From Analyst to Head of Risk: Mapping a Career in

A career in legal risk and compliance is more than just understanding regulations—it's about influencing firm-wide decisions, managing reputational risk, and becoming a trusted adviser at the highest level. For many professionals starting out as Analysts in a law firm’s risk or compliance team, the journey to becoming Head of Risk might feel like a long one—but with the right experience, mindset, and support, it’s a well-defined and rewarding path.

In this article, we break down what the typical progression looks like, what skills and experience matter at each stage, and how to position yourself for long-term success in the legal sector.

Before we dive into each stage, it’s important to note that law firm risk and compliance teams vary in size and structure. Some firms may have only a few core roles—such as Analyst, Senior Analyst, and Manager—while others, particularly larger or international firms, operate with broader structures that include multiple levels of specialisation and leadership. The path outlined below reflects a typical progression within a well-resourced law firm, though titles and scope may differ slightly from firm to firm.

Starting Point: Assistant or Analyst-Level Roles (0-2 years experience)

Your first role in legal risk and compliance will often be as a Risk & Compliance / AML / Conflicts Assistant, or Risk & Compliance / AML / Conflicts Analyst. Law firms are usually looking for:

Recent graduates, often with a law degree or a related academic background
Candidates with risk and compliance experience from other regulated industries, such as financial services, insurance, or banking

If you’re aiming to break into this career path without direct law firm experience, it’s essential to convey genuine enthusiasm for the legal sector and demonstrate a clear understanding of the importance of compliance and risk functions in a legal setting.

📌 You will be expected to:

Build a solid understanding of key regulations (SRA Code of Conduct, AML legislation, GDPR, etc.)
Show commitment to compliance through relevant certifications or internships
Highlight transferable skills such as attention to detail, discretion, and analytical thinking
Explain your motivation for pursuing a career in legal compliance
Demonstrate that you're motivated and diligent, with a desire to grow in the field

📌 Typical responsibilities include:

Client onboarding and due diligence
Supporting conflict checks and AML/KYC reviews
Data entry, record keeping, and risk monitoring
Learning internal systems and compliance procedures

Your goal at this stage is to build a strong foundation and a reputation for accuracy and dependability.

Mid-Level Roles: Senior Analyst / Senior Advisor (3–5 years experience)

After gaining initial experience, you may progress to a Senior Risk & Compliance Analyst/Advisor, Senior AML Analyst/Advisor, or Senior Conflicts Analyst/Advisor role. These positions mark a shift toward more complex work, limited supervision, and greater visibility within the business.

📌 You will be expected to:

Take ownership of complex conflicts or AML assessments
Provide guidance to junior analysts and support their development
Draft and improve internal policies, guidance documents, and process workflows
Communicate confidently with lawyers and business teams about regulatory issues
Assist with audits, internal investigations, or regulatory reporting as needed

📌 What to focus on at this stage:

Begin developing a specialism (e.g., sanctions, conflicts, financial crime)
Hone your written and verbal communication skills
Stay current with legal regulatory updates and apply them practically
Build your professional presence within the team and across departments

The goal here is to establish yourself as a go-to expert within your team and start laying the groundwork for future leadership.

Mid-Senior Roles: Team Leader or Supervisor (4-6 years experience)

As your experience deepens, depending on the firm structure you may step into a Team Leader or Supervisor role. This is often the first formal leadership position in a risk and compliance team.

📌 You will be expected to:

Supervise junior team members and manage day-to-day workflow
Review and approve work (e.g. conflict searches, CDD reports, risk assessments)
Act as an escalation point for queries from fee earners and support staff
Lead smaller projects or initiatives (e.g. system upgrades, training delivery)
Ensure policies and procedures are followed consistently across the team

📌 What to focus on at this stage:

Develop people management and coaching skills
Build confidence in making decisions independently
Strengthen your understanding of firm-wide risk strategy and how your team supports it
Communicate effectively with both junior team members and senior stakeholders

This role is about becoming a credible team lead—someone who balances technical oversight with strong interpersonal skills.

Management Level: Risk or Compliance Manager (5+ years experience)

With significant experience and proven leadership ability, the next step is a Risk & Compliance Manager, Conflicts Manager, or AML Manager role. These roles typically involve overseeing entire workstreams, managing larger teams, and contributing to firm-wide compliance strategy.

📌 You will be expected to:

Manage risk and compliance operations under your remit across the firm or within a key region
Lead teams of analysts, advisors, and supervisors
Develop and enforce firm policies in collaboration with senior stakeholders
Represent the compliance team in internal meetings, audits, or with regulators
Lead on regulatory change projects, firm-wide initiatives, and training delivery

📌 What to focus on at this stage:

Strategic thinking and commercial awareness
Building relationships with senior leaders and partners
Leading through change and managing competing priorities
Mentoring future leaders within the team

This is a pivotal role that requires you to align operational work with broader firm goals, and to lead with clarity, resilience, and authority.

Leadership Level: Head of Risk / Director of Risk (8–15+ years experience)

At the top of the structure is the Head of Risk, Director of Compliance, or Chief Risk Officer. This role often sits on or reports directly to the executive committee, and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of legal and regulatory risk across the firm.

📌 You will be expected to:

Define and implement the firm’s risk and compliance strategy
Lead multi-disciplinary teams across jurisdictions and specialisms
Advise the board, executive committee, and partners on regulatory matters
Oversee investigations, audits, and major regulatory changes
Represent the firm externally to regulators, clients, and industry bodies

📌 What to focus on at this level:

Cross-functional leadership and influencing at senior levels
Deep knowledge of multi-jurisdictional regulation and reputational risk
Driving innovation and change within the compliance function
Maintaining a balance between commerciality, ethics, and firm values

At this stage, you are the strategic lead and public face of the compliance function—responsible not just for reducing risk, but for shaping the firm’s reputation and integrity.

How to Accelerate Your Progression

Whether you’re just starting out or already on the journey, here are a few ways to keep moving forward:

Seek mentorship: Learn from someone in a role you aspire to.
Work with a recruiter: A specialist like Pembury Legal can help you understand the market, prepare for promotions, and make strategic moves.
Build a personal brand: Get involved in panels, webinars, or industry conversations on LinkedIn.
Stay curious: The regulatory landscape is always changing. The more you know, the more valuable you become.
Be visible: Don’t be afraid to speak up, take ownership of projects, and demonstrate leadership—even before you have the title.

Final Thoughts

Progressing from an entry-level role to Head of Risk in a law firm is absolutely achievable with the right mix of experience, relationships, and personal development. The path is not always linear, and it requires patience, but it is a genuinely impactful and respected career path for professionals who want to make a difference in the legal industry.

At Pembury Legal, we work with professionals at every stage of their risk and compliance careers—from Analysts to Directors. If you’re thinking about your next step or looking for advice on how to reach your goals, we’re here to help.

Get in touch to start mapping out your own path to the top.

Adam Shookhye

Louise Grimes

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