The Uncover Pod - Uncovering the Legal Risk & Compliance Industry

In this episode of The UNCOVER Pod, we sit down with Sean Grehan, Risk and Compliance Manager at Doyle Clayton, who spent 17 years at the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) visiting over 400 law firms as part of the forensic Investigation team.

Sean shares his unique journey from aspiring sports lawyer to fraud investigator to compliance leader, and offers invaluable insights on what the SRA actually looks for when they investigate a law firm.

In this episode, we discuss:

- Sean's 17-year career at the SRA's forensic investigation team

- Why he transitioned from regulator to private practice

- How to build compliance frameworks that actually work

- The gap between policies and practice (and why it matters)

- The FCA takeover of AML supervision: what's really coming

- Proposed changes to SRA accountants' reporting requirements

- What makes an effective compliance leader in 2026

- Why you shouldn't fear the regulator

Whether you're a compliance professional, a law firm partner, or someone considering a career in legal risk, this episode is packed with practical insights and insider knowledge you won't find anywhere else.

UNCOVER is the UK's specialist recruitment firm for Legal Risk & Compliance professionals. We connect exceptional talent with leading law firms and in-house legal teams.

In this episode of UNCOVER Pod, we sit down with Mark Doucy, Compliance Manager at Travers Smith, to explore the realities of building a career in legal compliance.

Mark shares his journey into compliance management, discussing the skills that truly matter, the importance of relationship-building, and how the compliance function has evolved from cost centre to competitive advantage.

Key topics covered:

• Why practical experience builds compliance credibility
• The importance of commercial awareness in risk management
• How to influence partners and senior stakeholders effectively
• Building relationships before you need to enforce rules
• The shift from reactive to proactive compliance
• Essential skills for success in modern compliance roles
• Career progression opportunities in legal risk and compliance

Whether you're considering a move into compliance, looking to develop your risk management career, or leading compliance teams, this conversation provides practical insights and honest perspectives on succeeding in this critical function.

About Mark Doucy:Mark is Compliance Manager at Travers Smith, one of the UK's leading law firms. With extensive experience in compliance roles, Mark brings valuable perspective on what makes compliance professionals effective in modern legal practice.

About UNCOVER Pod:UNCOVER Pod features in-depth conversations with professionals across legal risk, compliance, and regulatory sectors. We uncover the real stories behind successful careers, sharing practical insights and honest perspectives to help you navigate your own career journey.

Subscribe for more episodes featuring industry leaders, career insights, and practical advice for legal risk and compliance professionals.

Join host Daniel Chatfield in conversation with Luke Haddon, Money Laundering Reporting Officer at Keystone Law, as they explore his unique journey from 2009 recession graduate through customer service roles to becoming a senior compliance leader in the legal sector.

In this episode, Luke shares candid insights into the differences between big firm and boutique compliance work, the evolution of UK anti-money laundering regulations, challenges of implementing AI and technology in law firms, and what really matters when building a career in legal risk and compliance.

Key Topics Covered:

• Career progression from customer service to Money Laundering Reporting Officer
• Working at Withers, Linklaters (London & New York), Simmons & Simmons, and Keystone Law
• Big law firm vs boutique firm compliance work - pros and cons
• Keystone Law's unique structure of 500+ self-employed members
• Evolution of UK Money Laundering Regulations from 1990s to 2017
• Impact of AI and technology on compliance efficiency
• Challenges of getting lawyers to adopt new systems
• Strategies for implementing compliance technology successfully
• Why customer service experience is valuable for compliance careers
• What hiring managers really look for beyond credentials

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:36 Luke Haddon's Career Journey

04:06 Transitioning to Keystone Law

08:19 Philosophy on Risk and Compliance

20:29 The Future of Law Firm Teams and Automation

21:02 Navigating FCA Supervision and Compliance

24:45 Hiring Trends and Skillsets in Law Firms

32:59 Advice for Aspiring Compliance Leaders

Guest Bio

Luke Haddon is Money Laundering Reporting Officer at Keystone Law, where he oversees compliance for 500+ self-employed legal professionals. His career spans major international law firms including Linklaters (London and New York), Withers, and Simmons & Simmons. Luke brings a unique perspective shaped by both big firm infrastructure and boutique firm innovation.

Keystone Law - https://www.keystonelaw.com/

About UNCOVER Pod

UNCOVER Pod explores careers in legal risk, compliance, and regulatory affairs through in-depth conversations with industry professionals. Host Daniel Chatfield brings insights from recruiting in the legal compliance sector, uncovering the real stories behind successful compliance careers.

Connect with Us

Website: uncovertalent.co.uk

LinkedIn: UNCOVER Talent

Email: [email protected]

Welcome to another episode of The UNCOVER Pod!

In this episode, your host, Daniel Chatfield, was joined by Andrew Cheung, the Global General Counsel at Pinsent Masons, to discuss Andrew’s new AI tool and the impact he sees it having on the Legal Risk & Compliance sector. 

Andrew also shared his advice for professionals in the sector, whether they are just starting out or are looking to progress their careers. 

Tune in to discover more about the recent changes in the Legal Risk & Compliance field. 

This podcast is brought to you by UNCOVER, a specialist recruitment company that’s committed to building careers and teams in the Legal Risk & Compliance space.

Learn more about UNCOVER here: UNCOVER

Welcome to another episode of The UNCOVER Pod!

Your host, Daniel Chatfield, was joined by Eloise Butterworth, the Compliance Manager at Lester Aldridge, to discuss the increasing opportunities for junior candidates in the legal risk and compliance sector. 

Eloise also shared her career journey from family law to legal risk and compliance. She touched on the transferable skills that allowed her to make that move, such as time management, intellectual curiosity, and continual learning. 

Tune in to discover more about a role in the legal risk and compliance sector. 

This podcast is brought to you by UNCOVER, a specialist recruitment company that’s committed to building careers and teams in the Legal Risk & Compliance space.

Learn more about UNCOVER here: UNCOVER

Welcome back to The UNCOVER Pod!

Daniel Chatfield, your host, sat down with Jessie Sangha, the Director of Risk, COLP & MLCO at Moore Barlow LLP, to discuss her career journey within the Legal Risk & Compliance sector. 

They also talked about the key skills that legal professionals should develop to be successful in the sector, touching on everything from empathy to AI. 

Tune in to discover more about life as a Director of Risk’s role. 

This podcast is brought to you by UNCOVER, a specialist recruitment company that’s committed to building careers and teams in the Legal Risk & Compliance space.

Learn more about UNCOVER here: UNCOVER

Welcome back to The UNCOVER Pod!

Daniel Chatfield, your host, sat down with Che Odlum, the Head of Financial Crime at Clyde and Co to discuss the complex challenges in the financial crime and money laundering areas of the Legal Risk & Compliance sector. 

The conversation also touched on the benefits of professional development, such as a continual learning mindset and mentoring. 

Tune in to discover more about a growing area of law. 

This podcast is brought to you by UNCOVER, a specialist recruitment company that’s committed to building careers and teams in the Legal Risk & Compliance space.

Learn more about UNCOVER here: UNCOVER

Welcome back to The UNCOVER Pod!

Your host, Daniel Chatfield, was joined by Trish Turnham, the Head of Risk & Compliance at Streathers Solicitors LLP and Streathers Highgate LLP, to talk about the complexities of building a Legal Risk & Compliance career. 

They touched on a variety of topics, from finding a firm that’s values align with yours to working with other departments to create a compliance function that compliments your company. 

Tune in for more career advice. 

This podcast is brought to you by UNCOVER, a specialist recruitment company that’s committed to building careers and teams in the Legal Risk & Compliance space.

Learn more about UNCOVER here: UNCOVER

Welcome to another episode of The UNCOVER Pod!

In this episode, hosted by Daniel Chatfield, features a conversation with Alex Ktorides, the Head of Risk & Compliance at Bristows LLP, about leadership in the Legal Risk & Compliance sector. 

The pair also discussed a variety of ways for professionals to improve their careers by gaining exposure and networking with others in the space. 

Tune in to find out more about progressing your career in the risk and compliance sector. 

This podcast is brought to you by UNCOVER, a specialist recruitment company that’s committed to building careers and teams in the Legal Risk & Compliance space.

Learn more about UNCOVER here: UNCOVER

Welcome back to The UNCOVER Pod!

In this episode, your host, Daniel Chatfield, is joined by Pearl Moses, the Director, Head of Regulatory Compliance – COLP, MLRO & MLCO at Setfords Law Ltd, to discuss diversity and inclusion in the Legal Risk & Compliance sector. 

They also talked about the importance of mentorship for helping young professionals flourish in their careers. 

Tune in to find out more about promoting accessibility in the legal sector. 

This podcast is brought to you by UNCOVER, a specialist recruitment company that’s committed to building careers and teams in the Legal Risk & Compliance space.

Learn more about UNCOVER here: UNCOVER