Legal Cashier

Watson Farley & Williams is an international law firm advising on complex disputes and transactions through local knowledge and an integrated international network.  We have a strong sector focus, combining our technical excellence with deep industry knowledge across Energy, Transport and associated Infrastructure.

The firm has achieved rapid expansion and year-on-year growth owed almost entirely to a focused strategy, strong leadership and the quality of its people.  The next stage in the firm’s growth plan is to achieve full-service strength within core sectors across the global platform.

We strive for excellence in all that we do and view investment in our people as key to achieving our business goals and values, which rest on developing deep and long-lasting relationships externally and internally through respect, sharing, communication and integrity.

Our global practice is integrated across our offices in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and North America delivering consistently high levels of service across borders and locally through a deep understanding of local business customs and culture.

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace to attract and retain the most talented people from all backgrounds and cultures.  We believe in celebrating difference and that people from any background can rise to the top, ensuring opportunities to develop and progress are available for all.

This role is a key part of the international cashiering team, with a primary focus on managing and safeguarding client account transactions in compliance with the SRA Accounts Rules. The position plays a vital role in ensuring the integrity of client funds, supporting fee earners, and maintaining high standards of financial compliance across the firm’s global operations.

• Oversee the accurate and timely processing of all client account transactions, including receipts, transfers, and disbursements.
• Ensure full compliance with the SRA Accounts Rules and internal controls relating to client money.
• Monitor client account balances and transactions daily, identifying and resolving discrepancies promptly.
• Liaise closely with fee earners to ensure client funds are allocated and managed correctly throughout the lifecycle of a matter.
• Conduct regular reconciliations of client accounts, ensuring all entries are supported by appropriate documentation.
• Support the management of escrow and designated deposit accounts, including interest calculations and reporting.
• Collaborate with the firm’s banking partners on client account matters, including setting up new accounts and resolving queries.
• Assist with the preparation of reports and documentation for internal audits and regulatory reviews.
• Provide guidance and training to international offices on client account procedures and compliance standards.
• Work with the billing and compliance teams to ensure seamless integration of client financial data and adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Support the implementation of process improvements and system enhancements related to client account management.
• Carry out ad hoc tasks and projects as directed by the Cashier Supervisor, with a focus on client account integrity.

• Proven experience as a Legal Cashier with a strong emphasis on client account handling.
• In-depth knowledge of the SRA Accounts Rules and best practices in managing client money.
• Excellent attention to detail, integrity, and a proactive approach to compliance.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with fee earners and support teams.
• Experience with escrow arrangements and designated client accounts is advantageous.
• Familiarity with international legal finance operations is desirable.

We offer a competitive benefits and wellbeing package for all employees.

The Firm promotes a culture of agility and flexibility and is fully supportive of flexible working arrangements where these can be accommodated.

Respect for different backgrounds and perspectives is at the heart of our firm’s core values and we recognise the importance of fostering an inclusive environment that allows everyone to reach their full potential. This is a key feature of our Global Code of Conduct, which places diversity and inclusion at the centre of our firm’s ways of working.

We believe that exceptional client service can only be delivered by exceptional people. For this reason, we aim to attract, retain and develop the best talent from a wide range of backgrounds. All decisions relating to employment will be objective and based on merit and ability.

We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment processes are as inclusive and barrier-free as possible. This includes making adjustments for candidates with a disability or long-term health condition.  If you require adjustments to be made at any stage of the recruitment process, we’d encourage you to get in touch with a member of our team who would be happy to discuss options with you.