Job Description

Buckles Law is an award-winning firm that provides world-class client experience on a comprehensive range of legal services to both businesses and individuals in the UK and internationally.

We deliver effective and cost-efficient legal solutions from our offices based in Bristol, Cambridge, London, Nottingham, Peterborough, and Stamford with international presence in Paris and Milan.

This is made possible due to our team of highly dedicated, enthusiastic professionals across our locations. We pride ourselves on providing a positive work environment where independent thinking and new ideas are actively encouraged and where every member of the team genuinely can make a difference.

Buckles holds the LawNet Mark of Excellence, is Investor in People Gold accredited, and is a certified B Corporation, reflecting its commitment to excellence, people and responsible business practices.

Head of Compliance

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Head of Compliance to lead and develop our firm’s compliance function. This is a key leadership role, combining strategic oversight with hands-on delivery, ensuring the firm meets its regulatory, legal and professional obligations while supporting continued growth.

This position is full-time permanent with office presence 3-4 days per week, and ideally you will be based in or within a short commute of Peterborough or Cambridge. There will be regular travel for business needs.

What we’re looking for

A confident and credible leader who can combine technical expertise with commercial awareness—ensuring compliance supports the firm’s success rather than hindering it.

The Role

You will be responsible for maintaining a robust compliance framework, providing clear and practical advice to the Board, partners and staff, and ensuring day-to-day compliance activity is delivered consistently and effectively.

You’ll play a central role in promoting a strong culture of compliance, risk awareness and client protection—balancing regulatory rigour with pragmatic, business-focused decision making.

Key Responsibilities

• Regulatory & Governance Oversee compliance with SRA Standards & Regulations, Accounts Rules and wider obligations; support the Board and COFA; act as COLP, MLRO and/or DPO if required.

• AML & Financial Crime Lead AML framework, risk assessments, due diligence processes and firm-wide training.

• Data Protection Manage GDPR compliance, data breach responses and information governance controls.

• Audit & Quality Assurance Deliver a risk-based file audit programme, identify trends and drive continuous improvement.

• Client Care & Conduct Oversee complaints handling, conflicts, professional conduct and client protection priorities.

• Policy & Training Develop policies, deliver training and embed compliance into firm systems and processes.

• Risk Management Maintain risk registers, identify emerging risks and provide clear Board-level reporting.

• Leadership Lead and develop the compliance team, building strong relationships across the firm and promoting best practice.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in compliance, risk or regulatory management within a legal or professional services environment

• Strong working knowledge of SRA Standards & Regulations, SRA Accounts Rules, AML, data protection and professional conduct obligations

• Experience in file auditing, compliance monitoring and breach management

• Track record of advising partners, senior leaders and fee earners on compliance and risk matters

• Ability to produce clear, concise reports for senior management and Board-level audiences

• Experience developing policies, procedures, training programmes and risk-based controls

• Practical understanding of law firm operations, including client onboarding, matter management, supervision, billing and file closure

Desirable:

• Previous experience in a Head of Compliance, Compliance Manager, COLP, MLRO or DPO role

• Experience within an FCA-regulated environment

• Background in a multi-office law firm

• Familiarity with legal technology, case management systems and compliance workflow tools

• Experience managing regulatory visits, external audits or insurer reviews

• Involvement in change initiatives or process improvement projects

• Relevant qualifications in compliance, AML, risk, legal or data protection

Reward and development:

Buckles recognise the success of every employee; working with you to ensure you have what you need to maximise your potential and develop your career.

Alongside a host of development, professionally and personally, we offer some fantastic benefits, which include:

• 30 days annual leave + all UK Bank Holidays.

• An additional day for your birthday each year (or closest working day to your birthday).

• Additional annual leave on Christmas Eve (1 full day) and New Years Eve (half day PM) if these days fall on a contracted working day.

• Private healthcare options for you – via AXA.

• Free healthcare cash back plans for you and your family – funded by Buckles.

• Enhanced pension – 5% matched contribution by Buckles.

• Ability to buy additional holiday – up to 3 days per year.

• Group Life Assurance – 4 x your annual salary.

To apply:

Please submit an up-to-date CV demonstrating your skills and experience that are suitable for this role.

We are an equal opportunity and disability-inclusive employer and value diversity across the firm. We do not discriminate based on age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or parental or caring status.

Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments to be made to the recruitment process. If you would prefer to discuss this confidentially, please email careers@buckles-law.co.uk and add the job title in the subject line of the email.