Conflicts Counsel

Overview

A leading international law firm is seeking a Conflicts Counsel to join the Office of General Counsel. This full-time, exempt position involves reviewing conflicts reports and assisting in identifying and clearing potential conflicts of interest primarily related to new business intake. The role may also include conflicts analysis related to hiring new lawyers and non-lawyer staff as needed. The Conflicts Counsel supports risk management strategies concerning new business intake and lawyer hiring. This position can be based in any of the firm's U.S. offices and offers excellent benefits.

Responsibilities

• Review, analyze, and summarize conflict reports for new clients and matters, identifying potential conflicts, risk management issues, and client relationship concerns.
• Assist lawyers in drafting and obtaining necessary waivers, tailoring engagement letters, communicating with clients, and drafting and implementing ethical walls when necessary (approximately 70% of duties).
• Consult with lawyers, managers, and staff on ad hoc questions related to prospective conflicts search requests, conflicts issues, waivers, engagement letters, client outside counsel guidelines, ethical walls, court filings, and other risk-management topics (approximately 25% of duties).
• Assist Conflicts Counsel – Attorney Hiring with conflict reports for new and lateral lawyers and professional staff, including drafting and obtaining former client waivers and implementing ethical walls (approximately 5% of duties).
• Perform other risk management-related tasks as assigned, such as developing and updating internal forms, conducting legal research on ethics and risk management issues, and developing and presenting training topics for lawyers and professional staff.

Requirements

• J.D. degree.
• 2-3 years of experience as a practicing lawyer in a large business law firm environment.
• Membership in good standing of the state bar in the jurisdiction where the candidate will perform work.
• Willingness to become licensed in the jurisdiction at the earliest opportunity if not currently licensed.
• Ability to work in a jurisdiction where the firm has an office.
• Adherence to the highest ethical standards.
• Strong organizational and planning skills, including the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with partners, managers, and staff at all levels.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years' experience as a practicing lawyer in a large business law firm.
• Ability to recognize conflicts of interest under applicable professional standards and effectively resolve such matters with supervising lawyers.
• Familiarity with IntApp Open conflicts system and other IntApp software products (e.g., Wall Builder).

Contact and Interaction

• Frequent contact with General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel, Assistant General Counsel, and other Conflicts Counsel.
• Regular interaction with Business Intake & Compliance Group management and staff.
• Moderate to high contact with other legal support staff, partners, and lawyers.
• Limited contact with external individuals such as employment candidates.

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit for extended periods while using telephone or computer.
• Ability to lift up to 10 pounds, squat, kneel, and bend.
• Capacity to work in a high-pressure environment with time constraints and frequent interruptions.

Working Conditions

• Work is primarily performed in a typical office environment with opportunities for face-to-face and virtual meetings.
• Full-time position requiring a five-day work week and standard hours as per firm policy.
• Additional hours, including evenings and weekends, may be required.
• Occasional out-of-town travel, including weekends, may be necessary.
• The role is fully remote but requires office presence when business or client needs arise.

Compensation

• Salary range varies by location:
  • New York: $148,000 - $210,000 annually
  • Washington, DC: $144,000 - $204,000 annually
  • Palo Alto or San Francisco, CA: $148,000 - $210,000 annually
• Actual compensation will be based on a combination of factors.

Equal Opportunity

The employer is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local law.