Senior Conflicts Analyst (New Business)

Cooley•San Francisco, CA

About The Position

The Senior Conflicts Analyst is responsible for the identification, analysis, and resolution of all conflicts requests, using independent judgment and demonstrating a thorough understanding of the business needs when clearing incoming work and candidates. This role involves analyzing and processing conflict requests, including more complex ones, to ensure that all firm engagements and hires are clear from a business and ethical perspective. The analyst will prepare database search terms, create conflicts reports, perform corporate research, and identify existing and potential conflicts. They will also interpret database results, prepare concise descriptions of the conflicts landscape, interact with partners to discuss and resolve issues, provide updates, maintain resolution notes, request waivers, draft conflict waivers and engagement letters, and advise firm attorneys on special circumstances. Additionally, the role includes drafting and implementing ethical screens, performing legal research, and providing conflicts training.

Requirements

After orientation at Cooley LLP, exhibit proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, iManage and other firm applications
Ability to work extended and/or weekend hours, as required
5+ years progressive experience in a law firm, legal environment or conflicts department, with 3+ in conflicts or legal intake
Exhibit analytical and critical thinking in day-to-day tasks along with the proven ability to operate at an elevated level in terms of scope of responsibility, judgement and autonomy.
Work more independently, demonstrate escalating ownership and mastery of assigned area, exhibit strength in the areas below, become a resource and mentor to others and more as they progress in different roles within the department
Proficiency in IntApp Open and Contract Express or similar programs
Knowledge of American Bar Association’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct and California State Bar Association’s Rules of Professional Conduct
Overall understanding of a corporate law practice
Ability to conduct legal and corporate research
Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills
Good judgment, strong analytical and critical thinking skills
Strong organizational skills with attention to details
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Comfortable in a fast-paced, challenging environment
Able to prioritize and juggle multiple tasks
Capable of and comfortable with communicating professionally with attorneys, directors, and managers
Ability to take on time sensitive matters while recognizing legal ethical rules
Excellent customer service skills

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree, JD
Knowledge and experience with complete conflicts resolution
Paralegal Certificate preferred or completion of an ethics course in a paralegal program
Prior experience as a paralegal or legal researcher in a law firm

Responsibilities

Analyze and process all conflict requests, including more complex requests, to ensure that all firm engagements and hires are clear from a business and ethical perspective
Prepare database search terms and create conflicts reports for related parties, for all requests including high volume, bulk searches
Perform corporate research to confirm the identity of all parties associated with requests and address any potential conflicts or high-profile issues
Identify existing and potential conflicts for each request by reviewing and analyzing conflicts reports and supporting documents
Understand and interpret database results and conflicts reports for firm partners, counsel, attorneys and business professionals
Prepare concise, comprehensive descriptions of prospective conflicts landscape based on the rules of professional conduct for attorneys and other submitters
Interact regularly with partners - through email and telephone to investigate and discuss potential issues and propose solutions in connection with conflict clearances
Provide regular updates to responsible attorneys and other users in connection with conflicts clearances
Maintain conflicts resolution notes and responses for each request
Request waivers for all matters requiring consent and confirm that all conflicts have been resolved
Draft conflict waivers and engagement letters as necessary
Inform and advise firm attorneys and counsel of any special circumstances surrounding complicated requests
Draft and implement necessary ethical screens
Awareness of current legal trends and information
Perform conflicts case law and legal ethics research
Provide conflicts training for secretaries, paralegals, attorneys and business professionals, as needed
All other duties as assigned or required