliance with relevant Firm policies and procedures. Provide support in assessing their effectiveness to ensure full compliance and risk-mitigation that may include providing management information to local money laundering reporting officers, the OGC and external regulators. Assist with audits as required.

Qualifications:

Preferred candidate would be Florida barred, active and in good standing.
Minimum of three years experience as a practicing Attorney or Risk professional, ideally in a reasonably sized law firm or bank. AML experience essential.
White collar law or sanctions experience a plus.
Strong academic record and intellectual curiosity, creative thinker.
Experience in training teams.
Strong time management skills, ability to stay calm under pressure when juggling multiple tasks.
Client service focus and team player.
Strong commercial judgment. Proactive, resourceful, takes initiative.

Location and Reporting:

This is a Staff Attorney role (not partner track) is based in Tampa.
This role reports to senior management, the Global Director of Compliance and New Business and the OGC.