Compliance Associate - General Counsel & Risk

About us

Norton Rose Fulbright is a global legal practice. We provide the world's pre-eminent corporations and financial institutions with a full business law service. We have more than 4000 lawyers based in over 58 offices across Europe, the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, Australia, Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia.

The role

We are seeking a commercially minded and detail-oriented Compliance Associate to join our Risk & Compliance team on a full-time fixed-term contract (18 months) based in Melbourne. We welcome applications from qualified solicitors as well as experienced conflicts, risk and compliance professionals who have worked within a law firm environment.

Reporting to the Compliance General Counsel, this role sits within our collaborative national Risk & General Counsel team and supports the firm's client and matter intake processes.

You will work closely with partners, lawyers and business services teams across Australia, as well as Compliance colleagues throughout our international network, to help manage conflicts of interest, confidentiality obligations, AML/CTF considerations and broader compliance risks.

You will apply firm policies, professional obligations and sound commercial judgement to support effective risk management and business acceptance decisions.

Responsibilities

• Review and assess new client and matter intake requests, identifying potential conflicts of interest, confidentiality issues, matter risks, disclosure obligations and AML/CTF considerations.
• Advise partners, lawyers and business services teams on conflicts, compliance and business acceptance matters.
• Work collaboratively with Compliance teams across Norton Rose Fulbright's global network to assess and resolve international conflicts and risk issues.
• Support the management and maintenance of information barriers, confidentiality arrangements and related risk controls.
• Assist with third-party payer reviews and related risk assessments.
• Assist with broader compliance matters, including directorships and trusteeships, securities dealing requests, client relationship letters and arbitral appointments.
• Manage and respond to compliance queries relating to new business acceptance.
• Liaise with stakeholders across the firm to gather information, assess risks and facilitate timely decision-making.
• Contribute to compliance initiatives, process improvements and wider Risk & Compliance projects as required.

Requirements

• You may be a qualified solicitor seeking to specialise in risk and compliance, or an experienced Conflicts Analyst, Business Acceptance Analyst, Compliance Advisor or Risk professional with experience in a law firm environment.
• Previous experience assessing conflicts of interest, client and matter acceptance issues, confidentiality obligations and associated business acceptance risks.
• Understanding of AML/CTF obligations, professional conduct requirements and risk management principles.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess complex information, exercise sound commercial judgement and make risk-based recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to engage effectively with partners, lawyers and senior stakeholders.
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Collaborative team player with a proactive and solutions-focused approach.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to work confidently across all levels of the firm.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Joining a high-performing team with strong tenure, you will gain exposure to complex and commercially significant risk and compliance matters while working closely with colleagues across our global network. This role provides the opportunity to play an integral part in safeguarding the firm's professional and regulatory obligations.

Why Norton Rose Fulbright?

Norton Rose Fulbright values diversity and strives to create an inclusive environment. We are proud that Norton Rose Fulbright in Australia has been recognised as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) as well as a gold tier employer for LGBTI Inclusion through the Australian Workplace Equality Index. In 2025 we were re-accredited as a Family Inclusive Workplace and always encourage people to discuss flexible and hybrid work options with us.

We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply.

To apply online click the 'Apply' button below. If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process or if the application portal is inaccessible to you, please don't hesitate to contact Lottie Williams via (+61) 451 028 544 or lottie.williams@nortonrosefulbright.com for a confidential discussion.

If you are trans or gender diverse and would like a confidential discussion before applying, please contact Yvette Borradale (03) 8686 6003 or Scott Baker (02) 9330 8578.

Please be aware in the course of routine work some of our lawyers and teams can be exposed to details of trauma. The firm has controls in place including educational and psychological support. Our talent team can provide further details.