Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP)

About the role

A well‑established Sheffield law firm is seeking an experienced legal compliance professional to join its senior leadership team as Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP). This influential position leads the firm’s regulatory compliance, risk and governance agenda, working closely with Directors and senior stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

• Act as the firm’s COLP and maintain an effective regulatory compliance framework.
• Advise the Board and wider firm on SRA requirements, professional standards and regulatory developments.
• Identify, manage and report potential breaches and areas of regulatory risk.
• Review and develop policies, procedures and internal controls.
• Oversee complaints, claims and broader risk‑management matters.
• Support the firm with Lexcel and other relevant accreditations.
• Deliver practical compliance training across the business.
• Work closely with senior stakeholders to promote a positive, commercially focused compliance culture.
• Support wider governance and strategic projects across the firm.

Required profile

• Strong knowledge of the SRA Standards and Regulations.
• Previous experience in a law‑firm compliance, risk or governance role.
• Confidence and experience to hold the COLP appointment.
• Broad exposure to regulatory compliance, complaints, breaches, policies, accreditations and risk management.
• Ability to translate regulatory requirements into clear, practical advice.
• Strong stakeholder‑management skills and confidence to work with senior leaders.
• Qualified solicitor in England & Wales.

What we offer

• A genuinely influential role within the firm’s senior leadership structure.
• Opportunity to shape and develop the firm’s compliance and risk strategy.
• Direct access to the Board and key decision‑makers.
• A broad role with real ownership and visibility.
• Hybrid working arrangement.
• Join an established, supportive and highly regarded Sheffield firm.