About Ashurst:

Ashurst is a leading progressive global law firm with a rich history spanning more than 200 years. We are proud of our history and are future-focused, having expanded into new technologies through our NewLaw division, Ashurst Advance, and our consulting arm. Our in-depth understanding of our clients and commitment to providing excellent standards of service have seen us become a trusted adviser to local and global corporates, financial institutions and governments in all areas of commercial law. To find out more please visit www.ashurst.com

In order to comply with regulatory and client requirements, Ashurst will undertake appropriate vetting of staff. When applicants accept a job offer, Ashurst, alongside a specialist provider, will undertake professional verification and background checks. These checks are only undertaken with consent, and in accordance with our legal and regulatory obligations

Reporting to:

Head of Risk Assessment and Business Protection

Hours of work:

Full time, hybrid or full time in the office

Department/Role overview:

Working as part of the Global Risk Assessment & Business Protection Team as an advisor on anti-money laundering obligations applicable to our Luxembourg lawyers. Supporting our Luxembourg lawyers with the discharge of their legal obligation to carry out financial crime and sanctions risk assessments on their clients and matters. Ensuring the firm is protected from a reputational standpoint.

Contributing to strategy planning for the implementation of our policies and procedures in Luxembourg and delivery of a quality service to the wider business.

Designing and providing regular training to our Luxembourg lawyers on the relevant anti money laundering procedures of Ashurst to comply with Luxembourg requirements and how to work with the Compliance team at Ashurst.

The successful applicant will be a London employee but will be seconded to the Ashurst Luxembourg office for an initial period of 6-12 months.

Main responsibilities:

Business as usual:

• Monitoring the Luxembourg legal landscape to ensure an up to date information pertaining to local anti-money laundering legal and regulatory framework are updated in internal procedures.
• Working with Head of RABP to ensure that the AML compliance policies and procedures in our Luxembourg office are adequate to meet local requirements, before sign off by our Luxembourg MLRO & Deputy.
• Delivering training to our Luxembourg lawyers on procedures to comply with the Luxembourg regulatory framework, in particular the RABP team processes that support compliance.
• Completing Risk Assessments - research relevant information sources and international databases to compile the documentation needed to verify the identity of Luxembourg office clients in accordance with local requirements
• Analyse sufficiency of identity documentation in the context of global and Luxembourg policy, local anti-money laundering laws and regulations.
• Accurately record relevant client and matter information in the firm's Risk Assessment Database
• Compose written risk assessment, including technical analysis of money laundering, bribery, reputational and sanctions risks with reference to sectoral and jurisdictional risks and FATF identified risk typologies for Luxembourg.
• Liaise with partners, fee earners (and occasionally external clients) in Luxembourg, setting out the reasons for client identification documentation requests when this information is not publicly available
• Compose detailed escalations to Head of RABP and Head of Financial Crime (where appropriate) (who in turn may include the relevant MLRO), containing relevant risk information and in-depth legal analysis around whether the client/work fits within the firm's risk appetite or any potential obligation to report to crime authorities that may arise.

Ongoing Monitoring and Quality Assurance:

• Perform file reviews and update of relevant Client Due Diligence Documentation in line with the Firm's policy and local Luxembourg requirements.
• Act as 'quality assurance' for the Luxembourg office in relation to the way in which information is passed on by legal team and their clients in response to the Compliance team's requests.

Risk and Control:

• Ensure that all activities and duties are carried out in full compliance with our regulatory requirements and internal policies.

Essential skills and experience:

•  At least 3 years' experience in anti-money laundering in a law firm or financial services institution; preferably has worked as a qualified lawyer
•  Degree qualified in Law preferred
•  Interest in risk management, business ethics and corporate governance, international affair
• Fluency in French and English
• Strong organisational and research skills, attention to detail and ability to work well under pressure
• Ability to work efficiently, to prioritise and to meet deadlines
• Ability to demonstrate good judgement and an inquisitive mind
• Good team spirit: assist others, when necessary, with the resolution of issues in a diplomatic manner
• Flexible, versatile and able to adapt to new situations, processes and technology
• Keen interest in learning about the firm-wide legal practices and the synergies between those and our Luxembourg specific processes and practice
• Analytical ability
• Good attention to detail
• Good PC skills and experience working with Microsoft Word and Excel

Background checks:

In order to comply with regulatory and client requirements, Ashurst will undertake appropriate vetting of staff. When applicants accept a job offer, Ashurst, alongside a specialist provider, will undertake professional verification and background checks. These checks are only undertaken with consent, and in accordance with our legal and regulatory obligations.