Why do senior Risk & Compliance candidates reject law firm opportunities?
Understanding common reasons for offer rejections in the senior risk and compliance market.
The Short Answer
Senior candidates usually walk away when they sense a 'lack of teeth' in the role. If the interview process reveals that the partners are resistant to change or that the Risk function is under-resourced, a candidate will quickly realise they are being set up for a battle they cannot win.
Red Flags in the Process
Candidates often reject offers because:
- The Reporting Line is Weak: If they report to someone who doesn't understand risk, they know they won't have the support they need.
- The Process is Too Slow: In a candidate-short market, a slow interview process signals a firm that is indecisive and bogged down in bureaucracy.
- Vague Job Specs: If the firm can't define what success looks like, the candidate assumes the role is a 'firefighting' position with no real strategy.
The Counter-Offer Trap
Because senior talent is so scarce, current employers will move mountains to keep them. If your offer doesn't represent a significant step up in terms of influence or project scope, the candidate is likely to stay put.
The Bottom Line
Rejection is usually about the perceived culture of the firm. If you don't show the candidate that they will be a valued, empowered leader, they won't take the risk of moving.
Want to know more?
Guide to Hiring Senior Risk & Compliance Professionals in UK Law Firms
Why is it so difficult to hire senior Risk & Compliance professionals in law firms?
How do we define what we need in a Head of Risk & Compliance if we don’t have internal expertise?
What makes a senior Risk & Compliance position attractive to candidates?
