Analyst, Investigations

Schillings is a multidisciplinary advisory firm with expertise in reputation, privacy and security.

We work with UK and international clients to successfully manage high-stakes opportunities and threats, using a unique combination of capabilities: legal; intelligence; communications; security and diplomacy.

We believe everyone has a right to fair treatment of their reputation, to a reasonable expectation of privacy and to feel safe.

Our experts sit within their specialist team but day-to-day work in multidisciplinary teams solving client problems. They are supported by our business services teams: Clients and Markets, HR, Finance, Risk and Compliance, IT and Client Services. 

Because we are a growth business, opportunities appear in all areas and at all levels.   We have the largest team of specialist media lawyers in the world, an expanding Intelligence & Investigations team, a growing Critical Risks unit, an evolving Digital Resilience practice, and a new communications agency – Schillings Communications – that will grow significantly in the next three years. 

Schillings is a collaborative, fun and welcoming place to work, with a positive culture, strong values and a developed service ethic.  We require commitment, diligence, agility and professionalism, and in return provide competitive packages and incredibly stimulating and interesting work.  We are committed to sharing learning and creating development opportunities so you can progress your career with us. Our people’s career trajectory and longevity at Schillings is a good example of this: a third of our people have been at the business for over five years. Join us and become part of our story.

Job Title: Analyst, Investigations

Reporting to: Associate, Investigations

Job Purpose:

As an Analyst, you will have strong research skills and a problem-solving investigative mindset. You will conduct thorough and accurate open source (OSINT) research across multiple jurisdictions on a variety of matters – ranging from privacy exposure assessments to asset tracing to threat analysis and complex investigative and intelligence gathering assignments.

You will support and help develop investigative strategies by analysing information in a creative manner; considering innovative ways to uncover information; test the validity and accuracy of sources; and determine how to most effectively and clearly convey research results.

Analysts are responsible for drafting memos and reports in a detailed and clear manner and as required, will prepare other materials, such as data visualisations. Given the often fast-paced nature of Schillings’ work, individuals who are highly responsive, detail-oriented and excel at time management will be particularly successful in this role.

You will deliver work product directly to firm-wide matter managers. There will be opportunities to work closely across teams, including Legal, Digital Resilience and Strategic Communications.

You will be provided on-the-job training to support your development as an investigator. This training will include sessions on public domain research techniques and the use of key databases and social media platforms, among other topics. In addition, the Intel team prides itself on close collaboration and communication; there is continuous knowledge-sharing on research techniques, technical knowledge, and investigative experiences amongst team members across various forums.

Role Accountabilities:

• Conduct in-depth public records research across a wide range of jurisdictions, databases, and platforms by deploying creative research strategies and methodologies.
• Produce high quality research and analysis for clients and colleagues which addresses key problems, questions, and objectives – often at pace.
• Produce excellent and accurate work product, in written and visual formats.
• Provide recommendations to enhance the team’s research skills and deliverables.
• Assist with informal and formal team training.
• Identifying new opportunities to develop the overall research offering and help to bring these to fruition.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required:

• Spanish, Mandarin and/or French language skills are highly desirable
• Experience working in a consultancy/intelligence team conducting complex investigations, providing crisis response and/or conducting risk analyses.
• Experience conducting OSINT research across multiple jurisdictions. This includes knowledge of country-specific public records as well as open-source tools and databases.
• Exceptional written communication and persuasive drafting skills; uses succinct, clear writing with excellent spelling and grammar; and presents well-structured research and arguments aimed to fulfil client objectives.
• Ability to work diligently and calmly under pressure and respond nimbly to urgent requests and competing deadlines.
• Interest and awareness in current affairs, including geopolitical developments.
• Intrinsically curious and hungry to find out information. Demonstrates investigative persistence and exceptional attention to detail.
• Team player with a ‘can do’ attitude.
• Demonstrates financial literacy, including an ability to analyse corporate structures and interpret company accounts.
• Desire to keep current with new investigative tools, methods, sources, and challenges.
• Familiarity with analytical software such as i2 or Videris is advantageous.
• Comfortable proposing ways to best present information (e.g., PowerPoint, Word, Excel).
• Demonstrates awareness of how public record information can be used by adverse parties.
• Understands basic data protection principles, privacy laws, and other legal and ethical requirements for conducting investigations.
• Strong desire to provide exceptional service to internal and external clients, often under pressure.

Life at Schillings

Given our audacious (and successful) business strategy, it is not surprising that Schillings has a very strong culture. The atmosphere is highly collaborative and focused on excellence. We have worked hard over the years to develop a coaching culture and are remarkably non-hierarchical, especially given our roots as a law firm. Schillings has adopted a set of values to put at the heart of this change and they reflect the intention and tenor of our ambitious plans. They are: ‘Innovative; Bold; United; and Excellent’. Our client list speaks for the outstanding results that have been delivered over many years and the task now is to grow without losing any of the commitment to delivering for clients or the service ethos. Finding people who share our values and can thrive in this environment is key to our success.

It takes a unique mix of people to create something truly great. We appreciate that diversity of thought, background and culture creates the best environment to truly innovate, solve problems and achieve our goals. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds – if you are driven and want to achieve your best then we will give you the platform and support to succeed.

Please let us know if there are any extenuating circumstances we should consider, or any adjustments we may need to make to our selection process, when making your application.

Find our candidate privacy notice here, Candidate Privacy Notice (schillingspartners.com)