Conflicts and Ethics Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

Work closely with the firm’s conflicts team to identify and address potential conflicts of interest, including preparing waiver documentation and implementing ethical screens when necessary. Handle more complex conflict matters by conducting detailed analyses, such as evaluating corporate affiliations and reviewing existing client engagement terms. Support attorneys in resolving internal business conflicts.

Prepare engagement and related client agreements in collaboration with attorneys and firm leadership. Review and assess outside counsel guidelines, identifying provisions that require revision or negotiation, and coordinate with internal stakeholders as needed. Communicate directly with clients regarding any proposed changes.

Perform due diligence reviews on prospective clients, flagging potential risks or concerns to attorneys or leadership. Analyze new client matters to identify ethical considerations and broader business risks.

Serve as a primary point of contact for attorneys and staff on issues involving conflicts, ethics, and client onboarding. Provide guidance on contractual matters, professional responsibility questions, and risk assessment, escalating issues when appropriate.

Partner with the recruiting function on lateral hiring efforts by evaluating potential conflicts associated with candidates. Conduct thorough analyses, coordinate with attorneys to resolve concerns, and advise on hiring decisions, including any conditions or limitations.

Support the development and implementation of firmwide risk management procedures. Provide training, guidance, and task delegation to conflicts team members, ensuring accuracy and completeness of their work.

Educate attorneys and staff on conflicts of interest rules and related ethical obligations. Build strong working relationships across departments involved in the conflicts and intake process.

Assist in maintaining departmental continuity by overseeing workflows and priorities when leadership is unavailable. Manage file transfers to new counsel or clients and coordinate with accounting on matter closures.

Qualifications

Juris Doctor required.

Minimum of five years’ experience in a law firm conflicts or ethics role, with a strong understanding of professional responsibility rules and demonstrated ability to identify and resolve conflicts of interest.

Familiarity with ethics and conflicts rules across multiple jurisdictions.

Experience advising firm leadership on risk management and loss prevention matters.

Background supervising or guiding conflicts analysts and reviewing conflicts reports.

Strong legal drafting experience, particularly with client engagement documentation, and exceptional attention to detail.

Experience analyzing and negotiating outside counsel guidelines.

Additional Skills and Competencies

Proficiency with Microsoft Office and document management tools such as Adobe Acrobat or similar platforms; ability to quickly learn systems like Excel, Intapp, and Aderant.

Skilled in using legal and business research platforms (e.g., Lexis, Westlaw, Capital IQ, and comparable tools).

Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to synthesize complex information and make sound recommendations.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, along with a commitment to continuous professional development.

Ability to manage competing priorities, work both independently and collaboratively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to handle sensitive information with discretion.

Demonstrated ability to remain composed under pressure and interact effectively with colleagues at all levels.

Strong client service mindset and collaborative approach to problem-solving.