Conflicts Counsel

Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 111,000 - 146,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff seeks a Conflicts Counsel for its Chicago office. This hybrid role includes managing conflict checks and clearance processes, providing waivers, and consulting on ethical issues. The ideal candidate will have a J.D. and at least 2 years of conflicts analysis experience. Base salary ranges from $111K to $146.5K, with eligibility for a bonus and comprehensive benefits. The firm values diversity and encourages all qualified applicants to apply.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience performing conflicts analysis in a large law firm environment is preferred.
• Comprehensive knowledge of ethical, legal, and risk management rules governing conflicts of interest.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and explain conflicts reports.

Responsibilities

• Conduct conflict checks after obtaining relevant information on parties.
• Manage the firm-wide conflicts clearance process for new clients/matters.
• Consult with General Counsel and Risk Management regarding conflict results.
• Provide waivers and engagement letter exemplars upon request.
• Assist with the creation and implementation of policies regarding matter maintenance.

Skills

Conflicts analysis

Strong computer skills

Written and oral communication

Education

J.D.

Tools

Intapp Open

Job description

Overview

Benesch is seeking a Conflicts Counsel in our Chicago office. This position is hybrid with work-from-home flexibility.

We are a growing firm with offices across multiple cities and a focus on risk management and conflicts of interest processes which support our corporate and transactional practices.

Responsibilities

1. Conduct conflict checks after obtaining all relevant information on parties, including affiliates and related parties and their relationship to the matter and to each other.
2. Manage the firm-wide conflicts clearance process for new clients/matters and lateral attorneys.
3. Consult regularly with General Counsel, Risk Management Officer, Conflicts and Intake Manager, and Conflicts Counsel regarding conflict results, resolutions requiring higher review, and recommendations for process improvements.
4. Provide waivers and engagement letter exemplars upon request; assist in drafting waivers and engagement letters; review waivers and engagement letters from clients to ensure required conditions are met.
5. Manage the Outside Counsel Guideline process and review for potential issues.
6. Carry out research on ethical issues and provide best-practice recommendations to the General Counsel and Conflicts/Risk Management Counsel.
7. Assist with the creation, implementation, and updates to policies and procedures regarding matter maintenance, closings, and lateral arrival/departure processes.
8. Train secretarial and administrative staff on conflicts/new business intake workflow applications.
9. Stay current on trends in conflicts of interest management.
10. Participate in other projects and tasks as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities

Performs other duties as assigned.

Confidentiality

Maintaining confidentiality of sensitive documents and information is required at all times.

Qualifications

The Conflicts Counsel must possess a J.D. and 2+ years of experience performing conflicts analysis in a large law firm environment is preferred. Must have strong computer skills and experience with applicable automated conflict check software. Intapp Open software experience is preferred. Requires comprehensive knowledge of applicable ethical, legal, and risk management rules governing conflicts of interest and related compliance issues for international law firms. Strong written and oral communication skills are required. Ability to understand, analyze, interpret, and explain conflicts reports and to discuss conflicts issues with timekeepers. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with all levels of personnel with tact and diplomacy.

Salary range: 111K to 146.5K. The quoted salary ranges are based on Benesch’s good-faith belief at the time of posting and are not a guarantee of final offers. Base pay is based on market location and may vary with knowledge, skills, and experience. Full-time positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benesch is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and encourage applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require special assistance or accommodations during the process should contact the Benesch Human Resources Department by phone or email (the specific contact details are provided on the original posting).