AML Advisor

Reed Smith LLP; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent law firm in Leeds seeks an AML Advisor to assist the Senior AML Manager with compliance duties across EMEA. The successful candidate will supervise the AML team, conduct reviews, and ensure adherence to financial crime laws. A degree-level qualification and significant compliance experience in a law firm are essential for this role. This position offers a hybrid working model.

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification required (2:1 or equivalent).
• Law degree or Graduate Diploma in Law (or equivalent from a common-law jurisdiction) preferred.
• Substantial experience in business intake or compliance function in an international law firm is essential.

Responsibilities

• Act as deputy to the Senior AML Manager, providing supervision of the AML team.
• Conduct AML file reviews and report findings.
• Provide AML training, advice, and guidance to the AML team.
• Assist the Senior AML Manager with AML reporting to regulatory bodies.
• Keep up to date with regulatory changes related to AML.

Skills

Expert understanding of AML and financial crime laws applicable in EMEA

Substantial experience in business intake or compliance function

Good understanding of SRA Standards and Regulations

Understanding of data protection laws

Education

Degree-level qualification (2:1 or equivalent)

Law degree or Graduate Diploma in Law

Job description

We are recruiting for an AML Advisor to join our AML team on a hybrid working basis. This individual will act as deputy to the Senior AML Manager and will play a key role in assisting with the management and development of AML processes within Reed Smith. The role is vital in ensuring compliance with AML and financial‑crime laws that apply to our operations in Europe, Middle East and Asia (EMEA). The successful candidate will report to the Senior AML Manager and work closely with internal legal and risk departments, local Money Laundering Reporting Officers, and key compliance personnel across the Reed Smith business.

Responsibilities

• Act as deputy to the Senior AML Manager, providing supervision and oversight of the AML team.
• Conduct AML file reviews and report findings to the Senior AML Manager and local MLROs.
• Oversee enhanced due diligence reviews for high-risk clients/matters and recommend appropriate actions.
• Provide AML training, advice and guidance to the AML team and wider business.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert in AML and financial crime laws applicable to Reed Smith office locations across EMEA.
• Assist the Senior AML Manager and local MLROs with AML and financial‑crime reporting, including suspicious activity and sanctions reporting to regulatory bodies.
• Help review and update key AML policies, procedures, checklists and documents for EMEA, including risk assessments.
• Support internal and external audit requests.
• Keep up to date with regulatory changes related to AML and financial‑crime laws in EMEA.
• Assist with ad-hoc AML and wider compliance projects as required.
• Actively promote an ethical, inclusive, and diverse working environment.

Key Skills, Attributes and Experience

• Degree-level qualification required (2:1 or equivalent).
• Law degree or Graduate Diploma in Law (or equivalent from a common-law jurisdiction) preferred.
• Substantial experience in business intake or compliance function in an international law firm or professional services firm is essential.
• Expert understanding of AML and wider financial crime laws applicable in EMEA.
• Understanding of data protection laws and principles applicable in EMEA.
• Good understanding of SRA Standards and Regulations.

We welcome direct applications either in response to this vacancy or on a speculative basis. Please click the Apply Now button to submit your details and we will be in touch. No search firms or agencies please.

Reed Smith’s success depends heavily on the effective utilisation of qualified people, regardless of race, ancestry, religion, colour, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, veteran’s status, or any characteristic protected by law. As a firm, we adhere to and promote equal employment opportunity for all.