Ethical Walls Specialist: Confidentiality & Risk Vetting

Kirkland & Ellis; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 88,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kirkland & Ellis in Washington DC is seeking a Business Intake Specialist to join the Ethics Walls and Conflicts team. In this highly visible role, you will work closely with attorneys, Risk Management leadership, and the Office of General Counsel to support the firm's new business intake and confidentiality controls.

This position requires a bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of relevant experience, with strong analytical, communication, and collaborative skills to manage sensitive information and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; a master’s degree is preferred.
• Five or more years of relevant experience, including conflicts searching; experience within a law firm or legal environment is preferred.
• Risk & compliance knowledge: understanding conflicts of interest, ethical screening and related processes.
• Analytical thinking to assess complex information, identify issues and propose practical solutions.
• Strong written and verbal communication to explain information clearly to stakeholders.
• Customer service focus with the ability to build productive cross-team relationships.
• Attention to detail and rigor when handling confidential information.
• Collaborative and adaptable to work under pressure in a global team.
• Availability and responsiveness, including occasional evenings and weekend work.

Responsibilities

• Manage Ethical Walls: Establish, maintain, monitor, audit, and deactivate ethical walls using Intapp WallBuilder to support confidentiality and compliance requirements.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert: Develop and maintain expertise in screening requirements, ethical wall protocols, and firm policies related to information barriers and confidentiality.
• Evaluate Screening Requirements: Review conflict analyses, retention letters, and waiver documentation to determine appropriate screening and access controls.
• Prepare Communications: Draft and distribute screening memoranda and other related communications to support compliance efforts across the firm.
• Partner with Key Stakeholders: Collaborate with attorneys, the Office of General Counsel, Risk Management leadership, Information Technology (IT), and colleagues across global Business Intake & Conflicts teams.
• Support Compliance and Risk Management: Respond to inquiries promptly and professionally while helping identify potential risks and recommending appropriate resolutions.
• Resolve Access Issues: Investigate and address timekeeper, file, and document access concerns in partnership with attorneys and IT teams.
• Improve Processes: Contribute to enhancements in procedures, workflows, and technology solutions that reduce risk and improve operational efficiency.
• Handle Time-Sensitive Matters: Support urgent business intake needs and confidential situations that may require flexibility outside standard business hours.
• Provide Team Support: Assist department leadership with special projects, evolving priorities, and additional responsibilities as needed.

Skills

Risk & compliance knowledge

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Customer service focus

Attention to detail

Collaboration & adaptability

Availability & responsiveness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Kirkland & Ellis in Washington DC is seeking a Business Intake Specialist to join the Ethics Walls and Conflicts team. In this highly visible role, you will work closely with attorneys, Risk Management leadership, and the Office of General Counsel to support the firm's new business intake and confidentiality controls.

This position requires a bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of relevant experience, with strong analytical, communication, and collaborative skills to manage sensitive information and