Conflicts Attorney - Lateral Conflicts

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP•New York, NY

6d•$175,000 - $215,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Lateral Conflicts Attorney is responsible for supporting one of the firm's critical risk management functions. This role facilitates all aspects of the conflicts process involved in the hiring of attorneys and other legal personnel firm-wide by resolving conflicts of interest, which involves conducting extensive research on parties to all matters, accurately identifying potential conflicts issues, preparing conflicts waivers and notices, implementing ethical screens, and communicating with firm partners and lateral candidates regarding potential issues. This role also facilitates ethical screening procedures firm-wide by implementing ethical screens and responding to and resolving screening inquiries from partners and associates.

Requirements

J.D. required
Active admission to the New York Bar and/or the bar of the jurisdiction where the Lateral Conflicts Attorney is located, if not New York
At least 2 years’ experience practicing law in a large law firm or in a conflicts department of a large law firm
Knowledge of firm practice areas: private equity, capital markets, banking and credit, bankruptcy, commercial and securities litigation and others
Ability to identify parties and issues involved in prospective matters, define relationships and resolve actual and potential conflicts of interest arising in various types of transactions and cases
Knowledge of the rules of professional conduct in various jurisdictions
Proficiency in internet and corporate database research
Ability to research corporate ownership/SEC filings to determine shareholders and substantial owners
Ability to organize, prioritize, plan and adapt quickly to changes in workflow in a high profile, high pressure, mission-critical environment
Ability to research and understand multiple complex corporate transactions and relationships quickly and accurately and how such transactional structures relate to the firm’s existing and prospective engagements
Good business judgment and analytical skills
Complete and utter discretion regarding maintaining the confidentiality of all firm and client information, including identities of clients and other parties
Ability to work effectively with all levels of personnel in a global organization with tact and diplomacy
Ability to communicate professionally, clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing
Ability to learn and utilize internal conflict checking software and multiple software applications and workflow processes of various other firm departments
Ability to efficiently produce a large quantity of accurate and quality work product
Strong project planning, management and execution skills
Ability to work on difficult matters for long periods without losing focus or accuracy
Self-motivation and ability to work independently

Responsibilities

Interface with candidates, firm partners and recruiting personnel to resolve identified conflict issues
Manage lateral conflict process from submission to onboarding to ensure that all potential conflicts are accurately identified, adequately resolved and properly documented
Communicate with firm partners regarding the status of existing or pending matters and in order to resolve identified conflict issues
Answer questions from candidates regarding the clearance process, firm policies, and conflicts of interest
Develop and maintain knowledge of conflicts rules in all relevant jurisdictions and relating to all firm practice areas
Advise attorneys on rules of professional conduct and assist in adherence to such rules and firm policies
Draft, review and coordinate conflict waiver letters, lateral notices and ethical screening memos
Draft and communicate firm policies and procedures relating to conflicts of interest
Determine the need for, establish and maintain formal ethical screens
Perform other functions relating to conflicts and legal ethics as required, including new business intake, engagement letters, outside counsel guidelines, legal research and legal confirmation letters
Perform other duties as assigned