Purpose - Provide technical, project and administrative support to BA.
- Initiate and analyse/clear conflicts checks for new business with the support of the global team of Analysts, Managers and Lawyers.
- Carry out new client acceptance, new client identification procedures (AML/CDD) and reputational risk checks as required.
- Set up and manage information barriers to protect client confidential information.
- Generally support the systems, processes and procedures in place for the firm's conflict sensitive matters while managing and maintaining the quality of new and existing client and matter data.
Your key responsibilities - The role of the Legal & Risk Department is essential to the firm's compliance with regulatory obligations and its Risk Management policies and procedures.
- Reporting to a Manager in Hong Kong, you will be part of the Legal & Risk Department which has around 70 team members across our global network, including eight in the Hong Kong office. The role primarily focuses on managing the firm's risk with regards to all new business acceptance, including conflicts checks, new client acceptance, anti-money laundering (AML) and reputational risk issues. This is a challenging role that would suit an ambitious candidate looking for ample learning opportunities.
- You will have the opportunity to influence the firm's income by facilitating commercial conflicts management to safeguard client relationships, providing advice to enable the firm to best position itself for strategic work, and reduce the firm's exposure to professional misconduct or loss of reputation.
- The role supports Management in taking responsibility to provide risk support for the firm globally and out of hours' coverage where required. The team has members across the globe, including London, Hong Kong, Warsaw and New York.
With the support of a global team of Senior Analysts and Lawyers:
- initiating and analysing conflicts checks for new business in Intapp OPEN (firm's conflict checking system) and assisting with the resolution of legal and commercial conflicts with relevant stakeholders,
- conducting comprehensive CDD/AML checks on new business - clients, matters, and counterparties where appropriate;
- advising the firm and its lawyers on various queries related to new client acceptance, client identification procedures, AML queries, sanctions and reputational risk;
- checking and clearing submitted new matter forms for completeness and errors/omissions;
- setting up and maintaining information barriers to protect client confidential information;
- advising on the firm's client engagement terms policies, procedures and best practice;
- assisting on various Legal & Risk projects and knowhow.
- work closely with other members of the BA and Legal & Risk Department more broadly;
- liaise with the practice and other Business Teams in relation to gathering information for basic conflict checks;
- escalate any issues within the team or any complaints to BA Management or Senior Advisors/Analysts quickly and effectively to expedite resolution;
- proactively build relationships across the multi-cultural, multi-linguistic team by employing a collaborative approach, sharing skills & knowledge with others;
- maintain a high level of professionalism and customer service to the practice.
Your experience - 1 to 5 years of experience in any of conflicts /compliance /risk /AML /Financial Crime preferred but not essential
- Hard-working with a "Can do" attitude; able to influence and motivate others
- Team oriented and ability to promote good team spirit
- Systematic, well organized and attentive to detail
- Ability to cope under pressure, work on own initiative and prioritise efficiently
- Ability to independently research and analyse, and provide initial solutions for further support
- Good at developing relationships with lawyers, partners and staff at all levels
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Proficiency in written and verbal Chinese (Simplified or Traditional) - any other languages are also valuable
- Strong written and oral communications skills and ability to communicate effectively
- Computer literate and ability to learn new IT systems quickly
Qualifications - Graduate or relevant experience
The Team You will be welcomed into the Legal & Risk team as a valued and trusted member of the group. This function brings together a globally diverse group of professionals dedicated to protecting the firm's legal interests, managing risk, and upholding the highest standards of compliance and governance. In this role, you will work closely with both the local team and the broader Legal & Risk network, receiving strong support and collaborating in a culture that prioritises integrity, diligence, and transparency.
The Legal & Risk team works in partnership with business stakeholders across the firm to provide expert legal advice, manage regulatory requirements, oversee contractual matters, and mitigate potential risks. Our work is vital to maintaining the firm's reputation, safeguarding its operations, and enabling sustainable business decisions. The role offers exposure to a wide range of issues and projects, presenting excellent opportunities for learning, professional growth, and meaningful contribution in a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment.
We are looking forward to welcoming individuals who are principled, analytical, and proactive-those who share our commitment to legal excellence, risk awareness, and collaborative working.
Linklaters Linklaters is a global law firm, providing legal services in 20 countries and through 30 offices.
Linklaters is a people business. Being best in class in the eyes of our clients means that our people must be exceptional.
We look not only for brilliant minds, but for people who will thrive in our environment: people who love working collaboratively and demonstrate the innovative, efficient, agile, entrepreneurial, and responsible mind-set we aim to bring to every interaction.
Ours is an environment of outperformance. We achieve this not with targets and incentives, but by fostering a positive, supportive, fair, and open atmosphere.
We respect and value difference but insist on inclusivity. We celebrate all aspects of diversity and challenge any form of bias. This is vital to our ability to work as one team, with a common goal.
What sets us apart At Linklaters
- We offer a truly global work experience and the opportunity to be involved in strategic projects that drive innovation and shape the future of our business
- We belong to a firm that embodies its corporate social, environment, and governance responsibility commitments
- We remain focused on talent and having the best people which will result in a diverse workforce
- Having got the best people, we want them to feel included, valued and respected so they can perform at their best
- We advocate speak-up culture to empower our people in sharing their voices and an open-door policy to ensure they are listened to
- We invest in custom-fit career paths for our people in line with their talents and aspirations
- We provide agile working solutions to meet the changing needs of our people and our business
- We are committed to people first relationships based on mutual trust, respect, and appreciation
- We support the health and wellbeing of our people, providing a safe space to talk about emotions and mental health with access to expert advice as needed
- We invest in developing leaders of the future who demonstrate emotional intelligence and a passion to discover, coach and develop the talents of others
Technical Skills: This list of duties and responsibilities above is not exhaustive. It is intended to describe the general content of, and requirements for, the performance of this job. As such, the role may also include the undertaking of additional tasks as required.