Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Business Acceptance Unit Analyst specialising in Conflicts to join our Business Acceptance Unit (BAU) team, based in A&O Shearman’s Belfast Office.

BAU team - Belfast

Our Business Acceptance Unit plays an important role in supporting the Firm as it takes on new clients and matters, carrying out the checks and analysis required as part of the business acceptance process. Within the team, you will specialise in conflicts, developing expertise in an important area of legal risk and compliance.

This is a great opportunity for someone with experience in a legal, risk, compliance, financial services, or professional services environment who is keen to build a long-term career in this specialist area. Previous conflicts experience is not essential, as full training will be provided by our experienced team of lawyers, managers, and analysts. The role offers excellent exposure across the Firm globally, giving you the opportunity to build your knowledge of the business while developing specialist conflicts expertise. You will also have the autonomy to take ownership of work through the business acceptance process from beginning to end, applying your judgement and working directly with partners, lawyers and other teams across the Firm.

You will join a supportive and collaborative team with access to high-quality training, ongoing development, and opportunities for career progression, making this an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to invest in their career and build specialist knowledge within a leading global law firm.

What you will do

• Taking ownership of conflict searches, matter inception requests and new client requests submitted through the Business Acceptance System, and proactively managing them through to completion using Intapp workflow technology.
• Analysing information provided by fee-earners to assess conflict search and matter inception requests and new client applications. Referring up-chain as required.
• Applying relevant laws, professional rules, regulations and A&O Shearman policies to a broad range of conflict searches, matter inception requests and work types.
• Conducting searches across internal and external databases to meet the firm's regulatory and compliance requirements, including sanctions, conflicts and anti-money laundering checks.
• Liaising with partners, fee-earners and support teams, including Finance and Business Development, throughout the business acceptance process.
• Exercising sound judgement when reviewing conflict searches and matter inception requests, identifying potential issues and escalating matters appropriately where required.
• Supporting the development and maintenance of internal databases and resources used in the business acceptance and regulatory review processes.
• Maintaining accurate records and undertaking associated administrative responsibilities.
• Demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in undertaking these responsibilities and supporting wider team objectives as required.

What you will have

• Strong attention to detail and well-developed analytical skills.
• The ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Experience working in a legal, risk and compliance, financial services or professional services environment is desirable.
• A keen interest in risk, compliance and conflicts, with a genuine enthusiasm for developing specialist knowledge in this area.
• A proactive attitude and willingness to learn from experienced colleagues while continuously expanding your knowledge and expertise.
• Confidence to take ownership of work, exercise sound judgement and make informed decisions, whilst recognising when guidance is required and when matters should be escalated.
• Flexibility in working hours and a willingness to provide occasional weekend support where business needs require it.

What we can offer you

To learn more about the culture and benefits available at A&O Shearman, please visit: Culture and benefits | A&O Shearman careers

Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any adjustments as required.

We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE - A&O Shearman does not accept unsolicited CVs. For further information, please see our UK Recruitment Agency Policy and our commitment to direct sourcing here.