A Day in the Life of a Risk and Best Practice Analyst, Pia-Maria El Boueri, RWK Goodman
Welcome to our blog series – A Day in the Life – where we demystify risk and compliance careers by sharing the insights and experiences of professionals to offer a behind-the-scenes look at their workday.
Navigating a career in risk and compliance can be confusing - a title at one firm may have a very different set of responsibilities than at another. By pulling back the curtain, we hope to shed light on what different professionals in different environments do and the challenges they face, and to show how diverse and rewarding a career in risk and compliance can be.
This piece was written by Pia-Maria El Boueri, a Risk and Best Practice Analyst at RWK Goodman, a Top 100 UK law firm. In this feature, she offers insight into her responsibilities and daily work in risk management.
How did you get into law firm risk and compliance? How did you first find out about this career path? Why did you choose to work in this space?
My journey into law has been far from traditional. I began my legal studies in my home country, Lebanon, where I earned my undergraduate degree in the Civil Law system. After graduating, I moved to the UK in 2020 to pursue a postgraduate degree in International Commercial Law at the University of Bristol. After that, I decided that I wanted to stay in the UK, so I completed the conversion course (PGDL) at BPP University.
Before moving to the UK in 2020, I had only considered pursuing a career in the more traditional areas of law, particularly corporate and commercial law. However, during my LL.M, a module on Information Technology Law shifted my perspective and introduced me to the world of legal risk and compliance. I chose to specialise in this area of law because it is fast-paced and a constantly evolving field. I love how dynamic it is, how much it challenges me, and how each case brings something new. No two days are ever the same!
Tell us about your career journey so far and how it led you to your current role. What were the key roles and experiences that prepared you to get your current position?
When I graduated from university, I was looking to gain experience in a law firm, so I applied for mainly paralegal roles. I had my first job in the UK as a Private Client Paralegal which really helped me have hand on experience of how things work in a UK law firm. I got to familiarise myself with the day-to-day admin for client ID checks, ask all the necessary questions to identify who they are, among other admin tasks so I understood the main points of dealing with clients and what we look for from a compliance perspective.
What does a typical day look like in your role? Tell us about your responsibilities and what you get up to on a day-to-day basis.
A typical day in my role is a mix of planned tasks and unexpected queries, which definitely keeps things interesting! I usually start by reviewing emails in the Risk inbox and picking up any urgent queries that need immediate attention. Some days include pre-scheduled meetings to discuss more complex issues that involve input from various departments.
Throughout the day, I might be providing support on AML or data protection matters, assisting with client onboarding, or handling other compliance-related queries. I also support internal projects to help improve our processes. A big part of my day is spent responding to emails from colleagues across the firm!
If someone shadowed you for a day, what do you think would surprise them the most?
Many people assume that this area of law is limited, but in reality, it covers a wide range of issues that touch nearly every part of the business. They would be surprised by the variety of matters we handle daily. We cover everything from anti-money laundering concerns and data protection issues, to reviewing internal policies, addressing conflict and confidentiality issues, answering day-to-day queries, advising on client onboarding processes, and managing ad-hoc side projects.
What makes the role even more dynamic is the need for constant collaboration across departments, whether with fee earners or business services teams, all while ensuring everything is addressed in a timely manner.
What are the most rewarding aspects of your job?
The most rewarding aspect of my job is being able to facilitate and guide my colleagues, helping them move forward with their matters. It's always a great feeling when I can resolve a hiccup in a transaction by offering advice and support, knowing I have made their work a little easier and the process smoother.
What are the biggest challenges you face in your job?
One of the biggest challenges is that there is no one-size-fits-all answer, and no situation is ever the same. On top of that, it is an ever-evolving and fast-paced environment. It is essential to stay on top of new legislation.
The regulatory landscape is becoming increasingly complex. Over the past 18 months, we have seen a rise in AML fines imposed on law firms, which only reinforces the importance of ensuring everyone in the firm is following internal policies. We are constantly updating these policies to reflect changes in legislation and make sure we are always compliant.
What are the most valuable lessons you’ve learned while working in law firm risk and compliance?
One of the most important lessons I have learned is to never be shy about asking questions or asking for help. Asking questions is not only a way to expand your knowledge, but it is also crucial for solving problems. It helps you understand the issue more clearly and find the best way forward.
What skills and attributes do you think are needed to excel in a law firm risk and compliance career?
Well, it definitely depends on your specific area, but one thing is for sure, communication and teamwork are everything. Risk and compliance is a business support role, so you will constantly be chatting and working with different teams to find the best solutions for the business.
You also need to be practical and organised. Some days you are jumping between completely unrelated tasks, so flexibility is key. A good to-do list (or three!) will be your best friend, especially when juggling time-sensitive matters.
Staying curious is a big one. This field is broad and ever-changing. Ask questions and explore new areas. That is how you build your knowledge and confidence. And of course, keep yourself in the loop—the world of legislation doesn’t sit still, so staying up to date is part of the job!
What are your future plans for your career? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I am really looking forward to completing my Risk and Compliance Accreditation soon, which is exciting!
In the next few years, I hope to go on to complete the SQE and ultimately qualify in Risk and Compliance. Fingers crossed!
How do you think the risk and compliance space will change over the next 10 years? What challenges do you think law firm risk and compliance professionals will face in the future?
The risk and compliance space is evolving rapidly, and I think the next 10 years will bring even more change, especially with the growing use of technology and the expansion of global regulation.
One major shift will likely be the integration of more sophisticated tech tools and automation to manage compliance processes more efficiently. This will help with things like onboarding, due diligence and monitoring, but it also means professionals in this space will need to become more tech-savvy and adaptable to new systems.
We will also see tighter regulation across areas like data protection, AI use and financial crime. Law firms will need to keep pace with the change, and risk and compliance professionals will play a major role in making sure firms remain compliant while still being commercially driven.
The challenge will be balancing all these evolving rules with practical, business-friendly solutions. It won’t just be about following the law; it will be about helping the firm through the change and staying ahead of the curve!
Thank you for taking the time to read this day in the life of a compliance professional!
We hope these pieces can offer useful insights, as there’s a lot to learn from each professional’s perspective, so make sure to explore the rest of the series to gain even more insights.
If you’re curious to learn more - or you just want to chat about your next step in compliance - don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to discuss opportunities, provide support, and help you navigate your journey in compliance.
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