Head of Conflicts & Risk — U.S. Strategy Lead

Plona Partners; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Regional Powerhouse (AmLaw100) in the U.S. East Coast (Hybrid – NY / CT) is seeking a Senior Director of Conflicts / Head of Conflicts to build and scale the Risk & Compliance function. The role requires leadership across Legal, Finance, and Operations with responsibility for conflicts and engagement governance.

You will shape risk strategy, oversee ethical screens, and influence senior partners while driving improvements across policies, systems, and processes.

Qualifications

• JD with active U.S. bar license.
• 6–10+ years in law firm risk, compliance, OGC, or professional responsibility.
• Deep expertise in conflicts, new business intake, engagement terms, and ethical screens.
• Proven ability to influence partners and operate at the leadership level.
• Strong operator mindset: build, implement, and improve.

Responsibilities

• Lead all U.S. Risk & Compliance operations, including conflicts, NBI, and engagement governance.
• Design and implement firmwide risk strategy aligned with global leadership.
• Oversee complex conflicts resolution, ethical screens, and high‑risk matter approvals.
• Partner with senior stakeholders on claims, regulatory, and reputational risk matters.
• Drive process improvement, policy development, and system optimization.
• Lead training initiatives across attorneys and business teams.
• Act as a strategic advisor on lateral hires, office expansions, and sensitive matters.

Skills

Leadership

Risk & Compliance

Influence Partners

Policy Development

Training & Development

Operational Execution

Education

JD + US Bar Admission

Job description

Regional Powerhouse (AmLaw100) in the U.S. East Coast (Hybrid – NY / CT) is seeking a Senior Director of Conflicts / Head of Conflicts to build and scale the Risk & Compliance function. The role requires leadership across Legal, Finance, and Operations with responsibility for conflicts and engagement governance.

You will shape risk strategy, oversee ethical screens, and influence senior partners while driving improvements across policies, systems, and processes.