Conflicts Attorney

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer • New York, NY

2d • $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, consulting with and advising Conflicts Analysts and foreign-qualified lawyers, and facilitating the resolution of commercial conflicts. The attorney will also review and provide guidance on conflicts provisions in engagement terms, support lateral conflicts clearance, and contribute to risk management policies and procedures. Additionally, the role includes conducting research on professional conduct rules and regulations, and monitoring changes in 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.

Benefits

• The firm is committed to creating and maintaining a workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of the business and are valued for their skills, experience, and unique perspectives.
• The firm does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, mental or physical handicap or disability, age, citizenship status, alienage, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression or any other criteria prohibited under applicable federal, state or local law.
• We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone thrives. We see this as essential to our success, including our ability to innovate and achieve sustained high performance. This is a key part of our Values—Human, Bold, and Outstanding.

What This Job Offers

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