How quickly can law firms hire AML and Conflicts professionals?
Understanding timelines to find and onboard AML and Conflicts talent in the UK market.
The Short Answer
In the current UK market, expect a 3-to-4-month cycle from 'briefing the recruiter' to 'day one'. This includes a 4-week search and interview process, followed by a standard 3-month notice period. For senior roles, this can stretch to 6 months.
The 'Passive Candidate' Factor
The best AML and Conflicts professionals aren't usually on the job boards; they are tucked away at other firms. Reaching them takes time. If you need someone 'yesterday', you might need to look at the interim or contract market to bridge the gap.
Speeding Up the Process
To move faster, have your interview panel ready and your 'offer' package pre-approved. In a competitive market, 'he who hesitates is lost'. If you take two weeks to give feedback after a first interview, the candidate will likely have been snapped up by a more agile competitor.
The Bottom Line
Recruitment is a marathon, not a sprint. Plan ahead, move decisively when you find the right person, and don't underestimate the length of notice periods in the legal sector.
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