AML & Compliance Assistant

An esteemed global law firm is seeking an Anti-Money Laundering and Compliance Assistant to join their London-based Office of General Counsel.

This position offers you the chance to become part of a close-knit team dedicated to upholding the highest standards in anti-money laundering (AML) and compliance across multiple international offices. You will be immersed in a collaborative and supportive environment where your contributions are valued, and your professional development is actively encouraged. The firm’s reputation for technical excellence, sectoral expertise, and client service means you will be surrounded by knowledgeable colleagues who are committed to sharing knowledge and supporting each other’s growth. If you are passionate about compliance, eager to influence global AML processes, and thrive in a role that values both teamwork and individual responsibility, this opportunity provides the perfect platform for you to make a meaningful impact while advancing your career.

What you'll do:

As an Anti-Money Laundering and Compliance Assistant, you will play a pivotal role in safeguarding the integrity of the firm's operations by ensuring rigorous adherence to anti-money laundering regulations. Your day-to-day activities will involve conducting meticulous due diligence on new and existing clients using a variety of research tools while maintaining open lines of communication with legal professionals across departments. You will be responsible for identifying potential risks through comprehensive screenings for politically exposed persons or adverse media coverage. By keeping internal databases up-to-date with accurate information and drafting clear risk assessments, you will help inform key decisions that protect both the firm’s reputation and its clients’ interests. Your ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently—especially during periods of increased demand—will be essential as you support urgent compliance needs. Success in this role requires not only technical proficiency but also a genuine commitment to teamwork; your willingness to share knowledge and collaborate ensures that best practices are consistently applied throughout the organisation.

• Conduct thorough due diligence on clients, counterparties, and third-party payors by performing detailed research and collaborating closely with fee earners, secretaries, and finance professionals.
• Utilise advanced research tools to perform Politically Exposed Person checks, adverse press screenings, and sanctions searches as required by regulatory frameworks.
• Maintain accurate records by updating internal software tools and databases with all relevant information gathered during compliance checks.
• Identify potential red flags or higher risk matters in accordance with established firm policies, ensuring timely escalation to senior team members for further review.
• Summarise research findings clearly and draft comprehensive client risk assessments as well as matter risk assessments that consider AML, sanctions, counter-terrorist financing (CTF), reputational risks, and proliferation financing concerns.
• Perform diligent follow-ups on outstanding AML files while conducting ongoing monitoring of completed files and periodic verification of personal identification documentation as necessary.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues across departments to ensure seamless communication regarding compliance requirements and case progress.
• Support the Global AML & Compliance Senior Manager by responding promptly to urgent requests during occasional weekends or holidays when business needs arise.
• Monitor the team inbox for incoming work requiring immediate action, demonstrating flexibility in managing priorities under time-sensitive conditions.
• Contribute positively to the continuous improvement of global AML processes by sharing insights gained through daily responsibilities.

What you bring:

Your background demonstrates hands-on experience in anti-money laundering or sanctions compliance environments where you have developed robust knowledge of relevant legislation. You bring practical expertise in conducting customer due diligence checks on diverse client profiles—skills honed through previous roles within legal or financial institutions. Your communication style is clear yet considerate; you excel at building rapport with colleagues from various disciplines while maintaining professionalism at all times. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications enables you to handle documentation efficiently while leveraging digital tools for research purposes. You are adept at balancing competing priorities without compromising quality or accuracy—a testament to your organisational skills. Above all else, your discretion ensures sensitive information remains confidential while your cultural sensitivity helps foster an inclusive atmosphere within multinational teams. These qualities equip you not only to meet but exceed expectations as an Anti-Money Laundering and Compliance Assistant.

• A minimum of one year’s experience working within an anti-money laundering or sanctions compliance environment at a global law firm or financial institution is preferred for this position.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current AML legislation and guidance relevant to legal or financial services sectors is highly desirable.
• Proven experience performing customer due diligence checks on both entities and individuals—ideally within a law firm setting—will set you apart.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills enable you to interact effectively with colleagues at all levels across departments.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint supports efficient workflow management.
• Strong research abilities using internet resources, databases, and other investigative tools are essential for success in this role.
• A proven track record of managing multiple priorities simultaneously while adapting professionally to shifting demands is crucial.
• A service-oriented approach combined with excellent relationship-building skills fosters effective collaboration with attorneys, secretaries, peers, and external stakeholders alike.
• Discretion and confidentiality are paramount given the sensitive nature of compliance work; your attention to detail ensures accuracy at every stage.
• Cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity allow you to operate effectively within an international team environment.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates