Legal Conflicts Researcher

Holland & Hart Staff•Anchorage, AK

4d•$26 - $44•Hybrid

About The Position

Conducts limited due diligence research and utilizes the conflicts database to screen and report findings of all names connected to potential and existing clients. Plays a critical role in supporting the department’s risk management function by ensuring legal and business conflicts of interest are identified and reported, thereby protecting the firm from potential malpractice claims, motions to disqualify, and the like. Assists the firm in complying with the Rules of Professional Conduct and applicable federal law related to “know your client” obligations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, four (4) years of comparable law firm or research experience, or a Paralegal Certificate and 2 years of comparable law firm or research experience required.
High level of proficiency using personal computers, database software, Windows, and Word required.
Ability to follow instructions and procedures, apply good judgment, think independently and “on their feet” when circumstances dictate, and seek advice when necessary.
Requires good interpersonal/communication skills to collaborate effectively with personnel at all levels within the firm.
Ability to exercise discretion in escalating and communicating issues.
Requires good organizational and planning skills to prioritize and handle detailed and repetitive work, and to assess, recommend, and implement improved work procedures.
Good spelling, writing, and proofreading skills.
Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities, and maintain composure with minimal supervision.
Willingness to work flexible hours when necessary to meet departmental deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience as a Conflicts Researcher at a comparably sized firm or other prior legal experience a plus.
Juris Doctorate, librarian, paralegal, and/or data analytics backgrounds a plus.
Experience with Aderant Expert and/or Intapp a plus.
Highly analytical and skilled at database searching with attention to detail preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepares, under general oversight, limited due diligence research of potential new clients or new counsel on behalf of the firm and its attorneys, using a variety of electronic resources. This can include various types of quick or complex research, including news, public records, bankruptcy filings, judgments and liens, lawsuit involvement, corporate hierarchy, and company and individual research.
Responsible, under general oversight, for preparing a summary report outlining due diligence research and highlighting any potential risk issues.
Advises appropriate firm constituents, Lead Counsel, or screening attorney of findings.
Responsible, under general oversight, for searching and preparing conflict reports on names submitted through various search requests.
Highlights potential legal and business conflicts utilizing applicable conflicts software.
Evaluates and makes decisions relating to conflict search results to determine search result relevancy and prepares conflict reports based on findings.
Advises screening or clearance attorney on relevant findings and answers questions related to the same.
Performs corporate tree research and analysis to determine the structure of business entities and uncover client relationships and hierarchies relevant to the preparation of conflict reports; utilizes the internet and Lexis Diligence, Lexis Corporate Affiliations, Lexis Public Records, Capital IQ, and various government websites.
Learns how to process rejected matters and file related documentation; learns linking parties, black book notes, rejecting requests, and other elevated tasks as needed.
Learns and assists with reopening matters and adding former client hits for new hires.
Responds to department emails as needed under general oversight, and trains on handling late shift assignments.
Adheres to all firm and department policies and procedures related to conflict searches, due diligence research, and new business intake.
Handles sensitive and confidential information daily.
Works on special projects and additional duties as assigned.