Head of Internal Legal and Risk — Compliance & Governance — Sydney

A well-established independent Australian law firm is seeking a commercially minded Head of Internal Legal & Risk to serve as trusted counsel and advisor to its leadership and management team on risk, governance, regulation and professional obligations. This is an opportunity to step out of private practice without leaving the law behind, or to move from an in-house corporate role into a law firm environment.

The position carries broad ownership across the firm's internal legal and risk functions. You will lead the risk management framework and controls, including business continuity planning, policy audits and legal profession regulatory compliance. You will act as the firm's AML/CTF Compliance Officer, owning governance, processes and KYC guidance, and you will own the conflicts policy and central register while supporting the conflicts committee and delivering training on ethics, confidentiality, conflicts and the responsible use of AI in client work.

Beyond that, you will manage complaints, investigations and professional indemnity notifications — including matters involving regulators — maintain terms of engagement, advise on client and vendor contracts, draft partnership and governance documents, and oversee litigation involving the firm. You will also run the full insurance program and handle governance and company secretariat duties, from rolling policy review and registers to minutes and trust obligations.

The firm offers a genuinely friendly, diverse and collaborative culture, direct access to exceptional leaders and mentors, and a comprehensive benefits program designed to recognise that people value different things.

• Admitted Australian Legal Practitioner holding a current practising certificate
• 8+ years' PQE as a Senior Associate, Special Counsel or current in-house General Counsel, with a commercial, regulatory or risk-focused practice background
• In-house or law firm risk experience viewed favourably
• Solid working knowledge of legal profession regulation, the Privacy Act and the Fair Work Act; AML/CTF experience highly regarded
• Commercial judgement to weigh risk against opportunity and provide practical, pragmatic advice
• Confidence, diplomacy and credibility to advise partners and senior leaders