Conflicts Attorney

Perkins Coie LLP; Madison (WI); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Ashurst Perkins Coie US LLP seeks a Conflicts Attorney to perform conflicts analysis on new business and lateral hires, advising firm lawyers on conflicts of interest issues and ensuring compliance with ethical standards across jurisdictions.

The role requires JD, 3+ years of practice, and bar admission in good standing. Responsibilities include waivers, engagement letters, research, and collaboration with teams across U.S. and international offices.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate and 3+ years of legal practice required.
• Active bar in good standing in any jurisdiction.
• Strong knowledge of rules governing professional responsibility.
• Ability to handle stressful environments.

Responsibilities

• Analyze conflicts of interest on new business and lateral hires; draft waivers and advise on withdrawal and screening.
• Advise firm lawyers on conflicts-of-interest issues.
• Perform legal research and prepare memoranda for GC, firm lawyers, and committees.
• Analyze complex factual situations and spot issues and risks.
• Draft waivers and engagement letters in final format.
• Negotiate between lawyers to resolve conflicts and waivers.
• Attend work during scheduled hours and meet attendance expectations.

Skills

Rules of Conduct

Jurisdictional analysis

Adaptability

Legal research

Legal writing

Attention to detail

Critical thinking

Project management

Independent work

Collaboration

MS Office

Bar admission

Education

Juris Doctorate

Licensed attorney

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Job Description

Conflicts Attorney

Lead Legal Support. Drive Exceptional Client Service.

Ashurst Perkins Coie US LLP is looking for a dynamic, qualified individual to fill a Conflicts Attorney position performing conflicts analysis on new business and firm lateral hires and advising firm lawyers on conflicts of interest issues. The Conflicts Attorney will independently review, research, and resolve conflicts issues related to firm new business and staff personnel and ensure compliance with ethical standards in all jurisdictions, as well as firm policies.

For purposes of complying with Export Control laws, candidates must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.

What You’ll Do

• Analyze conflicts of interest on new business and lateral hires. Resolve issues that arise in such matters, including drafting of waivers and advising on ethical issues relating to withdrawal and screening.
• Act as a legal advisor to firm lawyers on conflicts-of-interest issues.
• Perform legal research and prepare legal memoranda in response to requests from General Counsel, firm lawyers, managers, claims counsel and various firm committees.
• Analyze complex factual situations and spot issues where problems might occur.
• Draft waivers and engagement and joint representation letters in final format.
• Negotiate between lawyers in resolving disputes over conflicts and waivers. Other related legal work as needed.
• Be present at work during regularly scheduled working hours and as needed in the job position, consistent with the Firm's attendance expectations.

Specific Skills Required

• Knowledge of the Rules of Professional Conduct and their application to the practice of law.
• Solid understanding of jurisdictional differences in the application of different rules and principles in making a choice-of-law analysis.
• Effectively cope with change; can decide and act without having the total picture.
• Thorough understanding of a wide range of areas of law, including being able to identify the roles of parties in matters, and possess a solid understanding of business organizations and financing concepts as well as litigation principles and procedures, such as depositions, subpoenas, roles of codefendants and comparative fault.
• Strong legal research and writing skills, including the ability to compile and analyze complex data and furnish detailed information clearly and concisely.
• Strong eye for detail and critical thinking skills; ability to spot problems and propose creative solutions.
• Project management skills, including the ability to spot issues, manage time well, prioritize effectively, adapt to quick changes and handle multiple deadlines.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to collaborate with others within the department and firm, including with personnel in international offices.
• Well-developed and professional interpersonal skills; ability to interact and communicate effectively with people at all organizational levels of the firm across the firm's U.S. and international offices, both orally and in writing, consistent with communication best practices.
• Proficiency with MS Office.
• Applicants must be licensed and in good standing to practice law in the state of the office out of which they will be based and the state in which they reside.

Specific Skills Preferred

• Understanding of litigation practice and working knowledge of law firm processes.
• Ability to detect procedural problems and determine appropriate relationships.
• Experience with legal research and writing, ability to independently manage multiple tasks of varying importance.

Education and Experience

• Qualified candidates must have a Juris Doctorate and a minimum of three (3) years of legal practice experience.
• Active member in good standing in any jurisdiction.
• Strong working knowledge of relevant topics, legal issues, and the rules governing professional responsibility required.
• Demonstrated success in a stressful environment.

Why Join Ashurst Perkins Coie?

Join a sophisticated legal team where you'll provide trusted guidance on complex conflicts and professional responsibility matters. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with attorneys and firm leadership while helping protect the firm's ethical standards and support strategic business decisions.

This position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, 401(k) plan, medical, dental, and vision insurance, accrued paid time off plan starting at 20 days annually, personal medical and parental leave, up to ten paid holidays, and family care benefits. More information regarding benefits and programs may be found here.

This position may be filled in the following locations. The listed compensation range reflects the typical pay for this role, though it is rare for new hires to receive an offer at the top of the range. Actual compensation may vary depending on experience, skills, market conditions, and internal equity.

Colorado compensation range: $138,450 to $218,880 annually

Illinois compensation range: $146,110 to $231,010 annually

Washington state compensation range: $146,040 to $230,890 annually

Washington, D.C., compensation range: $157,720 to $249,360 annually

This position offers flexibility in working hours to provide coverage for international offices across different time zones.

Early start: Begin work a few hours before the standard business day starts in the Eastern Time zone to overlap with international offices operating earlier.

Late finish: Work a few hours beyond the standard business day in the Pacific Time zone to overlap with international offices operating later.

Applications for this position will be accepted through November 6th, 2026.

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