Principal Solicitor – COLP/COFA Experience at Novap HR, Richmond upon Thames

Job Title: Principal Solicitor – COLP/COFA Experience
Type: Full Time / Permanent 
Location: East Sheen or Remote within the UK

We are looking for an experienced, suitably qualified senior solicitor with strong legal practice management and regulatory compliance knowledge, including a thorough understanding of both COLP (Compliance Officer for Legal Practice) and COFA (Compliance Officer for Finance and Administration) responsibilities.

The successful candidate will play a key role in establishing the new firm, supporting its SRA regulatory requirements, developing appropriate compliance frameworks and putting the operational processes in place to support its successful launch and ongoing growth.

They will also bring expertise in an additional area of law to complement the firm's existing Family and Criminal Law services.

Candidate Requirements

• A solicitor qualified to practise in England and Wales, with an appropriate level of PQE and a current practising certificate.
• Strong understanding and practical experience of legal practice management and SRA regulatory requirements.
• Thorough understanding of both COLP (Compliance Officer for Legal Practice) and COFA (Compliance Officer for Finance and Administration responsibilities, ideally with previous experience holding one or both appointments.
• Experience supporting the establishment, authorisation or operational management of a law firm.
• Ability to develop and implement compliance frameworks, policies, procedures and operational processes.
• Expertise in an additional area of law to complement the firm's existing Family and Criminal Law services.
• Strong commercial awareness, leadership capability and the ability to support the firm's growth and development.
• Must have the unrestricted right to work in the UK, without requiring visa sponsorship now or at any point in the future.