When does a law firm need a Head of Business Acceptance?
Identifying the tipping point for UK law firms to hire a dedicated lead for their intake and risk functions.
The Short Answer
You need a Head of Business Acceptance when your Risk and Compliance Manager is spending more time managing people and 'fixing the process' than they are handling actual risk queries. Usually, this happens when a firm reaches roughly 500 staff or begins a period of rapid international expansion.
Signs You Are Overdue
If your onboarding times are creeping up, or if the 'conflicts queue' has become a bottleneck for the firm’s growth, you need a dedicated leader. A Head of Business Acceptance isn't just a senior analyst; they are a strategist who ensures the tech, the people, and the SRA-mandated policies are all pulling in the same direction.
The Merger Trigger
If the firm is planning a merger, hiring a Head of BA is non-negotiable. They will be the one responsible for the 'conflicts dump'—merging two massive databases of clients and matters without causing a massive regulatory breach.
The Bottom Line
Don’t wait for a crisis or an SRA audit to hire a leader. If the engine of new business is stuttering, you need someone at the wheel who focuses solely on the intake lifecycle.
Want to know more?
Guide to building a business acceptance function from a recruitment perspective
Link Down: How should a law firm structure an AML and Conflicts team?
