Client Inception Assistant

This full time (35hrs a week), Client Inception Assistant role is to work in our London based Client Inception and Library Services Department. Reporting to the head of the team, Daniella King (Client Inception Manager), you will be joining a close-knit group of experts, additionally consisting of a Money Laundering Compliance Officer/Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLCO/MLRO), and Client Inception Officer. 

The Client Inception team open around 100 new client files (on average), per month and support all 15 of our diverse fee-earning practice groups with the following:

• AML and CDD requirements for the onboarding of new clients and matters
• Updating AML and CDD for existing clients and matters
• Advice regarding the use of the CMI (Client Matter Inception) Database
• Managing the Annual Lexcel reassessment process
• •Maintaining a Higher Risk Register
• Managing the firm’s File Review Process
• Maintaining the Practice Manual
• Compliance Training.

As a compliance professional within the team, you will support on number of tasks including: 

• Undertaking Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and other checks for new Matters 
• Support the MLCO and Client Inception Manager to ensure compliance with regulator obligations 
• Attend internal AML and CDD related seminars and presentations 
• Provide training on our internal AML and CDD databases for staff
• Provide cover for the Client Inception Officer when absent.

Notice to agencies: We are recruiting for this role directly at this time 

This a great opportunity for the right person to start their professional career in risk and compliance in the legal sector, as full training will be provided. Consideration will also be made at the appropriate stage whether to fund you to undertake a relevant course with the International Compliance Association, so you can qualify as a compliance professional.

You could have a background in legal administration, or experience in a data entry/office administration related role. You will love structure and process and thrive on using your analytical skills to look into the information on hand and determine if it satisfies the various regulatory checks, or if more 'digging' is required.  The ability to stay focused  on similar tasks day-to-day will also be a useful asset, as well as a passion for providing excellent client care. 

In return, the small but friendly team will be on hand to support your development into a fully trained compliance/AML professional. 

Winckworth Sherwood is an exciting, diverse, and growing business. We are a full-service law firm with a diverse client base, that prides itself on providing advice across a broad range of sectors and markets. Delivering a first-class service is key to everything we do.

Our clients range from some of the UK’s largest businesses and institutions, housebuilders and developers through to investors, professional partnerships, family offices, not for profit organisations and private individuals – all of which benefit from the flexible, practical approach of our lawyers.

We recognise that our people play a key part in our success and as a result we are committed to their development and well-being. We promote a healthy work-life balance and flexibility, keeping our people motivated and stimulated to deliver great things.

Application review

Your profile will be screened by a member of the WS recruitment team. If you CV is shortlisted, you will be invited to have a short call with our Recruitment Manager, Ash Evans, to discuss your interest in the vacancy. No AI is used in our application screening process! Every candidate who applies to this role will be told if they have been successful or not in moving to the next stage.

1st interview (via Teams)

This will be with the Client Inception Manager and Recruitment Manager, who will discuss your interest in the role, what you are looking for professionally, and ask some competency/behavioural questions that relate to the key skills/behaviours needed for this position.

Every candidate who reaches this stage will be offered the chance to have a feedback call with our Recruitment Manager to understand why they weren't progressed to the next interview stage, so that you can use this feedback to help with other job applications.

2nd interview (in person at our London office)

At this stage, you will meet the Client Inception Manager again, as well as our MLCO/MLRO, and the teams Client Inception Officer, to gain additional insight into the role and firm. 

This is also a good opportunity to ask any final role/firm specific questions.

Every candidate who reaches this stage will be offered the chance to have a feedback call with our Recruitment Manager to understand why they weren't offered the position, so that you can use this feedback to help with other job applications.

Offer of employment

If you are successful and accept our offer of employment, we will submit your details to our background screening company (Giant), who will conduct a series of background checks. Once these have been completed and we have separately validated your proof of right to work in the UK, a start date can be agreed, and your onboarding schedule can be planned.