Blog
AML update for Lawyers and Law Firms
Julie Norris
I specialise in legal services regulation, advising law firms, partners, barristers, judges and chambers on investigations, enforcement and the regulatory issues that affect their practice.
Clients come to me for advice on regulatory issues that affect their ability to practise or run their organisations, as well as those issues that may impact their reputation or professional standing.
I am regularly instructed at the earliest stage of an incident, helping clients navigate internal investigations, regulatory reporting and reputational risk. Much of my work involves allegations of counter‑inclusive behaviour, dishonesty or other serious regulatory breaches, and I am known for bringing clarity and strategic direction when matters are still highly sensitive.
I have particular expertise in anti‑money laundering (AML) and in advising on the structural and regulatory requirements for firms engaged in high‑volume claims work. My background at the criminal Bar — described by Chambers UK as a “mastery of criminal law and procedure and its application to regulatory work” — means I am especially well placed to advise on regulatory investigations with a criminal or quasi‑criminal dimension.
I also have extensive experience advising barristers and judges, including representing barristers in Bar Standards Board (BSB) proceedings and guiding judges through Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO) processes. I have a strong track record of resolving cases early and preventing them from progressing to formal action.
I am top‑ranked in both major legal directories for my work in the regulatory field. I regularly speak at industry events, including for The Law Society of England and Wales and the Association of Partnership Practitioners. I am member of the Taskforce on Business Ethics and the Legal Profession and a contributing editor and advisory board member to the Practice Management division of Thomson Reuters Practical Law.
I am a champion for workplace disability inclusion and serve as vice‑chair of the firm’s Enable group. I am also listed in the Pro Bono Recognition List 2025.
Notable work
- Advising a national firm handling high‑volume claims on SRA allegations around supervision standards and FSMA compliance.
- Leading an internal investigation for a law firm into serious allegations of counter‑inclusive behaviour, delivering clear findings and risk‑based recommendations.
- Acting for a senior partner facing SRA scrutiny over historic allegations, guiding them through a sensitive and complex regulatory process.
- Defending a senior partner in an SRA investigation into an alleged conflict of interest and securing closure with no action taken.
- Advising a barrister in a BSB sexual‑harassment investigation, achieving early closure of the case.
- Advising a law firm partner on conflict‑of‑interest risks arising from their role in advising in complex business structures
- Supporting a law firm in addressing historic non‑compliance with the Money Laundering Regulations 2017 and mitigating regulatory exposure.
- Representing a solicitor before the tribunal on allegations of dishonesty, with all dishonesty findings successfully defeated
What clients and directories have said
People speak very highly of her; she has a very good practice and is good with her clients as well."
Chambers and Partners, 2025
Julie is unparalleled in some areas in terms of her experience and she knows how to approach things."
Chambers UK 2025 - A Client's Guide to the UK Legal Profession
I worked with Julie Norris and Jessica Clay. I have worked in the legal industry for 19 years and I would rate them as the best team I have worked with in terms of human intelligence and strategy. Compassion and emotional intelligence are a much under-used quality in the profession and they both have it in abundance."
Legal 500 UK 2022
Julie Norris is composed and intellectual.”
Legal 500 UK 2022
The highest accolade I could give Julie is that I would recommend her to a friend or family member in trouble. She is the consummate professional, intelligent, calm ‘under fire’ and very hardworking. A very safe pair of hands."
Legal 500 2020
Publications and articles
- Legal industry revenues decline in February, Solicitors Journal, March 2025
- Social media dos and don’ts for Barristers - Counsel, December 2024
- ONS reports legal industry revenue drop by £1bn in May - Solicitors Journal, July 2024
- Navigating new frontiers in law firm risk management - Solicitors Journal, January 2024
- New AML supervision regime for lawyers moves step closer - Legal Futures, July 2023
- UK widens ban on legal advice to Russian-linked business deals - Wealthbriefing, July 2023
- AML Update For Legal Practitioners and Law Firms - May 2023
- Baseless complaints: beware disclosure - The Law Society Gazette, December 2022
- Industry turnover dips - Solicitors Journal, March 2022
- The role of managers in promoting a good working culture within law firms, Legal Compliance Insight, April 2020
- Universities lack the skills to properly investigate sexual misconduct claims, THE, October 2019
- Getting disability inclusion on the agenda; being diversish is not enough…, September 2019
- Innocent until proven guilty: how universities must handle sexual allegations, University Business, September 2019
- Combatting workplace sexual harassment in accounting firms, Accountancy Age, October 2018
Professional societies and memberships
- The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
- Law Society of England and Wales
- Committee member of the Regulatory Processes Committee of the Law Society
- Contributing Editor and Consultation Board member, Thomson Reuters Practical Law Practice Compliance & Management
- Member of the Association of Partnership Practitioners
- Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Solicitors
- Member of the Association of Regulatory and Disciplinary Lawyers (ARDL)
- Whitehall and Industry Group Lawyers’ Network (WIG)
- Professional Regulation Committee of the Law Society
