Conflicts Lateral Liaison

Sidley Austin LLP•Washington, DC

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Conflicts Lateral Liaison supports the new business operations of the CNB department with a focus on managing the transition of partners that join the Firm. The incumbent serves as an essential link among several departments to ensure the smooth transition. The incumbent will be the primary point of contact for Lateral Partners with respect to the onboarding of new clients and matters upon arrival. The incumbent will work closely with the New Business and Lateral Conflict Staff Attorneys (“CSA”). Additionally, the Conflicts Lateral Liaison plays a critical role in ensuring the standardization and integrity of the firm’s conflicts data and information regarding lateral partners, including assisting in the implementation of systems to track lateral searches and convert them into new client/matters.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree
Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in a research or analytical role in a legal or professional services environment
Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
Strong organizational skills
Strong attention to detail
Good judgment
Strong interpersonal communication skills
Strong analytical and problem solving skills
Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others
Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
Able to work under pressure
Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities

Nice To Haves

Conflicts or compliance experience at large law firm
Database Research Experience (including CapitalIQ, Hoovers/Dunn & Bradstreet or Bureau van Dijk)
Experience with Conflicts Search and/or Risk Management applications (including Elite, Intapp Open, and Intapp Wall Builder)

Responsibilities

Work with Recruiting team to coordinate the conflicts/risk aspects of the onboarding process for all new lateral hires, including Summer/Fall associates.
Communicating with new Lateral Partners, before and after joining the Firm, to determine initial and updated priorities regarding the opening of new clients and matters; develop and update a detailed spreadsheet to track the onboarding of each Lateral Partner’s clients and matters
Consult frequently with Lateral and New Business CSAs to review and update status of new Lateral Partner’s clients and matters; with the guidance of the Lateral and New Business CSAs, assist the Lateral Partner in obtaining the waivers necessary to open new clients and matters
Monitor the transfer of the Lateral Partner’s electronic and physical files to the Firm; meet weekly with the Records Department to discuss file transfer issues
Consult with new Lateral Partners to structure and draft engagement terms for new clients
Serve as point of contact for the Lateral Partner’s secretary regarding any questions or problems in requesting conflicts searches and completing the New Business Form.
Identify and escalate problems or delays promptly to the Lateral CSAs, New business CSAs or the Deputy General Counsel as appropriate.
Create conflicts and due diligence reports that incorporate research and analysis from the firm’s internal conflicts database and external corporate research tools.
Perform initial review of conflicts requests and work with secretaries and submitting attorneys to obtain clear and precise information.
Prepares and regularly updates documentation used in training of new and current staff both within and outside the Conflicts/New Business Department on the processes and procedures related to lateral intake and onboarding.
Perform various special projects and duties as assigned.