What we will offer
We will offer you a place where you can be yourself and where there are no limits on what you can achieve. With us, you can take ownership of your career and have honest conversations throughout. You would join an ambitious firm with a clear strategy for profitable growth where you can get early responsibility and early involvement in growing the business. Here you can expect a competitive and fair reward as well as recognition based on all round performance. This forms part of our internal promise to you, The Deal, between the firm and its employees.
Team Structure
The Business Acceptance team is based in Stephenson Harwood's London, Hong Kong and Singapore offices. The Head of Business Acceptance sits in London, along with the Senior AML and Sanctions Manager, three Senior Compliance Officers and twelve Compliance Officers. The Business Acceptance team which spans Hong Kong and Singapore consists of a Business Acceptance Manager, a Senior Compliance Officer, three Compliance Officers and a Compliance Assistant.
Main Responsibilities
- Process conflict search requests in a timely and co-ordinated manner.
- Analyse conflict search results to identify potential conflicts of interest, offering and facilitating resolution to any conflicts or potential conflicts identified.
- Manage requests for new client and new matter openings.
- Carry out research on new clients, advise on CDD required and assist fee earners in obtaining the information and documentation required for this purpose.
- Assist with the ongoing monitoring of existing clients.
- Implement and maintain information barriers.
- Conduct sanctions screening.
- Provide information and answer queries in relation to business acceptance and other compliance- and risk-related matters of the Firm.
- Work closely with other business support functions, including IT and Accounts.
Most of our roles are hybrid, meaning that colleagues benefit from working in our office and remotely. We are happy to discuss this and other flexible working arrangements with you as part of the application and interview process.
Attributes/Skills Required
- Solid understanding of AML and conflicts rules applicable in all jurisdictions in which the firm operates, gained from at least 3 years of relevant experience in a law firm environment.
- Strong research skills and familiarity with widely used vendors such as Orbis, Accuity and equivalents.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a global team.
- A team-first attitude and a commitment to achieving results in a timely, efficient manner.
- Experience of using Intapp Open and Walls.
- Ability to work under time pressure and prioritise effectively to meet multiple deadlines.
This job description is indicative only and does not represent an exhaustive list of responsibilities. The firm reserves the right to alter or change the responsibilities at any time, in line with the firm's strategy and business needs.
About the Firm
With 8 offices worldwide and with our headquarters based in London, Stephenson Harwood is a law firm where our people are committed to achieving the goals of our clients - listed and private companies, institutions and individuals across the globe. Our mix of expertise and culture results in a combination of deep local insight and the capability to provide a seamless international service.
Our experience encompasses corporate, commercial litigation and arbitration, employment, pensions and private wealth, finance, marine and international trade, and real estate and projects.
We assemble teams of bright thinkers to match our clients' needs and give the right advice from the right person at the right time. Dedicating the highest calibre of legal talent to overcome the most complex issues, we deliver pragmatic, expert advice that is set squarely in the real world.
We understand the power of diversity in delivering that high calibre advice to our clients. We want to attract diverse talent and we particularly encourage applications from underrepresented demographics.
Our values
Individuality
We encourage creativity and develop talent.
Commitment
To be the best and deliver the highest standard.
Teamwork
We work together to build close, long-term relationships
Straight talking
We say what we mean and do what we say.
These values express the personality of the individuals within our firm. They are the behaviours we encourage in our people and the standards which inform our decisions and actions.
Our vision into 2026
To be a successful firm where talented people work together in an entrepreneurial environment, building long term client relationships.
This vision is about who we want to be, as well as who we are. It is as much about our values as about our character – the attributes we want to see from all of our people. That's how we unlock our entrepreneurial spirit, advising our clients with top performing teams.
A key part of the 2026 strategy is to focus on five core sectors: decarbonisation, life sciences, private capital & funds, technology, and transportation & trade. These have been identified as crucial in the drive for accelerated profitable growth.
