Conflicts Attorney - Client Terms & Risk Lead

Perkins Coie LLP; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 202,000 - 323,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual discretionary bonus

401(k) plan

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Accrued paid time off starting at 20‑d

Parental leave

Up to ten paid holidays

Family care benefits

Job summary

Ashurst Perkins Coie US LLP is seeking a Conflicts Attorney focused on Client Terms to advise on engagement letters, outside counsel guidelines, and related client terms. The role supports firm attorneys and internal stakeholders in negotiating practical terms while protecting the firm's legal and ethical interests.

The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in contract negotiation, risk assessment, and navigating complex client requirements within a global professional services

Qualifications

• J.D. with an active license in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• 5+ years of legal practice experience in a law firm or professional services environment; large law firm experience preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in compliance, risk management, in-house counsel, or contract-focused legal work.
• Demonstrated experience reviewing and negotiating client-drafted contracts or law firm engagement terms.
• Strong legal, commercial, analytical, and problem-solving judgment.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently, navigate ambiguity, and manage multiple priorities with limited supervision.
• Strong attention to detail and discretion when handling sensitive and confidential matters.
• Working knowledge of AI, technology, data management, business organizations, and financing concepts.

Responsibilities

• Review and analyze client engagement terms, including outside counsel guidelines, engagement letters, NDAs, codes of conduct, and related agreements.
• Advise firm attorneys on the legal, commercial, operational, and risk implications of proposed client terms.
• Lead or support negotiations with clients and firm attorneys, recommending practical revisions that protect the firm while addressing client priorities.
• Identify material legal, regulatory, compliance, and business risks and partner with subject matter experts, management, and General Counsel on appropriate solutions.
• Review proposed changes to the firm's standard engagement terms and advise on exceptions and deviations.
• Serve as a risk and compliance resource for client, vendor, and banking questionnaires and business development submissions, including RFPs.
• Provide guidance to Conflicts Attorneys and Analysts on complex or unusual client terms.
• Develop and improve negotiation strategies, procedures, workflows, and documentation practices related to client engagement terms.
• Ensure finalized terms, exceptions, and commitments are accurately documented and maintained in an auditable manner.
• Monitor relevant legal and regulatory developments and recommend updates to policies, processes, and engagement practices.
• Lead or support special projects, including initiatives involving risk, compliance, contract management, or related technology.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Risk management

Contract review

Analytical thinking

Project management

Independence

Attention to detail

AI/Tech knowledge

Legal judgment

Education

J.D. license

Tools

Intapp Terms

Contract management tech

Compliance tools

RFP tools

Job description

Ashurst Perkins Coie US LLP is seeking a Conflicts Attorney focused on Client Terms to advise on engagement letters, outside counsel guidelines, and related client terms. The role supports firm attorneys and internal stakeholders in negotiating practical terms while protecting the firm's legal and ethical interests.

The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in contract negotiation, risk assessment, and navigating complex client requirements within a global professional services