Conflicts Attorney

Herbert Smith Freehills•New York, NY

6d•$180,000 - $215,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Conflicts Attorney will provide assistance, support, and analysis to the firm on a range of compliance topics centered on conflicts of interest, new business intake, and client due diligence processes. This role involves assessing potential new clients and matters for the firm in accordance with applicable professional conduct rules and relevant domestic and overseas regulatory requirements. The attorney will also consult with and advise Conflicts Analysts and foreign-qualified lawyers on legal and ethical questions under US law, serving as an escalation point for complex clearances. Additionally, the role supports lateral conflicts clearance, onboarding, client transfers, and matter openings, and contributes to establishing, updating, and implementing risk management policies and procedures. The position requires conducting research on ethics, regulatory compliance, and new business acceptance matters, and monitoring changes to the legal and regulatory landscape.

Requirements

Admitted as an Attorney in New York or another US State.
Excellent research and analytical skills with a focus on accuracy and attention to detail.
Demonstrated commercial awareness and understanding of risk in a law firm environment.
Ability to multi-task and effectively prioritize multiple deadlines.
Effective verbal, written and face-to-face communication skills with a variety of staff including senior partners and legal assistants.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in conflicts of interests is preferred but not essential as full training on the firm systems and policies will be provided.
Familiarity with Intapp Open software is a plus.

Responsibilities

Provide assistance, support, and analysis to the firm on a range of compliance topics centered on conflicts of interest, new business intake, and client due diligence processes.
Assess potential new clients and matters for the firm in accordance with applicable professional conduct rules, and relevant domestic and overseas regulatory requirements.
Collaborate with or escalate issues to the Financial Crime team where appropriate.
Consult with and advise Conflicts Analysts and foreign-qualified lawyers on legal and ethical questions under US law as needed, serving as an escalation point for more complex clearances.
Facilitate resolution of commercial conflicts by liaising with practice group heads, sector leads, and Conflicts Partners by presenting them with the business case for instructions within the context of the Firm’s strategic growth priorities.
Review and provide guidance on conflicts provisions in engagement terms, outside counsel guidelines, and requests for proposal; draft conflict of interest waivers as appropriate.
Support lateral conflicts clearance, onboarding, client transfers, and matter openings for lateral partners and other new hires, and work closely with recruiting, business development, practice leadership, and administrative teams to help facilitate smooth intake and transition processes.
Contribute to establishing, updating, and implement risk management policies, controls, and procedures in coordination with the NBE&R team, the IHC team, and other firm stakeholders.
Conduct research and provide support to partners, fee-earners, and business services teams on applicable rules of professional conduct, applicable legislation, regulations, and firm policies relating to, ethics, regulatory compliance, and new business acceptance matters.
Assist with monitoring changes to the legal and regulatory landscape in which the firm operates, particularly changes affecting new and existing clients; provide support to the team and other firm stakeholders in adapting policies and procedures as appropriate.
Support information barrier processes, compliance audits, and regulatory reporting across jurisdictions.
Contribute to the development, testing, and implementation of new intake software, processes, and strategic projects.
Comply with WHS obligations and responsibilities in accordance with the requirements for this role.
Maintain accurate records in conflicts and intake systems.
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.