Conflicts Analyst

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP in New York is seeking a compliance professional focused on conflicts of interest and new business acceptance. You will advise on applicable state regulations, conduct rigorous conflict reviews, and support firm-wide risk management efforts.

The role involves researching entities, preparing clear conflict reports, and collaborating with partners across practice groups. Training will be provided; strong analytical and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in conflicts of interests is well-regarded but not essential as full training on the firm systems and policies will be provided.
• Excellent research, analytical skills with a focus on accuracy and attention to detail.
• Commercial awareness.
• Ability to work autonomously and prioritise multiple tasks simultaneously and under pressure.
• Effective verbal, written and face to face communication skills with a variety of staff including senior partners and legal assistants.

Responsibilities

• Provide tailored advice on conflicts of interest and new business acceptance.
• Assess new firm instructions per state rules and advise partners on conflicts.
• Conduct thorough searches on the firm’s databases and research entities using internal and third‑party resources.
• Prepare communications to attorneys clearly identifying all potential issues found in conflict reports.
• Assist in developing firm strategy through careful selection of new clients and business.
• Establish and update risk management policies with NBI and IHC teams.
• Advise on applicable legislation for new and existing clients and support the Financial Crime Team.
• Assist with regulatory audits and preparation of materials.

Skills

Research skills

Analytical skills

Commercial awareness

Autonomy

Communication skills

Job description

The Opportunity

Key internal relationships:

• The New Business Intake (“NBI”) team, consisting of a network of analysts and attorneys in the US, the UK and Australia
• Chief New Business & Enterprise Risk Officer
• Head of Partner Recruitment and Integration, US
• The Matter Management, Financial Crimes, and Operational Excellence teams within the NBE&R umbrella.
• Business Development and In House Counsel (“IHC”) teams
• US General Counsel (also the Money Laundering Compliance Officer).
• Regional Practice Group Heads, Sector Leads and Client Relationship Partners and the Conflicts Partners
  • Partners, fee-earners

Key responsibilities:

• Providing tailored advice, support and analysis to the Firm on a range of compliance topics centring on conflicts of interest and new business acceptance. This will include advising on the application of legislation, the professional conduct rules in a number of different States, regulations and policy. This will include:
• Assessing new firm instructions in accordance with the professional conduct rules of the relevant State and oversea jurisdictions and advising partners and fee-earners on conflicts of interest (both legal and commercial)
• Conducting thorough searches on the firm’s databases and researching entities using internal and third-party resources; analyzing search results in accordance with applicable ethical rules and firm policies.
• Prepare communications to attorneys, clearly identifying all potential issues found in conflict report. Assist attorneys in resolving conflict issues. Work directly with attorneys to assist and facilitate conflict resolution.
• Working with business development teams and sector lead partners to develop and implement firm strategy through careful selection of new clients and business.
• Establishing, updating and working with the respective NBI and IHC teams in implementing firm-wide (and internal) risk management policies, controls and procedures.
• Advising the partners and fee-earners on applicable legislation in the context of new and existing clients of the firm and supporting the Financial Crime Team on the same or escalating issues as appropriate.
• Assisting with the Firm’s compliance audits globally, including preparing materials and attending sessions with the relevant regulators, and reviewing the required regulatory reports across the Firm’s jurisdictions.

Other

• Implementing and maintaining effective information barriers and assisting with queries from the practice groups as required.
• Responding securities dealing requests.
• Assisting in the development and testing of new NBI software/ processes as necessary.
• Assisting with the implementation of NBI strategic projects.

Qualifications, skills and experience

• Prior experience in conflicts of interests is well-regarded but not essential as full training on the firm systems and policies will be provided.
• Excellent research, analytical skills with a focus on accuracy and attention to detail.
• Commercial awareness.
• Ability to work autonomously and prioritise multiple tasks simultaneously and under pressure.
• Effective verbal, written and face to face communication skills with a variety of staff including senior partners and legal assistants.

Salary Range - $70,000-$85,000

Success Factors

Bringing my Best

• Works with autonomy to deliver high-quality work
• Identifies opportunities to take on stretch assignments
• Embraces change and actively acquires new knowledge and skills to add value to their role

Creating Great Results

• Explores stakeholder needs and perspectives to develop solutions
• Trusted by stakeholders and team for recommendations on areas within specialty
• Adapts communication and approach to different audiences and stakeholder needs

Supporting and Developing others

• Plays a valuable leadership role within the team
• Actively supports others by sharing their firm knowledge and subject matter expertise
• Effectively collaborates within department and across business services to deliver for stakeholders

Enhancing the firm

• Provides advice in the context of firm commercial issues and goals
• Navigates competing tensions to achieve what is in the best interests of the firm
• Makes recommendations on how the firm can adapt to industry changes and developments

Global Competencies

As part of our commitment to professional growth and high performance, all our people are expected to demonstrate behaviours and skills in line with our global competency frameworks. These frameworks cover key areas, which provide clear guidance on what good looks like and support development at every stage of your career with us:

• Personal Leadership
• Builds Authentic Relationships
• Collaborates with others
• Enhances the Client Experience
• Achieves Results

While specific competencies may vary depending on role level, we encourage everyone to aim to perform in line with their relevant framework.

Team

General Counsel and Risk

Working Pattern

Full time

Location

New York

Contract type

Permanent Contract

We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone thrives. We see this as essential to our success, including our ability to innovate and achieve sustained high performance. This is a key part of our Values - Human, Bold, and Outstanding.

HerbertSmithFreehillsKramerisanequalopportunityemployer.Thefirmiscommittedtocreatingandmaintainingaworkplaceinwhichallemployeeshaveanopportunitytoparticipateandcontributetothesuccessofthebusinessandarevaluedfortheirskills,experience,anduniqueperspectives.Thefirmdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,color,creed,religion,sex,nationalorigin,veteranstatus,mentalorphysicalhandicapordisability,age,citizenshipstatus,alienage,ancestry,maritalstatus,sexualorientation,genderidentity,orexpressionoranyothercriteriaprohibitedunderapplicablefederal,stateorlocallaw.