Assistant General Counsel - Client Engagement

Cooley LLP; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 225,000 - 270,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Assistant General Counsel to enhance client engagement and compliance processes. This pivotal role involves advising on client-requested engagement terms and negotiating agreements to ensure alignment with firm standards. The ideal candidate will have a JD degree, extensive legal practice experience, and proficiency in essential legal tools. With a focus on strategic thinking and risk management, this position offers a unique opportunity to shape policies and improve client interactions. Join a dynamic team that values excellence and innovation in legal practices.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Life Insurance

Parental Leave

Detailed Orientation

Qualifications

• 5+ years of legal practice experience, preferably in a large law firm.
• Active membership in good standing of the relevant state bar.

Responsibilities

• Act as in-house counsel, advising on OCG review and compliance issues.
• Negotiate amendments to OCGs directly with clients when appropriate.

Skills

Microsoft Word

Outlook

Excel

iManage

IntApp Time

Adobe Acrobat

Govern

Legal Practice

Contracts Negotiation

Communication Skills

Education

JD Degree

Tools

iManage

IntApp Time

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

Assistant General Counsel - Client Engagement

Cooley is seeking an Assistant General Counsel - Client Engagement to join the Risk and Compliance team.

Position summary: Guided by department objectives and priorities, and under the general direction of the General Counsel, the Assistant General Counsel - Client Engagement serves as in-house counsel to the firm. This role involves reviewing and responding to client-requested engagement terms, outside counsel guidelines, billing guidelines, client questionnaires, information security policies, data protection agreements, business associate agreements, non-disclosure agreements, and other agreements with or requests from prospective or existing clients (collectively, "OCGs") that diverge from the firm's standard engagement terms. The Assistant General Counsel - Client Engagement counsels responsible partners and other Cooley attorneys on OCGs, negotiates OCGs with firm clients when appropriate, and coordinates with various firm departments. This position works with firm management to develop and improve OCG review and compliance processes, as well as overall business intake processes. Specific duties include:

Position responsibilities:

• Act as in-house counsel, advising the Office of the General Counsel, partners, and attorneys on OCG review and compliance issues
• Review, evaluate, negotiate, and approve client OCGs and engagement letters, escalating issues as needed, with recommendations
• Develop firm positions on OCG provisions and communicate with relevant partners and departments
• Negotiate amendments to OCGs directly with clients when appropriate
• Coordinate with the Business Intake and Conflicts department to expedite review, track status, and maintain records of OCGs; analyze OCG provisions across clients and firm functions; develop metrics and reports for management
• Ensure compliance with OCG provisions across firm functions
• Apply risk management principles to OCG review processes
• Collaborate on developing firm policies and procedures related to OCGs and client intake
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills and experience:

Required:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, iManage, IntApp Time, Adobe Acrobat, Govern, and other firm applications after orientation
• Ability to work extended hours, including weekends, as needed
• 5+ years of legal practice experience, preferably in a large law firm or as in-house counsel
• JD degree
• Active membership in good standing of the relevant state bar

Preferred:

• Experience analyzing conflicts of interest
• Experience reviewing and negotiating outside counsel guidelines
• 3+ years of contracts, negotiation, or related experience in a law firm or corporation
• Experience drafting technology, licensing, leasing, and professional service agreements
• Advanced knowledge of laws and practices related to business contracts and leases

Core competencies:

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to analyze needs and prioritize tasks based on business objectives
• Strong project management skills
• Strategic thinking, critical analysis, and problem-solving abilities
• Accountability and self-drive
• Judgment and discretion, especially regarding sensitive matters
• Diplomacy and consultancy skills

Cooley offers competitive compensation and benefits, with an annual pay range of $225,000 - $270,000, dependent on location and experience. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, parental leave, and more. New employees will attend a detailed orientation to learn about available resources and benefits.