Conflicts Counsel

Benesch Law; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 111,000 - 146,500; Full time

Job summary

Benesch Law is seeking a Conflicts Counsel in Chicago, IL. The role requires a J.D. and at least 2 years of conflicts analysis experience in a large law firm. Responsibilities include conducting conflict checks, managing the clearance process for new clients, and consulting with internal counsel. The salary range is between $111K to $146.5K with benefits and potential bonuses. Join a growing firm that values diversity and offers a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• Must possess a J.D. and at least 2 years of experience performing conflicts analysis.
• Excellent computer skills and experience with conflict check software.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conducts conflict checks and manages the clearance process.
• Consults with internal stakeholders on conflict results.
• Assists with drafting waivers and engagement letters.

Skills

Conflict analysis

Research skills

Written communication

Oral communication

Knowledge of ethical and legal requirements

Education

J.D.

Tools

Intapp Open software

Job description

About Benesch

At Benesch we pride ourselves on exceeding expectations and building trust not only with our clients but with our employees—Benesch's #1 asset. Committed to providing the highest level of legal service, we also aspire to create a positive work environment for our employees. Our Firm continues to earn placement on Chicago and Cleveland's Top Workplaces list, along with Cleveland's NorthCoast 99 rankings and continues to advance on the AmLaw 125 list, placing us among the top 125 law firms in the country.

We celebrate a hybrid schedule, career development and growth, transparent and visible leadership teams, and an environment where diversity, equity and inclusion are celebrated. The Firm offers a full array of benefits which can be viewed at www.mybeneschbenefits.com.

Working with Us – Be Benesch!

We are one of the fastest growing firms in the nation, with offices in Chicago, Columbus, San Francisco, New York City and Wilmington. We continue to expand our geographic footprint and value the talent that comprises each of our locations. If you champion a First in Service approach and are ready to be part of an exciting and growing firm, we invite you to apply and join our team.

Position Summary

Are you looking for an opportunity to utilize your JD but no longer wish to practice law? Have you passed the bar and wondered what next because you’re looking for a non‑traditional path to utilize your law degree? Do you have prior conflicts analysis experience? Is your legal knowledge concentrated in corporate and transactional work? If so, our Conflicts Counsel position may be a fit. This role is for a licensed attorney who likes to problem‑solve, conduct research and make recommendations for best practices in the corporate/transactional world of law. The Conflicts Counsel plays a key role in risk management by assisting in providing clearance for new business, attorney and staff hires, and acquisitions/mergers of other law firms. The position coordinates workflow and personnel activities to assure optimal efficiency, accuracy and timely output, and works continuously to improve processes and implement automation regarding conflicts analysis.

Essential Functions

• Conducts conflict checks after obtaining all relevant available information on the parties, including affiliates and related parties and their relationship to the matter and each other.
• Manages the firm‑wide conflicts clearance process for new clients/matters and lateral attorneys.
• Consults regularly with General Counsel, Risk Management Officer, Conflicts and Intake Manager, and Conflicts Counsel regarding conflict results and resolutions that require a higher level of review, problems or issues that may arise, recommendations for improvement in running and clearing conflicts, or any needs for further resources.
• Provides waiver and engagement letter exemplars upon request, assists in drafting waivers and engagement letters and reviews waiver and engagement letters received from clients to ensure that required conditions have been met.
• Manages the Outside Counsel Guideline process and reviews for potential issues.
• Carries out research projects pertinent to ethical issues and provides best practice recommendations to the General Counsel and Conflicts and Risk Management Counsel.
• Assists with the creation, implementation and updates to various policies and procedures regarding matter maintenance including closings and lateral arrival/departure processes.
• Trains secretarial and administrative staff on how to utilize conflicts/new business intake workflow application.
• Keeps current on trends within the topic of conflicts of interest management.
• Participates in other projects and tasks as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Confidentiality

Due to the nature of your employment, various documents and information of a confidential nature will come into your possession. Such documents and information must be kept confidential at all times.

Qualifications

The Conflicts Counsel must possess a J.D. and at least 2 years of experience performing conflicts analysis in a large law firm environment is preferred. Must possess excellent computer skills and experience with applicable automated conflict check software; Intapp Open software experience preferred. Requires a comprehensive knowledge of applicable ethical, legal and risk management rules and requirements governing conflict of interest and the conflict resolution process, as well as related compliance issues and guidelines applicable to international law firms. Must possess strong written and oral communication skills, the ability to understand, analyze, interpret and explain conflicts reports, and to converse informatively with timekeepers regarding conflicts issues. Demonstrated ability to effectively and efficiently work with all levels of personnel with tact and diplomacy.

The salary range for this position is $111K to $146.5K.

Please note that quoted salary ranges are based on Benesch's good faith belief at the time of the job posting and are not a guarantee of what final salary offers may be. Base pay is based on market location and may vary depending on job‑related knowledge, skills and experience. Base pay is only one part of the total rewards that Benesch provides to compensate and recognize our staff professionals for their work. Full‑time positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and a comprehensive benefits package.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Benesch is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability (where the applicant is qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations), medical condition, protected veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Accommodations

Applicants who require special assistance or an accommodation during the application process due to a disability should contact the Benesch Human Resources Department by phone at 216‑363‑4578 or email at [e-mail].