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How to be a successful compliance officer

Category: Blog, Empowering Law Firm Leaders Interview Series, Legal Accounting, Podcast, Practice Management 12th November 2025

In episode 25 of the Empowering Law Firm Leaders podcast, Eloise explores the essential characteristic of a successful compliance officer, common blind spots in legal teams that increase risk and how firms should be preparing today to be on top of compliance trends.

In this conversation, Eloise Butterworth, Head of Risk and Compliance at Hive Risk and a top 10 legal LinkedIn influencer, shares her experience, insights, and practical advice on how law firms can embed compliance into their culture, build trust across teams, and prepare for the future.

In this conversation we cover:

  • Key principles of effective compliance
  • Building influence through authenticity
  • A day in the life of a compliance manager
  • Traits of successful compliance officers
  • Common risk blind spots in legal teams

Watch the interview with Eloise:

Listen to the episode here:

Three things every law firm should know about compliance

  1. Compliance is strategic, not restrictive
    Eloise reframes compliance as a driver of progress rather than a blocker. “Risk mitigation is strategic and as such it supports growth,” she explains, encouraging firms to view compliance as a proactive tool that underpins long-term success.
  2. Don’t shoot the messenger
    She reminds fee earners that the person delivering compliance requirements is often not the one who created them. “They didn’t write the legislation… they might not even have had a say in the firm’s approach,” Eloise says. This perspective encourages empathy and better communication between teams.
  3. Compliance is a team effort
    Eloise stresses that compliance professionals are allies, not adversaries. “We’re all on your side,” she says. “Your compliance officer, your MLRO, your COLP—they’re on your side. We’re all on one team together.” This reinforces the idea that successful compliance depends on collaboration across the firm.

Building influence through authenticity

Eloise’s presence on LinkedIn has been instrumental in shaping her leadership style and expanding her impact. “Compliance is about people, it’s not about rules,” she says. By showing up authentically online, she’s been able to engage in meaningful conversations that reveal how compliance is perceived and where misunderstandings lie.

Her posts have helped bust myths about compliance: “Getting compliance to click with people is not one size fits all,” she notes. “Expanding your network online really helps you see other views and other ways to approach things.”

The platform has also enhanced her technical knowledge. “There are experts out there sharing real world experiences… and that is global,” she explains. This access to diverse perspectives has helped Eloise stay ahead of trends and bring fresh insights into her work.

The role of influence in driving change

While Eloise initially found the term “influencer” uncomfortable, she now embraces the opportunity it provides to connect and collaborate. “Do the posts that I put out there resonate with people? Yes, the data is there that backs that up,” she says.

Her influence extends beyond compliance professionals to fee earners and law firm leaders. “The posts are training… opening their eyes to where they might need to focus on a particular risk area,” she explains. For smaller firms without dedicated compliance teams, her content serves as a vital resource.

Consistency is key. “You’ve got to sit in that silence… and go again,” she says of both social media and internal messaging. Eloise’s approach demonstrates that influence isn’t about authority—it’s about persistence, empathy, and relevance.

A day in the life of a compliance manager

Eloise’s day-to-day is anything but predictable. “I start with a plan. Plan goes out the window pretty early on,” she laughs. The role requires balancing proactive strategy with reactive problem-solving, often under pressure.

She dispels the myth that compliance is solely about AML and ID checks. “It’s basically everything that no one wants to touch,” she says. From regulatory issues to insurance concerns, compliance managers handle the decisions others avoid—often with serious consequences if they get it wrong.

Strategic involvement is growing, and Eloise sees this as a positive shift. “We’re seeing more and more now… compliance managers getting that seat at the big table,” she notes. Embedding compliance into firm-wide strategy helps leaders sleep better at night, knowing risks are being managed proactively.

About the speaker

Eloise Butterworth is a seasoned risk and compliance specialist with a career spanning roles at Trethowans, Lester Aldridge, and Foot Anstey. Currently Head of Risk and Compliance at Hive Risk, Eloise is widely recognised for her thought leadership in the legal sector, particularly on LinkedIn where she ranks among the top 10 legal influencers. Her approach combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of human behaviour, making her a trusted voice in compliance strategy and leadership.

What makes a successful compliance officer?

According to Eloise, the best compliance officers go beyond technical skills. “Attention to detail, being inquisitive, curious… a desire to constantly adapt and improve,” are essential traits. But what sets the great apart is their understanding of people and context.

“This job is not about carrot and stick,” she says. “It’s way more nuanced than that.” Successful compliance professionals understand the commercial realities of their firm and build collaborative relationships across departments.

Self-awareness and humility are also vital. “We’re not infallible. We’re not robots,” Eloise insists. Admitting mistakes and refining processes builds trust and psychological safety—key ingredients for effective compliance culture.

Common blind spots that increase risk

Eloise identifies three major blind spots in legal teams today: ethics, AML risk assessment, and technology. “Ethics… that’s a real issue for the whole sector,” she warns. With recent scandals shaking public trust, firms must proactively address ethical conduct through training and culture.

AML compliance remains a challenge. “It’s quite clear from the sheer volume of SRA fines that it’s not nailed in a lot of firms,” she says. Inadequate client matter risk assessments are a recurring issue that needs urgent attention.

Technology presents both opportunity and risk. “If you aren’t utilising tech, you’re going to fall behind… but without the right knowledge and risk frameworks in place, you’re going to be exposed,” Eloise cautions. Compliance professionals must develop new skills to manage tech-related risks effectively.

Turning compliance into a strategic advantage

Eloise’s insights make one thing clear: compliance is no longer just about ticking boxes—it’s a strategic function that supports growth, builds trust, and strengthens culture.

By embedding compliance into firm-wide planning and communication, law firms can move from reactive risk management to proactive leadership. Eloise’s emphasis on empathy, consistency, and collaboration shows that successful compliance is rooted in people, not just policies.

Whether it’s improving AML processes, addressing ethical blind spots, or adopting tech responsibly, firms that treat compliance as a strategic priority will be better equipped to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.

Watch the full interview with Eloise Butterworth now to discover more advice and guidance on being a successful compliance officer. You’ll also hear Eloise’s exclusive advice on what the future looks like for compliance as well as top tips for managing AML risk.