Conflicts Attorney - Client Terms

Ashurst Perkins Coie•Seattle, WA

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

At Ashurst Perkins Coie LLP, effective client engagement requires thoughtful legal judgment, commercial awareness, and strong risk management. We’re seeking a Conflicts Attorney – Client Terms to advise firm lawyers and internal stakeholders on engagement letters, outside counsel guidelines, and other client terms, helping the firm reach practical, mutually acceptable agreements while protecting its legal, ethical, and business interests. The ideal candidate is an experienced attorney with strong contract negotiation and risk management skills who can navigate complex client requirements, collaborate across a global organization, and balance legal considerations with commercial priorities and client relationships.

Requirements

J.D. with an active license in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
5+ years of legal practice experience in a law firm or professional services environment; large law firm experience preferred.
2+ years of experience in compliance, risk management, in-house counsel, or contract-focused legal work.
Demonstrated experience reviewing and negotiating client-drafted contracts or law firm engagement terms.
Strong legal, commercial, analytical, and problem-solving judgment.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with attorneys, clients, and senior stakeholders.
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Ability to work independently, navigate ambiguity, and make sound decisions with limited supervision.
Strong attention to detail and discretion when handling sensitive and confidential matters.
Working knowledge of AI, technology, data management, business organizations, and financing concepts.

Nice To Haves

Prior Conflicts Attorney or equivalent experience.
Experience with Intapp Terms or similar contract/engagement management technology.
Experience negotiating municipal, state, or federal government contracts.
Experience with global compliance requirements, including AML/KYC, sanctions, and export controls.
Experience leading projects involving contract management, risk and compliance technology, or process implementation.

Responsibilities

Review and analyze client engagement terms, including outside counsel guidelines, engagement letters, NDAs, codes of conduct, and related agreements.
Advise firm attorneys on the legal, commercial, operational, and risk implications of proposed client terms.
Lead or support negotiations with clients and firm attorneys, recommending practical revisions that protect the firm while addressing client priorities.
Identify material legal, regulatory, compliance, and business risks and partner with subject matter experts, management, and General Counsel on appropriate solutions.
Review proposed changes to the firm’s standard engagement terms and advise on exceptions and deviations.
Serve as a risk and compliance resource for client, vendor, and banking questionnaires and business development submissions, including RFPs.
Provide guidance to Conflicts Attorneys and Analysts on complex or unusual client terms.
Develop and improve negotiation strategies, procedures, workflows, and documentation practices related to client engagement terms.
Ensure finalized terms, exceptions, and commitments are accurately documented and maintained in an auditable manner.
Monitor relevant legal and regulatory developments and recommend updates to policies, processes, and engagement practices.
Lead or support special projects, including initiatives involving risk, compliance, contract management, or related technology.