OGC Counsel - Laterals

Latham & Watkins LLP • Los Angeles, CA

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

The OGC Counsel – Laterals is an integral part of Latham’s Office of the General Counsel team. This role will be responsible for supporting the firm’s lateral attorney hiring and onboarding process, with a focus on the US region, while serving as the primary point of coordination for lateral partner and counsel hiring matters in the US region (and EMEA region as needed), managing timelines, communications, and next steps between multiple business service teams and senior stakeholders. This role will be located in either our New York, New York, Chicago, Illinois, or Downtown Los Angeles office. Please note that this role may be eligible for a flexible working schedule that allows for a hybrid and in-office presence.

Requirements

• A JD or equivalent degree
• Qualifications to practice law in any jurisdiction where Latham maintains an office (EMEA or U.S.) and active status
• A minimum of seven (7) years relevant legal experience, preferably in a global law firm setting or in-house legal department

Nice To Haves

• Possess strong familiarity with conflicts or similar risk management processes in a law firm setting
• Exhibit well-developed and professional interpersonal skills and the ability to engage diplomatically and clearly with senior stakeholders, lateral candidates, and internal teams
• Display strong communication skills, both written and oral

Responsibilities

• Applying knowledge of legal ethics and professional responsibility rules relating to lateral attorney and new matter conflicts of interest as well as relevant Latham procedures, policies, and practices to advise Ethics Committee Members and other attorneys and key stakeholders
• Overseeing and directing the conflicts clearance process, ensuring seamless communication between candidates, the Conflicts team, the Office of the General Counsel, and other stakeholders, and identifying and escalating key issues, ensuring conflicts issues and resolutions are understood by all stakeholders, and helping drive resolutions that align with firm policy and business goals
• Liaising directly with lateral partner candidates, guiding them through conflicts, new business, and onboarding requirements, gathering necessary information, and serving as a knowledgeable and professional firm contact and training and supporting candidates on firm policies and the new business intake process, in coordination with relevant internal teams
• Collaborating with firm leadership, partner recruiting and onboarding teams, practice group leaders, and risk management teams to ensure smooth, efficient, and compliant onboarding, and working closely with the Vice General Counsel and Deputies General Counsel to develop and improve internal guidance and procedures, checklists, and materials related to lateral integration
• Tracking and managing multiple active matters simultaneously, balancing competing deadlines with professionalism and clarity
• Protecting and maintaining any highly sensitive, confidential, privileged, financial, and/or proprietary information that Latham & Watkins retains

Benefits

• Healthcare, life and disability insurance
• A generous 401k plan
• At least 11 paid holidays per year, and a PTO program that accrues 23 days during the first year of employment and grows with tenure
• Well-being programs (e.g. mental health services, mindfulness and resiliency, medical resources, well-being events, and more)
• Professional development programs
• Employee discounts
• Affinity groups, networks, and coalitions for lawyers and staff

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees