Conflicts Attorney

herbertsmithfreehills; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Herbert Smith Freehills in New York seeks a Conflicts Attorney to provide guidance on conflicts of interest, new business intake, and client due diligence. Reporting to the Heads of Conflicts, you will assess potential clients and matters, advise on US law, and collaborate with NBI, Financial Crime, and other teams to support compliant intake and risk management.

Admitted in NY or another US state, you will bring strong research, analytical skills, and multitasking ability to manage deadlines

Qualifications

• Admitted as an Attorney in New York or another US State.
• Strong research, analytical, and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication across staff and partners.
• Capable of handling multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Understanding of risk in a law firm and conflicts of interest.

Responsibilities

• Provide assistance, support, and analysis to the firm on conflicts of interest, new business intake, and client due diligence processes.
• Assess potential new clients and matters for the firm in accordance with applicable professional conduct rules and regulatory requirements; escalate to Financial Crime when appropriate.
• Consult with Conflicts Analysts and foreign-qualified lawyers on legal and ethical questions under US law as needed.
• Facilitate resolution of commercial conflicts by liaising with practice group heads and Partners with business-case analysis.
• Review and provide guidance on conflicts provisions in engagement terms and outside counsel guidelines; draft waivers as appropriate.
• Support lateral conflicts clearance, onboarding, client transfers, and matter openings for lateral hires; coordinate with HR, BD, and admin teams.
• Contribute to establishing, updating, and implementing risk management policies with NBE&R teams and stakeholders.
• Conduct research and provide support on applicable rules of professional conduct, regulations, and firm policies.
• Monitor changes to the legal and regulatory landscape affecting new and existing clients; adapt policies accordingly.

Skills

Research and analytical skills

Commercial awareness

Multitasking and prioritization

Verbal and written communication

Education

New York Bar admission (Attorney) or state equivalent

Job description

The Opportunity

Title: Conflicts Attorney

Reporting to: Heads of Conflicts

Location(s): New York

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


• 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

• Provide assistance, support, and analysis to the firm on a range of compliance topics centered on conflicts of interest, new business intake, and client due diligence processes.


• Assess potential new clients and matters for the firm in accordance with applicable professional conduct rules, and relevant domestic and overseas regulatory requirements. Collaborate with or elevate issues to the Financial Crime team where appropriate. Familiarity with Intapp Open software is a plus.


• Consult with and advise Conflicts Analysts and foreign-qualified lawyers on legal and ethical questions under US law as needed, serving as an escalation point for more complex clearances.


• Facilitate resolution of commercial conflicts by liaising with practice group heads, sector leads, and Conflicts Partners by presenting them with the business case for instructions within the context of the Firm's strategic growth priorities.


• Review and provide guidance on conflicts provisions in engagement terms, outside counsel guidelines, and requests for proposal; draft conflict of interest waivers as appropriate.


• Support lateral conflicts clearance, onboarding, client transfers, and matter openings for lateral partners and other new hires, and work closely with recruiting, business development, practice leadership, and administrative teams to help facilitate smooth intake and transition processes.


• Contribute to establishing, updating, and implement risk management policies, controls, and procedures in coordination with the NBE&R team, the IHC team, and other firm stakeholders.


• Conduct research and provide support to partners, fee-earners, and business services teams on applicable rules of professional conduct, applicable legislation, regulations, and firm policies relating to, ethics, regulatory compliance, and new business acceptance matters.


• Assist with monitoring changes to the legal and regulatory landscape in which the firm operates, particularly changes affecting new and existing clients; provide support to the team and other firm stakeholders in adapting policies and procedures as appropriate.

Other

• Support information barrier processes, compliance audits, and regulatory reporting across jurisdictions.


• Contribute to the development, testing, and implementation of new intake software, processes, and strategic projects.


• Comply with WHS obligations and responsibilities in accordance with the requirements for this role.


• Maintain accurate records in conflicts and intake systems.


• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications, skills and experience

• Admitted as an Attorney in New York or another US State.


• Prior experience in conflicts of interests is preferred but not essential as full training on the firm systems and policies will be provided.


• Excellent research and analytical skills with a focus on accuracy and attention to detail.


• Demonstrated commercial awareness and understanding of risk in a law firm environment.


• Ability to multi-task and effectively prioritize multiple deadlines.


• Effective verbal, written and face-to-face communication skills with a variety of staff including senior partners and legal assistants.

Success Factors

Bringing my Best

• Delivers high quality work with guidance and support as needed


• Shows willingness to take on new tasks and learn from experience


• Is open to change and builds new knowledge and skills to grow in the role

Creating Great Results

• Seeks to understand stakeholder needs and supports practical solutions


• Builds trust by providing reliable support in their area of responsibility


• Communicates clearly and adapts approach with support for different audiences

Supporting and Developing Others

• Contributes positively as a team member


• Shares knowledge and supports colleagues when appropriate


• Works collaboratively within the department and with other teams

Enhancing the Firm

• Develops an understanding of the firm's strategic growth priorities and risk considerations


• Recognizes when to elevate competing issues or seek guidance


• Suggests process improvements and shares observations on changes affecting the team

Global Competencies

As part of our commitment to professional growth and high performance, all our people are expected to demonstrate behaviors and skills in line with our