Bilingual Conflicts Lawyer

Gowling WLG • Toronto, ON

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

As a member of Gowling’s global conflicts team, the Conflicts Lawyer will support the General Counsel Team and the Conflicts Assessment and Matter Analysis Team (CAMAT) with the implementation and continuous improvement of conflicts search and analysis processes and procedures. This position can be based in any of our Canadian offices!

Requirements

• Law degree and membership in a Canadian law society.
• Bilingualism (English/French) is required.
• 1-3 years of experience working in a legal environment.
• Ability to conduct conflict of interest searches and exercise good judgement to identify and resolve issues.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities, think critically and show initiative while working in a high volume and time sensitive environment.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to multi-task.
• Strong interpersonal, influencing and consensus building skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to provide excellent client service.
• Strong interest in technology and advanced computer literacy; willingness to learn Intapp, InProtech, iManage, SPM, Aderant, Harvey and Kira;
• Capacity to work independently, as well as in a team environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in navigating conflicts of interest issues in various practice groups, or in-depth familiarity with MacDonald Estate v. Martin ([1990] 3 SCR 1235) and Canadian National Railway Co. v. McKercher ([2013] 2 SCR 649).

Responsibilities

• Ability to conduct conflict of interest searches and exercise good judgement to identify and resolve issues.
• Assist with review and analysis of lateral hire conflicts disclosures and provide guidance to Department Chairs and Human Resources on how to resolve related issues, and draft the necessary confidentiality documents.
• Advise on, and determine the need for client disclosure and ethical walls, and preparing appropriate disclosure and waiver letters, if needed.
• Conduct research relating to Conflicts law and professional duties and rules of conduct.
• Analyze trends in file openings and conflict of interest issues, to assist in the further automation and innovation of processes.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of the CAMAT, including streamlining work flow processes and software enhancements to upgrade our integrated global operation.
• Review and manage Outside Counsel Guidelines, including cyber security elements.
• Conduct and participate in risk management and conflicts-related professional development presentations to firm members.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid health, dental, and mental health coverage, plus an annual lifestyle spending allowance
• Benefits coverage for Firm members and their dependents from day one!
• 15+ vacation days and hybrid work flexibility
• Parental leave top-up for 26 weeks (after 12 months of full-time employment)
• Group Retirement Savings Plan with employer match
• Financial protection through short & long-term disability, life, accident & critical illness insurance
• Employee & Family Assistance Program, guided CBT, and an internal network of 120+ trained Mental Health First Aid responders
• Recognition awards, appreciation events, and a supportive, collaborative work culture
• Perks and preferred pricing programs, referral bonuses and more

What This Job Offers

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