Junior Compliance Counsel

Role Overview

We are a specialist group litigation firm seeking a Junior Compliance Counsel to support and enhance our Risk & Compliance function. This is a hands-on role suited to a solicitor with around 2 years’ PQE who is looking to develop expertise in legal risk, regulatory compliance, and insurance within a high-volume, claimant-focused environment.

You will work closely with senior management and play a key role in ensuring the firm meets its obligations under the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) framework and other applicable regulatory regimes. Given the nature of group litigation, the role involves managing risk across large claimant cohorts, third-party relationships and insurance structures. You will also contribute to ensuring a robust compliance culture, ensuring that risk management processes are embedded, scalable, and aligned with the firm’s strategic growth.

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory & Compliance

• Acting as a first point of contact for compliance queries across the firm, providing clear, pragmatic advice
• Assisting with complaints handling, root cause analysis, and investigation of potential conduct or regulatory breaches
• Supporting the Risk Director and COLP in assessing and escalating reportable issues, including drafting SRA notifications where required
• Monitoring adherence to SRA Standards and Regulations, including Codes of Conduct and Accounts Rules
• Supporting regulatory audits, internal investigations, and thematic reviews

Risk Management

• Maintaining the firm’s risk management framework, including risk registers and control matrices
• Support the Risk Director identifying, assessing, and mitigating operational, legal, and reputational risks across the business
• Conducting file reviews and thematic audits (e.g. client care and conflicts)
• Analysing trends arising from audits, complaints, and claims to inform risk mitigation strategies
• Supporting incident management processes, including logging, investigation, and remediation tracking
• Assisting with business continuity planning and operational resilience initiatives

Insurance & Claims

• Assisting with annual PII renewals, including preparation of submission materials, data analysis, and insurer queries
• Liaising with brokers, insurers, and external advisers on coverage, policy terms, and risk profile
• Supporting the identification, assessment, and notification of potential claims and circumstances in line with policy requirements
• Maintaining and updating claims, notifications, and circumstances registers
• Assisting with the management of claims lifecycle, including coordination with external counsel where required
• Reviewing insurance policy wordings (PII, ATE, cyber, D&O where applicable) and identifying coverage gaps or risks
• Analysing claims trends and loss data to inform risk mitigation and underwriting strategy
• Supporting insurance-related aspects of litigation funding structures, including ATE insurance arrangements

Policies & Governance

• Maintaining and updating compliance policies, procedures, and guidance materials
• Assisting with governance reporting to senior management and committees

Skills & Experience

• Qualified solicitor in England & Wales with approximately 2 years’ PQE
• Experience in litigation (ideally claimant or group litigation) and/or compliance/regulatory work
• Strong understanding of the Solicitors Regulation Authority regulatory framework
• Familiarity with risks associated with high-volume claims, funding structures, and client onboarding processes
• Exposure to professional indemnity insurance (PII), claims handling, or insurance renewals is highly desirable
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Confident communicator, able to engage with fee earners, brokers, insurers, and senior stakeholders

Personal Attributes

• Pragmatic and commercially aware
• Proactive and solutions-focused
• Resilient and comfortable working in a high-volume environment
• High level of integrity and sound judgment
• Collaborative and approachable

Why Join Us

At Pogust Goodhead, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing environment where individuals can thrive.

We offer

• 25 days’ annual leave (plus 8 bank holidays)
• Private medical insurance
• Private pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Enhanced parental leave
• Employee assistance programme
• Referral bonus scheme
• Gym discounts and e-bike scheme (via salary sacrifice)
• Season ticket loans

Our Commitment

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of background.

Pre-Employment Screening

Any offer of employment will be subject to appropriate pre-engagement screening, which may include verification of qualifications, right to work, references, and other relevant checks in line with regulatory requirements.