Conflicts Resolution Attorney

Morrison & Foerster, LLP•San Diego, CA

18d

About The Position

The Conflicts Resolution Attorney joins MoFo’s Conflicts/New Business team and aligns work with department objectives and priorities while following guidelines and procedures established by the Firm’s conflicts counsel. The role assists partners and conflicts attorneys in reviewing and resolving conflicts reports and related conflicts-of-interest issues, and proactively communicates with attorneys, senior risk managers, and other stakeholders. It involves conducting in-depth research, developing recommendations, drafting conflict waivers and related documentation, and recording clearance determinations. The attorney also participates in risk-management training and professional-development initiatives and is expected to provide excellent client service. The role may be based in San Francisco, San Diego, or New York. The attorney researches firm databases to expedite conflict-report resolution, identifies and prioritizes potential conflicts, collaborates with responsible attorneys on resolution, and documents outcomes. The role reviews and approves reports resolved by Conflicts Resolution Analysts and advises on ethical-wall matters. It drafts and reviews conflicts waiver language for engagement letters, waivers, and Outside Counsel Guidelines, and supports Conflicts Counsel and the Office of the General Counsel in privileged discussions and advice to attorneys and staff, consistent with the role and supervision. The attorney analyzes complex conflicts issues using practical, systematic approaches aligned with firm business objectives and risk-management guidelines, assists with related projects, and provides backup support to Conflicts Counsel as needed. Participation in a shared coverage model includes scheduled hours outside standard business hours as required. The role advises and trains Conflicts Analysts, collaborates with the Assistant General Counsel & Director, Conflicts/New Business and Conflicts Counsel to improve policies, procedures, and risk-management strategies, and assists with firmwide and individual conflicts training. As experience and expertise grow, the attorney is expected to assume increasing responsibility and leadership, stay current on relevant industry and compliance developments, maintain proficiency in relevant technology, and contribute to major, complex projects that enhance department services.

Requirements

J.D. required.
Admission in good standing in a U.S. jurisdiction; California or the state of the hiring office is preferred.
Minimum two years of relevant law firm or legal experience, including exposure to conflicts resolution, ethics, risk management, and/or compliance.
Strong knowledge of conflicts-of-interest rules and conflict-resolution processes.
Proficiency in standard business software.
Sound independent judgment and strong legal research and analysis skills, including the ability to accurately interpret complex information.
Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to present complex ideas clearly and succinctly.
Strong leadership, collaboration, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build effective relationships in a client-service-focused environment.
Proactive, strategic, and highly organized, with a commitment to quality and continuous improvement and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines under pressure.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with IntApp Conflicts, ServiceNow, iManage/SPM, and Sitescan.
Admission in California or the state of the hiring office.

Responsibilities

Align work with department objectives and priorities while following guidelines and procedures established by the Firm’s conflicts counsel.
Assist partners and conflicts attorneys in reviewing and resolving conflicts reports and related conflicts-of-interest issues.
Communicate proactively with attorneys, senior risk managers, and other stakeholders regarding conflicts matters.
Research firm databases, identify and prioritize potential conflicts, collaborate with responsible attorneys on resolution, and document outcomes.
Review and approve conflict reports resolved by Conflicts Resolution Analysts and advise on ethical-wall matters.
Conduct legal research and analysis, develop recommendations, draft conflict waivers and related documentation, and record clearance determinations.
Draft and review conflicts waiver language for engagement letters, waivers, and Outside Counsel Guidelines.
Support Conflicts Counsel and the Office of the General Counsel in privileged discussions and advise attorneys and staff on conflicts issues, consistent with role and supervision.
Analyze complex conflicts issues using systematic, practical approaches aligned with Firm business objectives and risk-management guidelines.
Assist with conflicts-related projects and provide backup support to Conflicts Counsel as needed.
Participate in scheduled coverage outside standard business hours as required.
Advise and train Conflicts Analysts on identifying and resolving conflicts issues.
Collaborate with the Assistant General Counsel & Director, Conflicts/New Business and Conflicts Counsel to enhance conflicts policies, procedures, and risk-management strategies.
Assist with firmwide and individual conflicts training initiatives.
Stay current on industry trends and compliance developments related to conflicts of interest.
Maintain proficiency in relevant technology to support teamwork, efficiency, and client service.
Contribute to major, complex projects and assume increasing responsibility and leadership opportunities as experience and expertise grow.
Deliver excellent client service and satisfaction.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package starting on the first day.
Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage options.
Parental leave and family benefits, including adoption and fertility treatment options and backup child and elder care.
Global wellness program, including free access to Talkspace and Calm apps.
Annual community service day.
Birthday holiday.
Annual education reimbursement.
Dedicated Talent Development team.
Competitive annual profit-sharing contribution.
Potential discretionary bonus and overtime as applicable.
Retirement contributions, paid holidays, and PTO.