Deputy COLP

We are looking for a Deputy COLP to join our highly regarded team in Cambridge, Birmingham or Manchester.

The role

This is an exciting opportunity to join a busy and evolving General Counsel team in a new role of Deputy COLP. This is a senior role supporting the General Counsel in overseeing the firm's regulatory compliance framework.  The role combines operational oversight with strategic input, ensuring effective management of regulatory and commercial risk, engagement with the SRA, and providing high-quality advisory support to partners and senior stakeholders.

Why apply?

This is a varied in-house legal role at the heart of a major UK law firm. You will work on issues that are important to the firm's clients, people and reputation, often where the answer is not straightforward and judgement matters as much as technical knowledge. 

You will take a leading role on complex and sensitive matters, shape the firm's approach to regulatory and commercial risk, and work closely with the General Counsel, partners and senior stakeholders. You will join a supportive and collaborative team that values thoughtful challenge, practical solutions and continual improvement. The role would suit an experienced risk and compliance professional who is ready to operate with a high degree of autonomy, influence strategic decision-making and play a key role in the future development of the General Counsel function.

What does the role involve? 

This is a senior, hands-on and strategically important role supporting the General Counsel and COLP in protecting the firm's clients, people and reputation. You will take ownership of a broad portfolio of regulatory, risk and commercial matters, leading on complex and sensitive issues and helping to shape the firm's approach to regulatory compliance and risk management. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, you will provide practical, commercially informed advice to partners and senior stakeholders, while working closely with the General Counsel and colleagues across the firm on matters of greatest significance.

Regulatory Compliance and SRA engagement

• Act as Deputy COLP, supporting the COLP in ensuring the firm and its people comply with relevant legal and regulatory obligations.
• Lead on the interpretation and application of SRA Standards & Regulations, including conflict assessment, providing support and guidance to the firm and its people.
• Oversee and maintain the firm's SRA breach and regulatory management activities register, liaising with the COLP on potentially serious breaches or matters which should be brought to the attention of the SRA.

Advisory

• Provide expert legal, regulatory and risk advice to partners, senior management and staff
• Provide guidance and support with identifying and resolving complex conflicts issues.

Commercial and Contractual Support

• With the support of one of the risk and compliance solicitors, support the General Counsel in managing the firm's client engagement terms, ensuring they remain up to date, clear and accessible and provide appropriate protections for the firm.
• Assist in the review and approval of supplier and third-party terms.

Strategic Contribution

• Support the General Counsel and COLP in developing the firm's regulatory strategy
• Contribute to reporting to senior management and governance committees

Team contribution and development 

• Provide visible leadership across the team, contributing to its strategic direction, fostering a collaborative and supportive culture, and driving continual improvement in how the function supports the firm.
• Oversee the effective allocation and delegation of work within the areas for which you are responsible, providing clear direction, constructive feedback and support for colleagues' professional development.

In addition to these core responsibilities, you will be involved in a broader range of work across the General Counsel function. As the team continues to grow and evolve, this offers the opportunity to develop breadth of experience and to play a meaningful role in shaping the direction of the function.

The person

We are looking for an experienced regulatory risk and compliance professional with strong knowledge of the SRA regulatory framework and broad experience gained within an SRA-regulated organisation, law firm or professional services environment. You will be expected to exercise sound judgement and provide practical, proportionate advice that takes account of both regulatory requirements and the firm's commercial objectives. You will have the credibility and confidence to advise and influence partners and senior stakeholders, and to provide appropriate independent challenge where required. A strategic mindset is important, alongside the ability to operate hands on and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

You will also be visible and accessible to colleagues, communicating complex issues clearly and combining technical confidence with empathy, discretion and a practical understanding of the demands of a busy law firm.

This is a busy and challenging role and, to be successful, your background is likely to include:

• significant experience in senior risk, compliance or regulatory roles, ideally including substantial experience of SRA regulation.
• experience of analysing complex legal, regulatory or factual issues and giving clear, practical advice;
• a strong track record in building trusted relationships and influencing partners, senior stakeholders and colleagues at all levels. 
• Excellent knowledge of the SRA regulatory framework.

For more information and detail about this role, please see the attached job description.

Pre employment screening

If we offer you a role, we will conduct comprehensive pre-employment screening. This screening will include, but is not limited to, a basic DBS, verification of your right to work, a three year employment history and a self-declaration to assess your character and suitability for the role. Full details of our pre-screening employment process are available upon request.

Use of AI during the recruitment process

Technology is changing rapidly and we are all increasingly using AI software in our day to day lives, as well as using it to support our learning and professional development.

Here at Mills & Reeve, we embrace the use of technology and AI and we recognise that candidates may use AI tools to support their applications. As a regulated industry, we expect candidates to use such tools responsibly, honestly and in a manner that allows us to make a fair and accurate assessment of their individual skills, experience and suitability for the role.

Please ensure you have thoroughly read the document attached below to understand what we deem acceptable uses of AI.