AML Training for Law Firms: Who Needs to Know What, and Why

AML Training: Not Just a Tick-Box Exercise

When AML training is only delivered once a year — and only to a select few — firms are taking a risk.

Anti-money laundering obligations apply across your legal practice, not just in the compliance team. If someone handles client money, sees ID documents, opens new files, or even answers the phone to new enquiries — they play a part in AML compliance.

That’s why training must go beyond the basics. It needs to be tailored, relevant, and role-specific.

Who Needs AML Training in a Law Firm?

Let’s break it down.

Lawyers & Fee-Earners

These staff need in-depth training that covers:

• Recognising red flags and suspicious behaviours

• How to conduct risk-based client due diligence

• When and how to escalate a concern

• Their legal obligations under the AML/CTF regime

Compliance Officers

They require more detailed and technical training, including:

• Interpreting risk assessments

• Reporting obligations to AUSTRAC

• How to respond to audits and investigations

• Governance and personal liability issues

Support Staff & Admin

Often the first to speak to new clients, these team members need to understand:

• What information they should (and shouldn’t) collect

• How to identify basic red flags

• What to do if something doesn’t feel right

Leadership & Partners

Buy-in starts at the top. Leaders need:

• Awareness of their regulatory responsibility

• Understanding of how compliance fits into firm strategy

• Confidence to support — and resource — the compliance team

The Law Requires More Than a Policy

Having an AML policy is one thing — making sure people know how to apply it is another.

Under Australian legislation, law firms must ensure staff are trained in AML procedures. But regulators expect more than a ticked training log. They want to see:

• Training delivered at onboarding

• Regular refreshers at appropriate intervals

• Training that’s tailored to the employee’s role

And perhaps most importantly — they want to see that it’s made a difference.

Making Training Stick

Good AML training is:

• Interactive (not just slides)

• Realistic (using examples from legal practice)

• Short and sharp (especially for support staff)

• Followed up with reminders, refreshers, and updates

And don’t forget the “why.” When people understand why compliance matters — and how criminals operate — they’re more likely to engage and apply it in their work.

Final Thoughts

Training isn’t an optional extra — it’s one of the strongest tools you have for preventing financial crime. When the whole firm is confident, alert, and informed, your AML program works as intended.

Need help designing or delivering AML training for your team?

AML Sorted creates custom training plans for law firms — from front desk to managing partner. Get in touch.