Associate Contracts & Compliance Counsel

Morrison & Foerster, LLP • Los Angeles, CA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

At MoFo, we are seeking an Associate Contracts & Compliance Counsel to join our Conflicts & New Business team. This role will serve as in-house counsel, responding to client Outside Counsel Guidelines (OCG) and engagement letters. The position involves supporting the negotiation of OCG and engagement letter provisions with firm partners and clients, with the goal of developing into an independent negotiator. The Associate Contracts & Compliance Counsel will also work with firm management and staff to implement improved OCG and engagement letter review and compliance processes, ensuring client service and satisfaction.

Requirements

• J.D. and admission to practice in good standing in a US jurisdiction, California strongly preferred.
• One to two years of practical experience, including contract review and direct client interaction required.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills required.
• Familiarity with standard business software required.
• Demonstrated commitment to quality and continuous improvement of processes
• Ability to apply effective independent judgment, escalating to more Senior Contracts & Compliance counsel as appropriate.
• Strong legal research and analytical skills.
• Ability to build effective internal client relationships.
• Advanced oral and written communication skills, including the ability to understand, interpret and prepare complex written material and to present complex ideas succinctly.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong motivation to apply skills and knowledge proactively.
• Initiative to ensure consistent quality and continuous improvement.
• Ability to identify and support team objectives within the position.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and to meet deadlines under sometimes stressful conditions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under deadlines.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with professional responsibility rules and standards preferred.

Responsibilities

• Act as formally designated In–House Counsel to Firm; conduct privileged discussions with and advise General Counsel, partners, associates and staff on OCG review and compliance issues, approaches and processes.
• Review, harmonize and negotiate client OCGs and Standard Engagement Letters, flagging matters for approval as needed, with the goal of taking on independent approval authority over time; escalate provisions and issues as appropriate, with legal and strategic recommendations, to Senior Contracts & Compliance Officer, Assistant General Counsel & Director, Conflicts / New Business, Conflicts Counsel, and Business Review Committee Chair.
• Assist in identifying, developing and documenting Firm standard positions and responses on OCG provisions, under supervision; work with Firm management and appropriate members of the Firm’s OCG Review Team to develop standard positions and responses on new and/or unusual OCG provisions.
• Communicate and work with Relationship Partners on required and recommended amendments to individual OCGs; prepare amendment summaries and redlines with rationales provided; negotiate routine proposed amendments directly with clients upon Relationship Partner request, escalating more complex negotiations as appropriate to more senior Contracts & Compliance counsels or Assistant General Counsel & Director, Conflicts / New Business, General Counsel, and/or Business Review Committee Chair.
• Expedite OCG review, finalization and execution; track and advance status.
• Apply techniques to capture, compare and analyze OCG provisions across assigned client OCGs and relevant Firm administrative functions, in a systematic and communicable manner.
• Demonstrate detailed knowledge of business needs and ongoing Firm objectives. Apply and integrate OCG review and compliance expertise with the principles of Firm risk management guidelines.
• Assist in Firm OCG and engagement letter process, compliance and risk management training, as necessary; support training sessions as directed.
• Help coordinate efforts to ensure all appropriate Partners, administrators and staff are knowledgeable and trained on OCG and engagement letters processes, compliance and risk management.
• Remain current in industry trends regarding OCG compliance in the legal profession.
• Ensure expertise in technology relevant to the position; proactively use most current technology to further teamwork, client service, and efficiency.
• Participate in major, complex projects that increase the value of OCG and engagement letter services to the Firm and clients.

Benefits

• A variety of options for medical, dental, vision, life and disability coverage to meet the needs of you and your family.
• Industry-leading parental leave and family benefits including adoption and fertility treatment options and backup child and elder care.
• Global wellness program, including free access to Talkspace and Calm apps.
• Annual community service day to make an impact on your community and a birthday holiday just for fun.
• Education reimbursement annually.
• Dedicated Talent Development team.
• Competitive annual profit-sharing contribution.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level