Download table of contents and introduction

Combating money laundering and related terrorist financing is amongst the most significant risk management issues for law firms today, and for those partners or employees with compliance responsibility in particular.

The considerable sanctions that can be meted out to firms or even individuals mean that this is an area of compliance you really cannot afford to get wrong.

This invaluable new report is written specifically to:

• Provide a simple guide to the main provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and the Terrorism Act 2000, as amended;
• Explain the workings of the Money Laundering Regulations 2007 in the context of legal practice; and
• Offer practical guidance on the disclosure and compliance regime in relation to particular areas of legal work.

Where many publications on the subject simply re-hash large tracts of the Acts, Regulations and Law Society guidance, Money Laundering Compliance for Law Firms provides real-world, practical expertise and advice. Clear and detailed examples are given and vital insight provided into the key issues and difficulties for MLROs.

The report is also unique in including commentary on the compliance issues for larger commercial practices.

All of this is supported with precedents and procedures suitable for adoption by many forms of practice both in the appendices and accompanying CD-ROM, including:

• Risk assessment forms;
• Draft procedures;
• Client ID checklists;
• Report of suspicious activity form; and
• Certification by partner form.

These challenging issues are addressed from the independent view points of the two authors, Matthew Moore (Director, Web4law) a law firm consultant and trainer, and Diane Price (Director of Human Resources, Martineau) a qualified lawyer responsible for risk and compliance in a major regional commercial firm.

Money Laundering Compliance for Law Firms is one of the most comprehensive and practical guides available on the subject.