Legal Counsel/Senior Adviser - AML/CTF

Location: Sydney, Melbourne 

Contract Type: Permanent 

MinterEllison is one of Australia’s largest law firms, with nearly 200 years of business history.  We're known for our legal and consulting expertise - and for our inclusive and authentic character.

Our purpose is to create sustainable value with our clients, people and communities.  That means we have a proud history of providing excellence to clients, nurturing our people and giving back to the communities in which we live and work.

We value excellence, curiosity and collaboration.  Clients rely on us for our responsive, commercial approach.  Our clients include government departments and agencies, private and publicly listed companies, and small and large businesses in Australia and overseas.  

As a highly valued employee we will also provide you with a wide range of benefits. To view our benefits, please copy this link into your browser www.minterellison.com/-/media//Minter-Ellison/Files/Careers/MinterEllison-Employee-Benefits-2024.ashx

Purpose of the Roles 

 
We have two Legal Counsel/Senior Adviser roles to advise and oversee the firm's compliance with Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CTF) laws. 

 
Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• Manage and support the firm with compliance of its AML/CTF obligations. 

• Design, develop and implement the firm's AML/CTF compliance program, ensuring it meets regulatory requirements and industry best practices. 

• Implement processes and protocols for risk assessment and suspicious matter reporting as per AML/CTF best practices. 

• Provide guidance for the development and implementation of enhanced policies, systems, and procedures for client and matter intake, incorporating necessary risk assessment processes to ensure compliance with AML/CTF regulations. 

• Assist with firm wide training and guidance for the firm's AML/CTF program, including engagement with senior management and key stakeholders. 

• Monitor and report on the effectiveness of the AML/CTF compliance program, making recommendations for improvements as necessary. 

• Stay up-to-date with changes in AML/CTF legislation and ensure the firm's policies and procedures are updated accordingly. 

• Liaise with regulatory bodies and represent the firm in AML/CTF-related matters as needed. 

• Involved as a Subject Matter Expert in the firm's AML/CTF-related program of work. 

• Prioritise and manage the Business Intake and/or AML/ CTF requirements requested to ensure that the most valuable functionalities are being delivered first. 

• Involved in other general counsel projects, initiatives and matters.  

Knowledge, Skills & Experience 

• Strong knowledge and understanding of AML/CTF legislation and regulatory requirements, including the risks associated to services provided by the legal and consulting industries. 

• Strong practical experience in AML/CTF compliance at law firms, including knowledge of CDD/KYC processes, conducting risk assessments, and suspicious matter reporting. 

• Experience in managing and implementing effective AML/CTF business processes, programs and policies in law firms. 

• Experience of Risk & Compliance and Business Intake systems (such as Orbis, Compliance Catalyst, Intapp, etc) preferred but not required. 

• Experience in providing training and guidance on compliance-related issues, including AML/CTF and CDD processes, to key stakeholders. 

• Experience in guiding and mentoring a team. 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. 

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail. 

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and mitigate risks. 

• Ability to stay up-to-date with changes in legislation and industry best practices. 

• Strong decision-making skills to prioritise functionality and make trade-offs based on business value and customer needs. 

• Current private practice Practicing Certificate (for Lawyers only). 

Why MinterEllison

We offer flexible working options to encourage balance, wellbeing and support for sustainable ways of working and a range of social, financial and health benefits, including free gym membership - all with no minimum tenure.

We encourage applications from people of all ages, abilities, cultural backgrounds, genders (including trans or gender diverse), LGBTQ+ people and those with carer responsibilities. We particularly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.

How to apply

We prefer to connect with people directly, so please submit your CV by clicking on the 'Apply' button. We encourage all applications, including if you do not meet the criteria listed for the role. Your application will also enable us to consider you for other opportunities that may be available at MinterEllison.

If you are currently a MinterEllison employee, please apply through the internal careers page.

If you would like further information, require any adjustments throughout the recruitment process or for a confidential discussion, please contact lisa.fleming@minterellison.com.