Meet Clodagh McCormack – Partner, Kindleworth
My career journey: Finding my place in risk and compliance
I didn’t plan on specialising in risk and compliance, but during my training contract, a six-month seat with a firm’s risk team changed everything. I found the work both challenging and rewarding, and when I qualified, I knew this was the path I wanted to take.
In 2017, I met Tom Arrowsmith, and that meeting set the course for what’s been an incredible journey. Kindleworth stood out immediately – not just for its unique position in the market, but for the impact it has. Whether it’s launching new firms, navigating complex regulatory challenges, or providing ongoing compliance support, the scope of work here is unlike anywhere else.
Now, as a partner, I’m excited to take on a bigger role in Kindleworth’s future, driving its growth and helping to shape what comes next.
Leading with encouragement and collaboration
We have an incredibly skilled team, and I believe leadership should be about fostering confidence and collaboration. My approach is informal – I want people to feel supported and empowered to take ownership of their work.
Over the years, Tom’s leadership has had a huge impact on me. He’s always encouraged me to step up, get involved in key decisions, and take the lead when opportunities arise. That’s exactly what I want to pass on to others because the depth of knowledge in our team is what makes Kindleworth stand out.
My key advice to clients: Leverage the advantage of compliance, rather than fearing a roadblock
Too often, compliance is seen as a necessary burden rather than a strategic asset. But the firms that get it right understand that strong compliance practices – knowing your clients, fostering transparency, and openly addressing risks – don’t just mitigate issues; they create stronger, more resilient businesses. Compliance doesn’t exist in a vacuum. When embedded properly, it strengthens trust, relationships, and ultimately opens up more opportunities.
Opportunities and challenges: The shifting regulatory landscape
The legal sector has never been more flexible: firms have more options than ever in how they structure themselves and operate. But with that flexibility comes increasing complexity, especially in areas like anti-money laundering and financial sanctions.
To keep pace, we’ve been investing in our team and leveraging technology to drive efficiency. Staying ahead of regulatory changes is key to ensuring our clients always have the right support in place.
Life beyond work: Family first, with a bit of travel on the horizon
Right now, life outside of work is all about family. Writing this with a two-month-old on my lap says it all! Before children, I loved to travel, and my husband, who works in the industry, introduced me to some incredible parts of Asia early on. We’re hoping to make it to Sri Lanka next year – toddler and baby in tow – so that love of travel isn’t going anywhere, just evolving a little.
