Professional Responsibility Counsel | Legal Ethics & Risk Management

Oculus Group; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Oculus Legal Search represents a national law firm seeking a Professional Responsibility Counsel to join its Office of General Counsel and risk management team. The role focuses on ethics, conflicts of interest, and professional responsibility, advising leadership and shaping firm policies.

The ideal candidate has 2+ years in legal ethics, strong knowledge of ABA Model Rules, and excellent research, drafting, and communication skills. Hybrid work across Chicago and other offices is available.

Qualifications

• JD with active bar membership.
• 2+ years in legal ethics or professional responsibility.
• Familiarity with conflicts clearance and engagement letters.
• Strong research, drafting, and analytical abilities.
• Experience in a law firm risk management role preferred.

Responsibilities

• Advise on ethics obligations and conflicts of interest.
• Evaluate conflicts in client matters and hires.
• Review engagement letters and outside counsel guidelines.
• Provide guidance to partners and firm leadership on ethics and risk.
• Develop and improve firm policies and internal controls.
• Lead training on professional responsibility.
• Monitor ethics developments and regulatory changes.

Skills

ABA Rules knowledge

Legal Research

Drafting & Analysis

Conflicts of Interest

Policy Development

Training & Leadership

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Professional Responsibility Counsel | Legal Ethics & Risk Management

National Law Firm | Office of General Counsel

Locations: New York, NY | Chicago, IL | Milwaukee, WI | Madison, WI | Washington, DC

The Opportunity

Oculus Legal Search is representing a prominent national law firm seeking a Professional Responsibility Counsel to join its internal legal and risk management team.

This position offers an opportunity for an attorney with experience in legal ethics, conflicts of interest, and professional responsibility to advise firm leadership, support regulatory compliance, and help shape internal policies and procedures.

Working within the firm's Office of General Counsel, the selected attorney will serve as a trusted resource to attorneys and administrative leadership on complex ethical and risk-related matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Legal Ethics & Compliance: Advise on professional responsibility obligations, conflicts of interest, and applicable rules of professional conduct.
• Conflicts Management: Evaluate potential conflicts involving new clients, matters, and lateral attorney hires; recommend appropriate resolutions, waivers, or ethical screens.
• Engagement & Risk Review: Review and negotiate engagement letters, outside counsel guidelines, conflict waivers, and related contractual provisions.
• Attorney Advisory: Provide practical guidance to partners, practice leaders, and firm personnel on ethics and risk management matters.
• Policy Development: Assist in creating and improving firm policies, compliance procedures, and internal controls.
• Team Leadership & Training: Support conflicts analysts and deliver training on professional responsibility and ethical obligations.
• Legal Research: Monitor developments in ethics rules, regulatory requirements, and professional responsibility standards.

Ideal Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) and active bar membership in the jurisdiction of employment.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in legal ethics, professional responsibility, conflicts management, or related law firm risk management.
• Strong knowledge of the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct and conflicts-of-interest principles.
• Experience with conflicts clearance, engagement agreements, outside counsel guidelines, waivers, or ethical screens preferred.
• Prior law firm experience strongly preferred.
• Excellent legal research, drafting, communication, and analytical skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and provide practical advice to attorneys and firm leadership.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

Strategic Advisory Role: Work closely with firm leadership on important ethics, compliance, and risk management issues.

National Platform: Support attorneys and practices across multiple offices and jurisdictions.

Meaningful Impact: Help shape policies, improve operational processes, and strengthen firmwide compliance.

Collaborative Environment: Join an established legal and administrative team with opportunities for professional development.

Hybrid Flexibility: Available in multiple major legal markets.