Mars Recruitment is partnering with an established national law firm is seeking an experienced Head of Risk to lead its firmwide risk and compliance function. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this position plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the firm's reputation, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving operational excellence across all practice areas.

This is a strategic and hands-on leadership role suited to a legal risk professional who understands the dynamics of a law firm environment and thrives on developing frameworks that balance regulatory, financial, and operational objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage client complaints and correspondence with external regulators, including the Office of the Legal Services Commissioner (OLSC).

• Oversee lawyer over-claims, conflicts of interest, and previous solicitor checks for new client enquiries.

• Review and update cost agreements and cost disclosures annually; manage client cost queries, itemised bills, and cost negotiations.

• Conduct statute of limitations reviews, generate reports, and collaborate with practice leaders on matter timelines and exposure management.

• Monitor file velocity and assess high-value or litigated matters to ensure compliance and efficiency.

• Provide guidance on general disputes, including employment, M&A, contracts, and other legal or operational matters.

• Oversee trust account compliance, including receipts, payments, takeout schedules, audits, and trust account authorities.

• Maintain firmwide risk registers, incident and near-miss reporting, and monitor emerging risks such as cyber, client, and regulatory developments.

• Ensure compliance with AML/CTF frameworks, sanctions, and other statutory and professional obligations.

• Work collaboratively with partners, practice leaders, and operational teams (Finance, IT, HR) to identify and mitigate firmwide risk.

• Deliver training and promote a culture of compliance and risk awareness across all staff.

• Report regularly to the Managing Director on key risk indicators, compliance progress, and emerging threats.

Key Experience & Skills:

• Qualified lawyer, with extensive experience in law firm risk and compliance, ideally at a national or mid-tier level.

• In-depth understanding of operational, legal, and regulatory risk management within professional services.

• Strong working knowledge of trust account operations, cost agreements, client complaints, and statutory obligations.

• Experience managing relationships with regulators such as the OLSC, ASIC, or AUSTRAC.

• Proven leadership ability to coordinate across legal and operational teams.

• Exceptional analytical, investigative, and reporting skills.

• High professional integrity, sound judgment, and discretion in managing sensitive matters.

• Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to advise senior stakeholders confidently.

• Familiarity with emerging risk areas such as cyber, privacy, and compliance transformation.

This is an opportunity to shape the risk and compliance function within a respected national law firm. You'll work directly with senior leadership to develop and embed frameworks that protect the firm and enhance operational resilience. If you're an experienced legal risk professional ready to take ownership of a pivotal leadership role, this position offers the scope, autonomy, and visibility to make a lasting impact.

Reach out to Abbey at abbey.lynch@marsrecruitment.com.au for more information.