Head of Risk & Compliance

Our client is a major law firm looking for a senior level consultant to act as Head of Risk & Compliance. This role has the potential to subsequently convert to a permanent role and it is onsite 3 days a week at our client's office either in Midtown Manhattan, New Haven, or Greenwich.Primary ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership: Direct the US-based risk and compliance function, aligning regional strategies with global standards and overseeing the performance of a dedicated departmental team.Operational Governance: Manage the full lifecycle of new business intake (NBI), including complex conflicts resolution, ethical screens, and the negotiation of engagement terms or waivers.Regulatory & Policy Oversight: Lead "horizon scanning" to identify emerging legal trends, drafting and updating internal policies to ensure the firm remains compliant with state and federal legislation.Financial & Professional Integrity: Coordinate with AML, Sanctions, and Professional Indemnity managers to mitigate financial crime risks and support the management of professional liability claims.Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as a key advisor to executive leadership (Finance, HR, and Counsel) on sensitive regulatory matters, professional ethics, and high-risk decision-making.Risk Mitigation for Growth: Provide structured risk assessments for major firm initiatives, such as lateral partner hiring, new office launches, and high-stakes client matters.Training & Quality Assurance: Design and deliver comprehensive training programs for attorneys and staff regarding confidentiality, information handling, and ethical obligations.Data & Reporting: Maintain critical risk registers and deliver high-level reporting to the Partnership Board, ensuring transparency on departmental performance and risk exposure.