Office of General Counsel & Risk - AML & Compliance Lawyer

About Dentons

Dentons is the world’s largest law firm. We’re 20,000+ people globally across 80+ countries including USA; Europe; India and Asia. We are a global polycentric firm which is expanding rapidly in an increasingly globalised legal industry.

Dentons now consistently ranks as one of the five best regarded legal brands in the world according to the Acritas Global Elite Law Firm Brand Index.

Position Overview

Dentons is seeking an AML/CTF Lawyer to join our Office of General Counsel & Risk team. Reporting directly to the Legal Risk & Compliance Manager, this role plays a key part in ensuring Dentons remains compliant with Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) regulations. You’ll be part of a close-knit, collaborative team of high-performing professionals.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Lead and support Dentons’ adherence to AML/CTF legal obligations.
• Contribute to the creation, refinement, and execution of Dentons’ AML/CTF compliance framework, aligning it with legal standards and industry benchmarks.
• Establish and maintain procedures for risk evaluation and reporting of suspicious activities in line with AML/CTF protocols.
• Advise on the enhancement of policies and systems for client and matter onboarding, integrating risk assessment tools to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Deliver training and provide strategic guidance on AML/CTF matters to senior leaders and other stakeholders.
• Track the performance of the AML/CTF compliance program and suggest improvements where needed.
• Keep abreast of legislative updates and ensure internal policies reflect current AML/CTF requirements.
• Act as Dentons’ representative in dealings with regulatory authorities on AML/CTF issues.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert for AML/CTF-related initiatives within Dentons.
• Manage and prioritise AML/CTF and Business Intake requests to ensure high-value outcomes are delivered efficiently.
• Support other projects and initiatives within the Office of General Counsel.

About You

To succeed in this role, you’ll bring:

• In-depth knowledge of AML/CTF laws and regulatory frameworks, particularly as they apply to legal and consulting services.
• Hands-on experience in AML/CTF compliance within a law firm, including client due diligence (CDD), know-your-customer (KYC) procedures, risk assessments, and reporting of suspicious matters.
• Proven ability to implement and manage AML/CTF policies, procedures, and business processes in a legal environment.
• Familiarity with Risk & Compliance and Business Intake systems is advantageous but not essential.
• Experience in delivering training and advisory support on AML/CTF and CDD matters to internal stakeholders.
• Demonstrated capability in mentoring and leading teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively across various levels of the organisation.
• Strong organisational abilities and a keen eye for detail.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to risk management.
• Commitment to staying informed about legislative changes and evolving industry standards.
• Sound judgement and prioritisation skills to balance business needs and compliance requirements.
• A current Practising Certificate in private practice, with 2–3 years of relevant legal experience.

Ready to Step Up?

If you’re a collaborative team player looking to take the next step into a leadership role, we encourage you to apply today!

Why Dentons

Dentons Australia offers a wide range of incentives aimed at embracing your authenticity, providing purpose, and strengthening your ongoing development.
 
We offer:

• Equitable salary packaging, incentive pay and rewards
• Salary continuous insurance (for permanent employees or employees on a 6 month or more maximum term contract basis)
• Salary sacrificing and novated leases
• 5 days Bonus Leave per year after 12 months of service
• Additional leave options
• Equal family leave for all genders (including kinship groups)
• Floating public holidays for days of cultural significance
• Exclusive retailer discounts
• Offices designed for collaboration on Gadigal, Naarm, Yuggera, Kaurna and Whadjuk land
• Learning & Development opportunities
• Generous health and wellbeing programs
• Agile and flexible working for all
• Social and diversity networks providing year-round events
• Opportunities to undertake pro-bono legal work

Diversity, Equality & Inclusion

Embedded in our people is a passion to help others through the delivery of justice. It is through this that our commitment to inclusion, equity, and reconciliation has evolved. We are proud to say that by design, we have no single headquarters or dominant national culture, this means the unique perspectives, experiences, and identities of our people come together globally under one purpose to create an inclusive and accessible environment where anyone can thrive.

Please apply online with your CV, Cover Letter, and academic transcripts. If you have questions beforehand, please email our recruitment team at recruitment.au@dentons.com. Enquiries only please, applications will not be accepted by email.

Agency Submissions

Dentons does not accept agency submissions unless the agency is specifically contacted by a member of the Recruitment Team. Please do not forward candidate profiles or resumes to partners, hiring managers or other employees - this will not constitute an introduction to the firm and Dentons will not be liable for a fee.