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We have an exciting opportunity for an Analyst to join our thriving Business Acceptance Unit in our Belfast office.
Business Acceptance Unit - Belfast
The BAU team process requests from partners for the firm to accept new legal matters including performing anti-money laundering, sanctions and background checks on new clients and performing conflicts checks (within internal databases) on each new matter (for both new and existing clients). The team work closely with partners and other senior stakeholders to facilitate resolution of legal and business conflict issues and to ensure that regulatory obligations with respect to client identification and ongoing monitoring are met in each of the jurisdictions in which A&O Shearman operates. This role is a 12-month fixed term contract.
What you will do Taking responsibility for individual matter inception requests submitted via business acceptance system and then monitoring the progress of such requests to conclusion (using workflow technology). Analysing the information submitted by fee-earners in matter inception requests. Applying relevant laws, regulations and A&O Shearman compliance policy to matter inception requests covering varied and wide-ranging work types. Performing relevant databases searches to satisfy A&O Shearman's regulatory requirements in relation to anti -money laundering and background checks on new clients. Liaising with relevant fee-earners and with support departments such as Finance and Business Development at appropriate stages of the business acceptance process. Assisting with review and resolution of alerts generated by client and counterparty ongoing screening tool. Applying judgement and decision-making in relation to individual matter inception requests and spotting and, if needed, then escalating any issues. Helping to develop internal databases of information for use in conducting regulatory checks and searches during business acceptance process. Providing reports and updates of items on work list as required. Assisting with monitoring service levels of unit (e.g. speed of responses and quality of decision making). Undertaking administrative duties including record maintenance as required. Being flexible in undertaking the above responsibilities and any others so required.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
What you will have Experience of working within an AML/KYC team. Experience working in a law firm, risk and compliance or a financial services environment is preferred. Strong analytical skills are essential. Good attention to detail, ability to work under pressure and manage conflicting deadlines at speed. Ability to communicate positively and effectively with team members, fee earners and support staff.
What we can offer you
We recognise that our people are our most valuable asset, which is reflected in the wide range of benefits that are available to our employees. Some of these benefits include: our occupational pension scheme, group income protection cover, private medical insurance, mental health resources and free apps, health and wellbeing services encompassing GP service, emergency back-up care support, parental and special leave, online discounts and lifestyle management services.
We recognise the value of flexible working and embrace hybrid working, allowing our people to work from home up to 40% of their working time. We do, however, remain committed to working together in person for the remaining 60% of time so that we can learn, grow and succeed together.


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Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any adjustments as required.
We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
About A&O Shearman
A&O Shearman is a new global industry-leading law firm, with nearly 50 offices in 29 countries worldwide. Our fluency in English law, US law, and the laws of the world's most dynamic markets, enables us to provide unmatched insight and seamless delivery to clients. We work on challenging and important deals and disputes that have the potential to shape the future.
We offer exceptional opportunities for our people; opportunities to work for the world's leading businesses; to transform the status quo, and to deliver your best work, helping you and your career to thrive, while delivering unparalleled outcomes for our clients.
Whether you're helping clients solve complex challenges, transforming the ways we manage our business, or ensuring the smooth-running of our operations, this is an environment where you can belong and excel. We provide first-rate training and development, we are committed to an inclusive environment, and we provide support and ways of working that help you optimise your wellbeing.
What truly defines a career with us? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. And together, we will redefine success.
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