Senior Conflicts Attorney - Outside Counsel Guidelines

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP•New York, NY

1d•$200,000 - $350,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Conflicts Attorney is responsible for supporting one of the firm's critical risk management functions, including the rules of professional conduct and conflicts of interest in all jurisdictions relevant to a large global law practice. This role facilitates all new business intake by resolving conflicts of interest firm-wide, which involves conducting extensive research on all parties to all matters, accurately identifying potential conflicts issues for new clients, matters and parties, preparing conflicts waivers and engagement letters, and communicating with partners and clients regarding potential issues and documentation.

Requirements

J.D. required
Active admission to the New York Bar and/or the bar of the jurisdiction where the Conflicts Attorney is located, if not New York
At least 5 years’ experience practicing law in a large law firm
Knowledge of all firm practice areas: private equity, capital markets, banking and credit, bankruptcy, commercial and securities litigation and others
Ability to identify parties and issues involved in prospective matters, define relationships and resolve actual and potential conflicts of interest arising in various types of transactions and cases
Proficiency in internet and corporate database research
Ability to research corporate ownership/SEC filings to determine shareholders and substantial owners of target companies and other adverse parties
Ability to organize, prioritize, plan and adapt quickly to changes in workflow in a high profile, high pressure, mission-critical environment
Ability to research and understand multiple complex corporate transactions and relationships quickly and accurately and to determine how proposed transactional structures relate to the firm’s existing and prospective engagements
Good business judgment and analytical skills
Complete and utter discretion regarding maintaining the confidentiality of all firm and client information, including identities of clients and other parties
Ability to work effectively with all levels of personnel in a global organization with tact and diplomacy
Ability to communicate professionally, clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing
Ability to learn and utilize internal conflict checking software and multiple software applications and workflow processes of various other firm departments
Ability to efficiently produce a large quantity of accurate and quality work product
Strong project planning, management and execution skills
Ability to work on difficult matters for long periods without losing focus or accuracy
Self-motivation and ability to work independently

Responsibilities

Respond to partner conflict inquiries on a firm-wide basis; interface with partners and associates to confirm the status of existing or pending transactions and resolve identified conflict issues
Manage conflict research processes and procedures to ensure that all potential conflicts are quickly and accurately identified and resolved
Communicate with partners regarding the status of existing or pending matters and in order to resolve identified conflict issues
Develop and maintain knowledge of conflicts rules in all relevant jurisdictions and relating to all firm practice areas
Advise attorneys on rules of professional conduct and assist in adherence to such rules and firm policies
Draft, review and coordinate client engagement and conflict waiver letters
Review and negotiate revisions to clients’ outside counsel guidelines regarding conflicts of interest
Assist Business Development with client and prospective client RFIs and RFPs relating to conflicts of interest
Draft and communicate firm policies and procedures relating to conflicts of interest
Train firm personnel in conflicts and legal ethics, including presenting ethics CLEs
Determine the need for, establish and maintain formal ethical screens
Perform other functions relating to conflicts and legal ethics as required
Perform other duties as assigned