Conflicts Staff Attorney

Sidley Austin LLP (IL LLP); Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 146,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Sidley Austin LLP is seeking a conflicts analyst to review search results, identify potential conflicts for lateral hires, and communicate with partners to resolve issues. You will prepare a conflicts summary detailing current clients and matters, and coordinate with candidates for clarifications.

The role involves drafting waivers, integrating screening requirements, and staying current with conflicts laws across jurisdictions. A J.D. and bar admission are required.

Qualifications

• J.D. from ABA-accredited law school and bar admission in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• Knowledge of rules of professional responsibility.
• Conflicts clearance experience at a large law firm.

Responsibilities

• Review search results and identify potential conflicts of interest for lateral hires.
• Communicate with Firm partners to resolve conflicts identified in results.
• Prepare a comprehensive Conflicts Summary listing clients and matters with potential conflicts.
• Communicate with lateral candidates for clarifications.
• Participate in discussions to streamline the lateral hire clearance process.
• Collaborate with Firm lawyers and operations leadership to implement screening and waivers.
• Draft waivers and screens as needed.
• Attend weekly Conflicts Staff Attorneys meetings.
• Assist with onboarding laterals as needed.
• Study laws/rules on conflicts of interest across jurisdictions where the Firm operates.
• Perform various special projects and duties as assigned.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Attention to detail

Good judgment

Interpersonal communication

Analytical & problem solving

Team collaboration

Confidentiality & discretion

Working under pressure

Multitasking & prioritization

Education

J.D. (ABA-accredited law school)

Bar admission in good standing (US jurisdiction)

Tools

NA

Job description

Duties and Responsibilities

• Review search results generated by the Conflicts Analysts and identify potential conflicts of interest with respect to all lateral hires.
• Communicate with Firm partners to resolve potential conflicts of interest that are identified in the search results.
• Prepare a comprehensive Conflicts Summary for lateral partner candidates that lists all current clients and matters on which the partner candidate is working and identifying all potential conflicts and screens that will be necessary. This report will be reviewed by sponsoring partners and Firm management.
• Communicate with lateral candidates with additional questions or requesting clarifications.
• Participate in discussions on how to streamline the lateral hire clearing process, including IT enhancements.
• Work closely with Firm lawyers, Senior Director of Operations, and Lateral Conflicts Associate Director to implement screening requirements, obtain waivers and answer other conflicts inquiries as required.
• Draft waivers and screens as needed.
• Participate in weekly meetings of the Conflicts Staff Attorneys (New Business and Lateral)
• Assist with onboarding laterals as needed.
• Study and stay current with laws and rules pertaining to conflicts of interest with respect to each jurisdiction in which the Firm maintains offices.
• Perform various special projects and duties as assigned.

#LI-JW1 #LI-Hybrid

Education and/or Experience

• Required: J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school and admission in good standing to the bar of at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• Preferred: Knowledge of rules of professional responsibility Conflicts clearance experience at large law firm.

Other Skills and Abilities

• Strong organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Good judgment
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others
• Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
• Able to work under pressure
• Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities

The target salary range for this role is: $145,700 - $200,350 if located in Illinois or Washington, D.C.

Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate.

Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email [e-mail] (current employees should contact Human Resources).

Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Sidley is an elite global law firm with a known reputation of deploying innovative strategies to achieve powerful results. Business professionals are essential to the firm’s ability to deliver the highest quality legal services to our clients. We are always looking for talented, motivated individuals who thrive in a performance-driven culture to join our team.

Sidley employs approximately 2,300 lawyers working with our clients in complex transactional, restructuring, crisis management, investigation, regulatory, and litigation matters. Our 160 years of perspective and reach are truly global, supported by 21 offices strategically situated in key commercial, regulatory, and financial centers across the world. Our lawyers and business professionals, fluent in more than 75 languages, possess the cultural awareness and cross-border legal acumen needed to bring clarity to a dynamic business landscape.