6 CQS courses

In an ever-evolving legal landscape, being a firm outside of the mandatory AML scope doesn't mean being out of the compliance conversation.  This course is your guide to proactively managing risks, staying compliant, and ensuring your firm's resilience. Don't miss this opportunity to navigate the unique challenges faced by out-of-scope AML law firms. The course will cover: * AML regulations * Why are some firms (or departments) in or out of scope? * MLROs * AML basics * CDD (ID elements) * Responsibility of doing CDD * Source of Funds / Source of Wealth * Ongoing monitoring * Reporting to the MLRO TARGET AUDIENCE The online course is suitable for staff of all levels, from support staff to senior partners of firms outside of the regulated sector.  RESOURCES Comprehensive and up to date course notes will be provided to all delegates which may be useful for ongoing reference or cascade training. Please note a recording of the course will not be made available. SPEAKER HELEN TORRESI, CONSULTANT, DG LEGAL [https://dglegal.co.uk/the-team/helen-torresi/] Helen is a qualified solicitor with a diverse professional background spanning leadership roles in both the legal and tech/corporate sectors. Throughout her career, she has held key positions such as COLP, HOLP, MLCO, MLRO and DPO for law firms and various regulated businesses and services. Helen’s specialised areas encompass AML, complaint and firm negligence handling, DPA compliance, file review and auditing, law management, and operational effectiveness in law firms, particularly in conveyancing (CQS).

Are you doing sanction checks in your law firm? In the intricate landscape of legal practice, understanding and adhering to the UK's sanctions regime is not just a recommendation; it is mandatory and it is imperative. This course aims to set clear expectations and offer practical support to firms, guiding them away from the pitfalls of breaching the UK's sanctions regime. WHO IS THIS FOR? This 90 minute course is for all legal firms, irrespective of the services you provide. Whether you are navigating the sanctions regime independently or operating under a license from the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI), this course is for you.   The course will cover: * What are sanctions * What do you need to know about the sanctions for your firm * How is it different to the AML regime? * What controls to put in place? * If the firm offers services to sanction areas – what controls? * My client has been sanctioned – what do I do? * Reporting obligations * Using screening tools * Licensing * How does this impact Legal Professional Privilege? * Sanction Risk Assessment * Red flags factors * Enforcement actions RESOURCES Comprehensive and up to date course notes will be provided to all delegates which may be useful for ongoing reference or cascade training. Please note a recording of the course will not be made available. SPEAKER HELEN TORRESI, CONSULTANT, DG LEGAL [https://dglegal.co.uk/the-team/helen-torresi/] Helen is a qualified solicitor with a diverse professional background spanning leadership roles in both the legal and tech/corporate sectors. Throughout her career, she has held key positions such as COLP, HOLP, MLCO, MLRO and DPO for law firms and various regulated businesses and services. Helen’s specialised areas encompass AML, complaint and firm negligence handling, DPA compliance, file review and auditing, law management, and operational effectiveness in law firms, particularly in conveyancing (CQS).

In January 2024 alone, reports were published about the SRA taking enforcement action against 3 firms and 4 individuals for failure to comply with the Money Laundering Regulations 2017. The fines issued for these non-compliances total over £570,000 plus costs. The absence of staff training, or requirement to complete additional training, was noted in a number of these cases. Action has not only been taken against solicitors, but also other individuals who are not regulated by the SRA, whose breaches were so serious that the SRA felt compelled to take action.  As all SRA enforcement action, from rebukes to fines, is published by the SRA, the potential financial and reputational impact upon firms may be felt by all staff, regardless of whether they had any direct involvement with the non-compliance. This course will cover the following to assist support staff in understanding the fundamental aspects of AML. * The basics of what AML is * In scope / not in scope work for AML * POCA / TA * PCPs - CDD & EDD * Clients * Risks – what could raise a risk? * Reporting to the MLRO / MLCO * Tipping off TARGET AUDIENCE The online course is suitable for support staff or legal practitioners wanting to understand the basics of AML. RESOURCES Comprehensive and up to date course notes will be provided to all delegates which may be useful for ongoing reference or cascade training. Please note a recording of the course will not be made available. SPEAKER HELEN TORRESI, CONSULTANT, DG LEGAL [https://dglegal.co.uk/the-team/helen-torresi/] Helen is a qualified solicitor with a diverse professional background spanning leadership roles in both the legal and tech/corporate sectors. Throughout her career, she has held key positions such as COLP, HOLP, MLCO, MLRO and DPO for law firms and various regulated businesses and services. Helen’s specialised areas encompass AML, complaint and firm negligence handling, DPA compliance, file review and auditing, law management, and operational effectiveness in law firms, particularly in conveyancing (CQS).

In January 2024 alone, reports were published about the SRA taking enforcement action against 3 firms and 4 individuals for failure to comply with the Money Laundering Regulations 2017. The fines issued for these non-compliances total over £570,000 plus costs. The absence of staff training, or requirement to complete additional training, was noted in a number of these cases. Many of the breaches resulting in enforcement action involved failures by the fee earners to conduct appropriate due diligence, adequately check the source of funds and/or wealth or recognise and report red flags. As highlighted by enforcement action being taken against individuals as well as firms, fee earners cannot hide behind their firm when AML failures occur and may be held personally accountable by the SRA for non-compliances with the MLR 2017. This course will cover the following to assist fee earners in the application of AML in their casework. * How to comply with your obligations and stay compliant * Written CRA & MRA * Client * Booms * Risks – what to consider? * PCPs – CDD &EDD * POCA / TA * SOF and SOW * On going monitoring * Reporting to MLRO/MLCO * Tipping off TARGET AUDIENCE The online course is suitable for fee earners or legal practitioners that want to improve their AML knowledge. RESOURCES Comprehensive and up to date course notes will be provided to all delegates which may be useful for ongoing reference or cascade training. Please note a recording of the course will not be made available. SPEAKER HELEN TORRESI, CONSULTANT, DG LEGAL [https://dglegal.co.uk/the-team/helen-torresi/] Helen is a qualified solicitor with a diverse professional background spanning leadership roles in both the legal and tech/corporate sectors. Throughout her career, she has held key positions such as COLP, HOLP, MLCO, MLRO and DPO for law firms and various regulated businesses and services. Helen’s specialised areas encompass AML, complaint and firm negligence handling, DPA compliance, file review and auditing, law management, and operational effectiveness in law firms, particularly in conveyancing (CQS).

In January 2024 alone, reports were published about the SRA taking enforcement action against 3 firms and 4 individuals for failure to comply with the Money Laundering Regulations 2017. The fines issued for these non-compliances total over £570,000 plus costs. The absence of staff training, or requirement to complete additional training, was noted in a number of these cases. As a manager of a law firm, or more crucially an MLRO or MLCO, the ultimate responsibility for the firm's compliance, including with the MLR 2017, lies with you. It is your responsibility to ensure that the firm puts in place, reviews and updates compliant policies, controls and procedures. You must ensure that the firm maintains an up to date practice wide risk assessment. You are required to ensure that your employees are regularly given training on the MLR 2017 and associated risks. If a breach occurs, the SRA will take a wider look at the firm and identify any supervisory deficiencies that may have contributed to failures by fee earners or support staff. It has proven that it will not shy away from holding to account managers, compliance officers and MLRO/MLCOs for failures by their firms to comply with requirements of the MLR 2017. This course will cover the following to assist firms MLROs, MLCOs and Management with fulfilling their AML management responsibilities: * How to comply with your obligations and stay compliant * FWRA – linked with PCPs * Mandatory AML Policies and Procedures - SRA have concerns * Training and supervising staff * Audits * SRA requirements * Reporting SARS * POCA/TA * Fulfilling reporting officer and compliance officer duties TARGET AUDIENCE The online course is suitable for MLROs, MLCOs, firm management and those supporting these roles. RESOURCES Comprehensive and up to date course notes will be provided to all delegates which may be useful for ongoing reference or cascade training. Please note a recording of the course will not be made available. SPEAKER HELEN TORRESI, CONSULTANT, DG LEGAL [https://dglegal.co.uk/the-team/helen-torresi/] Helen is a qualified solicitor with a diverse professional background spanning leadership roles in both the legal and tech/corporate sectors. Throughout her career, she has held key positions such as COLP, HOLP, MLCO, MLRO and DPO for law firms and various regulated businesses and services. Helen’s specialised areas encompass AML, complaint and firm negligence handling, DPA compliance, file review and auditing, law management, and operational effectiveness in law firms, particularly in conveyancing (CQS).

The COLP role goes beyond just ensuring your firm follows the rules in the SRA Standards and Regulations, it also comes with a personal accountability factor that demands your attention. Fear not! This 3 hour course will usher you through the intricacies of being a COLP, ensuring you not only meet but excel in your regulatory obligations.    The course will cover: * Navigating the Regulatory Landscape: Understanding the Framework for COLPs Dive into the intricate regulatory framework that Compliance Officers for Legal Practice (COLPs) operate under. * Shouldering the Responsibility: Unpacking the Duties of a COLP Explore the multifaceted responsibilities that come with the role of a COLP. * Choosing the Right Leader: Identifying the Ideal COLP Candidate Learn the criteria for selecting the most suitable individual to take on the crucial role of COLP. * Cracking the Codes: Key Elements of Codes and SRA Principles Delve into the essential components of the Codes and SRA Principles that form the backbone of legal compliance. * Building a Robust Foundation: Understanding Compliance Systems for All Firms Explore the concept of compliance systems, what they entail, and why every firm should have one in place. * Reporting Matters: Recognising 'Serious' Issues, SRA Enforcement Strategy, and Reporting Protocols Uncover the definition of 'serious' matters, grasp the SRA Enforcement Strategy, and gain practical insights on making effective reports to the SRA. * Paper Trails Matter: Effective Record Keeping, Including Non-material Breaches Master the art of comprehensive record-keeping, including strategies for recording non-material breaches, and understand why it's integral to compliance. * Personal Liability: Understanding and Mitigating Risks Navigate the landscape of personal liability for COLPs and develop strategies to mitigate associated risks. * Staying Ahead: Keeping Abreast of Regulatory Changes and Guidance Develop effective strategies for staying up to date with dynamic regulatory changes and evolving guidance. * Planning for Compliance: Crafting a Robust Strategy, Assessing Risk, and File Reviewing Formulate a comprehensive plan for tackling compliance, including risk assessment, maintaining risk registers, and implementing effective file reviewing. * Across the Board: Legal and Regulatory Compliance Areas Every COLP Must Master Gain a high-level overview of crucial legal and regulatory compliance areas, including AML, transparency rules, and other pivotal aspects that demand the attention of all COLPs. TARGET AUDIENCE This online course is suitable for those new to the COLP role, or those supporting the COLP and for those that would like a refresher of the role and their responsibilities. RESOURCES Comprehensive and up to date course notes will be provided to all delegates which may be useful for ongoing reference or cascade training. Please note a recording of the course will not be made available. SPEAKER HELEN TORRESI, CONSULTANT, DG LEGAL [https://dglegal.co.uk/the-team/helen-torresi/] Helen is a qualified solicitor with a diverse professional background spanning leadership roles in both the legal and tech/corporate sectors. Throughout her career, she has held key positions such as COLP, HOLP, MLCO, MLRO and DPO for law firms and various regulated businesses and services. Helen’s specialised areas encompass AML, complaint and firm negligence handling, DPA compliance, file review and auditing, law management, and operational effectiveness in law firms, particularly in conveyancing (CQS).