Conflicts Staff Attorney - Lateral

Sidley Austin LLP•Chicago, IL

35d•$160,000 - $185,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Conflicts Staff Attorney will be responsible for assisting with the review, identification, and resolution of potential conflicts issues Firmwide, including all new business and laterals. This position will report to the Conflicts New Business Manager or the Conflicts Lateral Hire Manager and will work closely with the Director of Conflicts / Legal, Director of Conflicts / Operations, Conflicts and New Business, Lateral Conflicts Team, and Firm partners. Job responsibilities and duties will include a combination of the below depending on whether you are focused on clearing New Business or Lateral Hires. There is overlap in responsibilities and training provided.

Requirements

Juris Doctor
Knowledge of rules of professional responsibility
Admission to a bar in jurisdiction where Firm has office
Conflicts clearance experience at large law firm strongly preferred
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

Database research experience, InTapp experience

Responsibilities

Review and analyze conflicts reports for all new business, informational requests, and changes in current matters that arise
Review search results generated by the Conflicts Analysts and identify potential conflicts of interest with respect to all new business.
Prepare a Conflicts Summary for Firm lawyers outlining conflicts results
Work closely with Firm lawyers, Director of Conflicts/Legal, and NB CSA Manager to implement screening requirements, obtain waivers and answer other conflicts inquiries as required.
Perform analysis and reviews of new business forms and provide assistance with the new business intake process as needed.
Draft engagement letters, waivers, and screens as needed.
Participate in weekly meetings of the Conflicts Staff Attorneys (New Business and Lateral)
Assist with onboarding laterals as needed.
Study and stay current with laws and rules pertaining to conflicts of interest with respect to each jurisdiction in which the Firm maintains offices.
Maintain records for tracking and timely completion of all conflicts review projects undertaken.
Perform various special projects and duties as assigned.
Review Conflicts Questionnaires submitted by lateral hire candidates.
Review search results generated by the Conflicts Analysts and identify potential conflicts of interest with respect to the lateral candidate.
Communicate with Firm partners to resolve potential conflicts of interest that are identified in the search results.
Prepare a comprehensive Conflicts Summary for lateral partner candidates that lists all current clients and matters on which the partner candidate is working and identifying all potential conflicts and screens that will be necessary. This report will be reviewed by sponsoring partners and Firm management.
Communicate with lateral candidates with additional questions or requesting clarifications.
Participate in discussions on how to streamline the lateral hire clearing process, including IT enhancements.