Designed specifically for the legal sector, this eLearning course provides a thorough examination of anti-money laundering (AML) obligations as they apply to law firms and legal professionals regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). The course recognises that the legal profession is particularly vulnerable to exploitation by money launderers, who may use legal services to facilitate property transactions, create complex corporate structures, or manage trusts that obscure the ownership of illicit funds.
The course begins by explaining the fundamentals of money laundering — the placement, layering, and integration stages — and then focuses on the specific legislative framework applicable to law firms, including the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, the Money Laundering Regulations 2017, and the Terrorism Act 2000. It covers the SRA's expectations and how these translate into day-to-day compliance requirements for legal practitioners.
Practical guidance is provided on conducting client due diligence (CDD) and enhanced due diligence (EDD) in a legal context, including risk-based approaches to assessing clients and matters. The course explains the role of the Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO), the procedure for making suspicious activity reports (SARs), and the critical importance of not tipping off clients who may be under suspicion. Scenario-based exercises reflect realistic legal practice situations.
By the end of the course, legal professionals will understand their personal AML obligations, know how to identify and report suspicious activity, and be able to implement effective AML procedures within their practice. The training supports compliance with SRA requirements and helps protect law firms from the significant legal and reputational risks associated with money laundering.
