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How to manage flexible CDD workflows in Legl

A guide to choosing the right CDD workflow in Legl for onboarding, counterparty checks, and low-risk matters to stay compliant.

Written by Shanté Simpson
Updated this week

Overview

Legl supports several CDD workflow types to help your firm stay compliant under Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) guidelines and Money Laundering Regulations. This guide helps you choose the right workflow for your scenario — whether you're refreshing CDD for an existing client, screening a counterparty, handling low-risk matters, or managing ongoing identity monitoring.


Before you start

Before selecting a workflow, consider the following:

  • Whether you already have a valid identity document on file for the client

  • The risk level of the matter (AML-regulated or non-AML scope)

  • Whether you need full CDD or a simplified counterparty screening only


Steps

  1. Identify your scenario — use the workflow guides below to match your situation to the right CDD process.

  2. Select and send the recommended workflow in Legl to your client, or run it internally where applicable.

  3. Review the results in the CDD report and take any necessary follow-up action (e.g. manually reviewing a watchlist match).

  4. Manage ongoing compliance using the MLRO Dashboard to track clients with expired CDD, those not enrolled in ongoing monitoring, and full audit trails.


Refreshing CDD for individual and business clients

Recommended workflow: In-Person CDD — Standard CDD, No ID Document Verification

Use this process when:

  • You have a valid identity document already on file

  • Clients do not possess a government-issued photo ID

What's included:

  • Financial Screening (CCJ's & decrees, Insolvency & Debt Collection)

  • Proof of identity verification (using existing documents)

  • Watchlist screening:

    • Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs)

    • Sanctions lists

    • Adverse media databases

Benefits:

  • No additional client input required

  • Ensures compliance for ongoing or repeat matters

  • Reduces operational friction while maintaining auditability


Simplified counterparty KYC screening

Recommended workflow: Watchlist-Only Screening

Use this process when:

  • Verifying counterparties with limited information

Required inputs:

  • Full name

  • (Optional) Year of birth

What's screened:

  • PEPs

  • Sanctions

  • Adverse media mentions

Benefits:

  • Quick, efficient verification

  • Minimal disruption to transaction flow

  • Satisfies regulatory requirements for counterparty checks


CDD for low-risk or non-AML work

Recommended workflow: Basic CDD Workflow

Use this process when:

  • Onboarding recurring clients

  • Conducting legal work outside AML regulation scope

What's included:

  • ID Document Validation (without requiring a selfie)

  • Identity Verification

  • Watchlist Screening

  • Financial Screening (CCJ's & decrees, Insolvency & Debt Collection)

Benefits:

  • Streamlined, low-friction onboarding

  • Full audit trail maintained for compliance

  • Suitable for conveyancing, probate, or other low-risk legal services


Ongoing identity validation and monitoring

Recommended features:

  • Re-screening capabilities for client records

  • Automated ongoing monitoring for risk alerts

Management tools:

  • Use the MLRO Dashboard to:

    • View clients with expired CDD

    • Identify clients not enrolled in ongoing monitoring

    • Access detailed results and audit trails for every client

Benefits:

  • Proactive compliance management

  • Real-time visibility over client CDD status

  • Support internal audits and SRA inspections effortlessly


What happens next

Once you've selected and run the appropriate workflow, results will be available in the CDD report for that client. You can:

  • Review and act on any watchlist matches or risk flags

  • Use the MLRO Dashboard to track your firm's overall compliance status

  • Re-screen or enrol clients in ongoing monitoring as needed

If you would like guidance on adapting your workflows to the latest SRA and AML expectations, our team is here to help.

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