A Day in the Life of an AML Officer, Claire Kelly, Dentons

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.

Meet Claire Kelly, an AML Officer at Dentons, a global law firm. She takes us behind the scenes of her role, showing what it’s really like to keep a global firm compliant and running smoothly.

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 story is the same as many people in the Compliance field, I “fell” into it. I was a young and naive 18-year-old, just finished sixth form and had decided university wasn’t my path. I applied for a job at a top law firm in the Finance department (knowing nothing about that either) and the Compliance Manager asked if she could join the interview. I remember as it was yesterday, having no experience I was asked questions such as my favourite book that I studied in English A Level. After the interview, the Compliance Manager said that she would be interested in interviewing me for the Compliance Administrator position as she wanted to take the chance on me. The rest is history! From then, I learnt about the Compliance industry and discovered that it is something I am interested in and haven’t looked back since. 

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?

Every role I’ve had along the way has contributed to where I am now. I have worked at various law firms across different practices, which gave me a diverse and well-rounded understanding of the industry. Each position taught me something new - whether it was how different firms approach risk and compliance, or how to navigate the unique challenges of each practice area. I’ve been fortunate to gain valuable insights from colleagues along the way, which has helped me expand my perspective and refine my skills. This variety of experience not only broadened my knowledge but also gave me the confidence to take on new challenges, like making the leap to the Middle East.

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 involves a dynamic mix of responsibilities that keep me engaged and on my toes. I’m usually working on customer due diligence - making sure we have the right documents and information on file. I spend a lot of time communicating with clients, either over email or on calls, to chase up anything that’s missing or needs clarifying. I also attend regional events focused on emerging trends and regulatory updates, staying ahead of industry changes and best practices. Additionally, I conduct training sessions for team members to share knowledge and foster continuous development. Each day brings something new, whether it's learning, collaborating, or tackling challenges with the team, no day is the same. 

If someone shadowed you for a day, what do you think would surprise them the most?

What might surprise someone is how much our team communicates - often about the most random topics! Despite being the only team member based in Dubai and one of just two in the Middle East, I’m fortunate that we’ve built a strong virtual connection. It’s impressive how close we’ve become as a team, especially considering we only meet in person once a year!

What are the most rewarding aspects of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is definitely the appreciation and recognition for what I do. It’s so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day, especially when there’s pressure to get things done quickly, but a simple thank you really goes a long way and makes all the effort feel worth it.

What are the biggest challenges you face in your job?

The fast pace of the Middle East - if you think London moves quickly, the Middle East moves ten times faster! I was warned about the high demand, but I didn’t fully grasp how different it would be until I experienced it firsthand. That said, you do get used to it pretty quickly. 

What are the most valuable lessons you’ve learned while working in law firm risk and compliance?

The most valuable lesson would have to be to always trust your instincts. If you feel like there is more to the story - whether it’s the client or the transaction - you are usually right! You might feel like you’re bothering the client but don’t hesitate to ask additional questions if needed; the risk of missing something is far greater than sending a few extra emails. Clients are generally happy to provide any additional information, and once you have the full picture, things tend to fall into place.

What skills and attributes do you think are needed to excel in a law firm risk and compliance career?

One of the key skills is having a good eye for detail. You need to be thorough to ensure everything lines up with regulatory requirements and firm policies, while also making sure nothing important is missed. Strong communication is just as important, as you're often liaising with lawyers or clients - it's crucial to be clear and concise, especially when time is tight, and delays can cause knock-on effects. I'd also say being adaptable and open to learning is a big part of it. Being willing to pick things up, stay curious, and push through when things get busy has really helped me. The work can feel intense at times, but if you’re enthusiastic and committed, you’ll definitely find your rhythm.

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?

We’re already seeing more scrutiny from regulatory bodies on law firms for not having the right measures in place, and I think that’s only going to increase over time. Law firms are also having to adapt to new technologies like AI, which brings a whole new set of risks. For example, AI can be used to hide someone's true identity, which makes things like identity verification and due diligence more challenging. As these technologies keep advancing, risk and compliance professionals will need to stay on top of these changes to manage and reduce emerging risks.

 

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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