Conflicts Attorney - Lateral Conflicts

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP; New York (NY); On-site; USD 175,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP in New York is hiring a Lateral Conflicts Attorney responsible for managing the conflicts process, ensuring the identification and resolution of potential conflicts in a legal setting. Candidates should possess a J.D. and relevant bar admission, with at least 2 years of experience in a large law firm.

The role includes interfacing with firm partners, drafting waivers, and maintaining ethical standards. The expected salary is $175,000 to $215,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in a conflicts department of a large law firm.
• Knowledge of private equity, capital markets, banking and credit, and litigation.
• Proficiency in corporate database research.

Responsibilities

• Manage conflicts process from submission to onboarding.
• Draft conflict waiver letters and communicate firm policies.
• Interface with candidates and firm partners to resolve conflicts.

Skills

Legal research

Conflicts resolution

Knowledge of professional conduct rules

Analytical skills

Project planning and management

Strong written communication

Ability to work independently

Education

J.D. degree

Active admission to the New York Bar

Job description

The Lateral Conflicts Attorney is responsible for supporting one of the firm's critical risk management functions. The role facilitates all aspects of the conflicts process involved in the hiring of attorneys and other legal personnel firm‑wide by resolving conflicts of interest, which includes conducting extensive research on parties to all matters, accurately identifying potential conflicts issues, preparing conflicts waivers and notices, implementing ethical screens, and communicating with firm partners and lateral candidates regarding potential issues.

Responsibilities

• Interface with candidates, firm partners and recruiting personnel to resolve identified conflict issues.
• Manage the lateral conflict process from submission to onboarding to ensure that all potential conflicts are accurately identified, adequately resolved and properly documented.
• Communicate with firm partners regarding the status of existing or pending matters in order to resolve identified conflict issues.
• Answer questions from candidates regarding the clearance process, firm policies, and conflicts of interest.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of conflicts rules in all relevant jurisdictions and relating to all firm practice areas.
• Advise attorneys on rules of professional conduct and assist in adherence to such rules and firm policies.
• Draft, review and coordinate conflict waiver letters, lateral notices and ethical screening memos.
• Draft and communicate firm policies and procedures relating to conflicts of interest.
• Determine the need for, establish and maintain formal ethical screens.
• Perform other functions relating to conflicts and legal ethics as required, including new business intake, engagement letters, outside counsel guidelines, legal research and legal confirmation letters.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education Required

J.D. required. Active admission to the New York Bar and/or the bar of the jurisdiction where the Lateral Conflicts Attorney is located, if not New York.

Skills & Experience Required

• At least 2 years’ experience practicing law in a large law firm or in a conflicts department of a large law firm.
• Knowledge of firm practice areas: private equity, capital markets, banking and credit, bankruptcy, commercial and securities litigation, and others.
• Ability to identify parties and issues involved in prospective matters, define relationships and resolve actual and potential conflicts of interest arising in various types of transactions and cases.
• Knowledge of the rules of professional conduct in various jurisdictions.
• Proficiency in internet and corporate database research.
• Ability to research corporate ownership/SEC filings to determine shareholders and substantial owners.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, plan and adapt quickly to changes in workflow in a high‑profile, high‑pressure, mission‑critical environment.
• Ability to research and understand multiple complex corporate transactions and relationships quickly and accurately and how such transactional structures relate to the firm’s existing and prospective engagements.
• Good business judgment and analytical skills.
• Complete discretion regarding maintaining the confidentiality of all firm and client information, including identities of clients and other parties.
• Ability to work effectively with all levels of personnel in a global organization with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to communicate professionally, clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to learn and utilize internal conflict checking software and multiple software applications and workflow processes of various other firm departments.
• Ability to efficiently produce a large quantity of accurate and quality work product.
• Strong project planning, management and execution skills.
• Ability to work on difficult matters for long periods without losing focus or accuracy.
• Self‑motivation and ability to work independently.

Salary Information

NY only: The estimated base salary range for this position is $175,000 to $215,000 at the time of posting. The actual salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including qualifications, years of relevant experience, level of education, certifications, and if applicable, the location where the applicant performs the job. This role is exempt, meaning it is not overtime pay eligible. Simpson Thacher will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.

EEO Statement

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett is committed to a collegial work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. The Firm prohibits discrimination or harassment based upon race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, marital or partnership status, sexual orientation, veteran’s status or any other legally protected status. This policy pertains to every aspect of an individual’s relationship with the Firm, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, training and development, promotion, transfer, discipline, termination, and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment.