In their first Paralegal role at a Specialist Law Firm, this candidate largely worked on the client onboarding process, which included opening files and carrying out AML and PEP checks. This was their first real exposure to Risk and Compliance, and it very much piqued their interest in pursuing a career in this sector.

Just before completing their LPC, this candidate took on a full-time Paralegal role, but switched to part-time when they began their studies. This role involved AML, as they were often aiding fee earners and replying to queries in relation to AML in the conveyancing sector. They would also have to proofread and draft contracts, whilst also ensuring they were compliant.

After graduating, this candidate took on a role as a Paralegal at a full-service law firm. They were originally hired as a Trainee Solicitor, but realised this wasn't the career path for them and decided to pursue compliance. They thus began actively applying for legal Risk & Compliance opportunities.

This was when they came upon their current role, an AML & Conflicts Assistant at an International Law Firm, where they aid with the onboarding process through conducting client due diligence checks and running conflict checks. They also have a sound understanding of the SRA Code of Conduct, particularly Rule 6.

Whilst this candidate very much enjoys their current role, their main motivation is career growth and thus they are eager to see what else is out there.

Experience

AML & Conflicts Assistant | International Law Firm | 2023 - Present

Supporting the legal team with KYC client onboarding, anti-money laundering and general regulatory compliance.

Key Achievements: Successfully in charge of conducting AML compliance and risk analysis for the legal team and staying on top of
turnaround targets.

• Undertaking client due diligence on all types of clients such as individuals, companies, and trusts in accordance with the firm's Anti
  Money Laundering policy, AML regulations and Law Society Affinity Guidance (LSAG).
• Completing complex client due diligence on convoluted structures and enhanced due diligence on high-risk clients.
• Producing comprehensive client risk assessments and matter risk assessments for fee earners.
• Utilizing softwares including Experian, WorldCheck, Accuity and Orbis for general screening and corporate structure information.
• Preparing summary analysis reports high-risk third-country clients, politically exposed persons (PEPs) and POCA-related clients to the
  MLRO.
• Updating internal jurisdictional risk guide and sanctioned jurisdictions (reviewing FATF, UK and EU sanction list updates).

Paralegal | Full Service Law Firm | 2023 - 2023

Supporting the execution of buy-side and sell-side real estate transactions and providing administrative & secretarial support to fee
earners.

Key Achievements: Successfully in charge of conducting AML compliance and risk analysis for over 200 files for numerous fee earners.

• Ensuring compliance with the firm's AML requirements including certifying ID and carrying out KYC checks
• Managing residential conveyancing caseloads across the end-to-end lifecycle of the transaction
• Reviewing contract papers and raising enquiring and responding to enquiries, dependant on if acting on behalf of the sale or purchase of a property
• Analyse customer relationships, documentation, activity patterns, and transactions to detect potential suspicious activity
• Conducting client meetings

Paralegal | Property Conveyancing Law Firm | 2022 - 2023

Supporting the execution of buy-side and sell-side real estate transactions and providing administrative & secretarial support to fee
earners.

Key Achievements: Successfully supporting over 100 files at one given time and ensuring transactions were ready to complete for the
completion date.

• Ensuring compliance checks, such as anti-money laundering and know-your-client, are carried out diligently
• Managing residential conveyancing caseloads across the end-to-end lifecycle of the transaction
• Providing support to fee-earners by preparing and drafting key legal documents including: TR1 forms, contracts, statutory
  declarations and reporting on titles
• Proof-reading of contracts and key legal documents to maintain prudence and exercise professional judgement
• Complying with relevant legislative and regulatory standards such as the SRA and CML handbook
• Carrying out key Land Registry searches such as Sim, K17, OS1 and OS2
• Producing write-ups and minutes from key client meetings

Paralegal | Award Winning Firm | 2021 - 2021

Supporting the fee-earners through the equity release process.

Key Achievements: Successfully providing support to senior management throughout key transactions

• Engaging with key software programs to carry out AML compliance checks on all clients.
• Managed clients both in person and on the phone in a professional and friendly manner
• Excellent attention to detail through taking notes and developed professionalism in client meetings whilst also having developed commercial awareness and administrative skills.
• Developed analytical skills through conducting legal research and proof-reading contracts

Education

Legal Practice Course with MSc Business, Law and Management: Distinction

Graduate Diploma in Law: Commendation

Criminology BSc: 1:1