London law firm Howard Kennedy has promoted Rebecca Atkinson to general counsel.

Atkinson (pictured above) is a barrister (non-practising), New York attorney and solicitor of England and Wales. She sits on the board for the Law Society Legal Compliance Bulletin, is a Law Society Regulatory Processes Committee member and sits on the Practical Law Company Compliance and Management Consultation Board.

Atkinson will continue to head up Howard Kennedy's risk and compliance function and be the firm's compliance officer for legal practice, money laundering reporting officer and money laundering compliance officer, as well as the data protection officer, a role shared with head of technology and security Jonathan Freedman.

She has authored three books: Assessing and Addressing Risk and Compliance in Your Law Firm, Financial Crime: A Compliance Manual and Risk and Compliance Questions and Answers.

Howard Kennedy managing partner Craig Emden said: 'We are delighted to announce Rebecca's promotion to General Counsel, which reflects her changing role over recent years, recognising her accomplishments and her continued commitment to the firm. As we continue with our ambitious growth plans, we are mindful of the increasingly complex regulatory landscape and the breadth of Rebecca’s role in providing guidance.'

Atkinson said: 'I am very pleased that my work and commitment to the firm over the past years has been recognised. My new title as General Counsel now reflects the responsibility that comes with this role that looks after the firm’s legal and compliance strategy.'

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