Junior Risk Assistant

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.

Department/Role overview

Working as part of the Risk Assessment & Business Protection Team to discharge the legal obligation of the firm's lawyers (in all 31 offices in which we operate) to carry out financial crime and sanctions risk assessments on their clients and matters. Protecting the firm's lawyers from sanctions and penalties from crime enforcement agencies and regulators for failure to meet this obligation to a sufficient standard.

Ensuring the firm as a whole meets its anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing ("AML/CTF") obligations (and other associated requirements) worldwide.

Ensuring the firm meets its international regulatory requirements for identifying sanction concerns, politically exposed persons (PEPs) and client related negative press within their existing client base.

Ensuring the firm is protected from a reputational standpoint.

Ensuring regulatory compliance, operational resiliency and adherence to client engagement terms in all aspects of the firm's global procurement processes and supply chain management.

Main responsibilities

• Complete risk assessments for high frequency matters, which includes screening parties for negative news and sanctions concerns.
• Assist with carrying out screening searches and electronic filing of client identification documents.
• Assist with the firm's ongoing monitoring obligations by analysing any matches identified by our ongoing screening software.
• Assist with ad-hoc queries and liaise with Risk Assistant/Manager for guidance as required.
• Assisting with the management of team mailboxes and associated tasks.
• 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

• Educated to higher level ideally with some of the following subjects: Business Management, English, Administration, IT or Modern Studies.
• Strong organisational and research skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Good PC skills.
• Ability to work efficiently, to prioritise and to meet deadlines.

Desirable skills and experience

• Experience in an admin based or similar professional services sector role.
• An interest in business, current affairs or risk management.

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.