Director of Conflicts Analysis and Resolution

Jackson Walker•Houston, TX

28d

About The Position

The Director of Conflicts Analysis and Resolution leads Jackson Walkers firmwide conflicts program, ensuring the timely identification, analysis, and resolution of conflicts of interest across all client matters, lateral hires, and internal operations. This role plays a critical part in safeguarding the firms ethical compliance, mitigating risk, and supporting efficient business intake processes. The Director manages the conflicts team, collaborates closely with attorneys, Recruiting, Business Intake, and firm leadership, and develops policies and practices that strengthen the firms overall risk-management framework.

Requirements

Bachelors degree required; J.D. preferred with license to practice law in the United States and in good standing with the Texas Bar.
Minimum of 8 years experience in conflicts, risk management, professional responsibility, or compliance within a law firm or professional services environment.
Deep understanding of conflicts of interest rules, legal ethics, and professional responsibility frameworks.
Proven leadership experience in managing teams and driving decisions in high-pressure, time-sensitive environments.
Strong analytical and communication skills with the ability to synthesize complex information and advise senior leadership.
Experience with conflicts software systems, legal research tools, and business intake processes.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across departments and offices.

Responsibilities

Oversee the end-to-end conflicts review workflow for new clients, new matters, and firmwide business intake.
Evaluate conflict reports, perform legal and factual analysis, and provide clear recommendations to attorneys and leadership regarding potential conflicts and resolution paths.
Analyze complex conflict scenarios requiring interpretation of ethical rules, case law, waivers, and screening requirements.
Facilitate discussions between attorneys when conflict issues arise and support timely, practical resolution.
Draft or support drafting of conflict waivers and screening notices as needed.
Lead conflicts analysis for all lateral attorney candidates and groups.
Review conflict reports prepared by analysts and ensure accurate, thorough evaluation of incoming matters and prior representations.
In consultation with the General Counsel, determine whether waivers, consents, ethical walls, or withdrawals are needed.
Advise Recruiting and Practice Group Leaders on conflict-related onboarding considerations.
Ensure compliance with professional responsibility rules, firm policies, applicable laws, and regulatory requirements related to conflicts of interest and ethical screens.
Partner with the General Counsel to design, refine, and implement conflicts policies, procedures, and best practices.
Monitor changes in ethics rules and industry standards and update internal protocols accordingly.
Maintain expert-level knowledge of the applicable Rules of Professional Conduct, including multijurisdictional considerations.
Lead, coach, and develop the conflicts team, promoting accuracy, responsiveness, risk awareness, and continuous improvement.
Collaborate with Business Intake, Recruiting, Practice Group Leaders, IT, and other operational teams to ensure seamless conflict clearance processes.
Develop and deliver training to attorneys and staff on conflicts awareness, ethical compliance, and best practices.
Build and maintain strong working relationships across offices to support a consistent and efficient conflicts program.
Oversee conflicts software platforms, ensuring data integrity, functionality, and optimal use of technology.
Partner with IT and vendors to evaluate enhancements, implement system upgrades, streamline workflows, and adopt emerging tools.
Generate reports and dashboards that provide insights into conflicts trends, clearance times, risk indicators, and team performance.
Support the firm in strategic planning by identifying conflict-related risks and opportunities for process improvement.