Head of Risk

**Department purpose**
At A&O Shearman, we are committed to upholding the highest standards in risk management and regulatory compliance. We have established internal policies and procedures that address key areas such as, for instance, client acceptance, data retention, and cooperation with authorities to mitigate risks and navigate regulatory challenges impacting our operations. These internal risk management policies and procedures must be implemented or updated as the regulatory environment evolves.

**Role purpose**

**Role and responsibilities**
1. Policy Interpretation and Training:

- Serve as the local expert on regulatory frameworks and legislation affecting the firm's operations, including, among others, AML-CTF, international sanctions regime, GDPR, DAC6 and whistleblowing.
- Interpret and implement existing and new legal requirements, ensuring that all practices are compliant with the latest local standards.
- Implement and monitor procedures for onboarding new clients and the ongoing monitoring of client relationships.
- Assist legal teams in drafting and negotiating client engagement terms.
- Update GDPR registers, ensure data retention compliance, support DAC6 notifications.
- Review supplier agreements and coordinate the assessment of the suitability of new solutions.
- Maintain internal policies, templates, and assessments.
- Responding to queries relating to the implementation of risk management policies, professional conduct and complaints.
- Develop and deliver comprehensive training programs for our lawyers and staff to foster a culture of compliance and risk awareness.

2. Supervisory Duties:

- Oversee the work of one in-house lawyer and three risk and compliance analysts responsible for the client file opening procedures.
- Ensure that the team operates efficiently and in accordance with internal policies and external regulatory requirements.
- Provide guidance, mentorship, and performance evaluations to the team.

3. Advice and Project Assistance:

- Provide advice to the firm's management team on risk-related issues, including updating the firm's risk register regularly.
- Assist with various projects by offering risk management insights and ensuring that risk considerations are included in project planning and execution.

**Key requirements**
- A legal academic background and a strong background in risk management (at least 15 years’ experience) within a law firm or similar professional services environment.
- Demonstrated experience in interpreting and implementing regulatory frameworks and legislation.
- Proven leadership skills with experience in managing and developing teams.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
- Fluent in English and French.
- Commitment to continuous learning and staying abreast of the latest developments in risk management and compliance.

**What we offer**
We offer a competitive remuneration package commensurate with your qualifications and experience, a flexible work environment (60/40), a wide range of training opportunities for continuous development, 100% coverage of public transportation costs, a restaurant with subsidized meals, a fitness room with a wide range of group classes, a concierge service and a health insurance.

A&O Shearman is a new global industry-leading law firm, with nearly 50 offices in 29 countries worldwide. Our fluency in English law, US law, and the laws of the world’s most dynamic markets, enables us to provide unmatched insight and seamless delivery to clients. We work on challenging and important deals and disputes that have the potential to shape the future.

We offer exceptional opportunities for our people; opportunities to work for the world’s leading businesses; to transform the status quo, and to deliver your best work, helping you and your career to thrive, while delivering unparalleled outcomes for our clients.

Whether you're helping clients solve complex challenges, transforming the ways we manage our business, or ensuring the smooth-running of our operations, this is an environment where you can belong and excel.

We provide first-rate training and development, are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and offer support and ways of working that help you optimize your wellbeing. We also actively support the inclusion of neurodiverse individuals, ensuring our workplace is welcoming and accommodating for everyone.

What truly defines a career with us? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. And together, we will redefine success.