Staff Counsel

Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with employer contribution

Generous PTO and work-life balance

Firm-paid life insurance

PTO

Year-end bonuses

Life insurance

Long-term disability

Employee assistance

Job summary

A nationally recognized litigation firm in Phoenix is looking for a Staff Attorney to join their Conflicts team. The successful candidate will engage in conflict research, assist with waiver drafting, and manage internal matter openings. Candidates should hold a legal degree and have three or more years of experience in the legal field. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is essential. The role demands excellent communication skills and the ability to multitask within a fast-paced environment. A positive attitude is also crucial.

Qualifications

• Understanding of legal conflicts and applicable ethics rules.
• Accuracy and attention to detail a must.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct internal conflicts research on potential new cases.
• Review and resolve conflicts including drafting waivers.
• Prepare and review attorney client engagement letters for accuracy.
• Prepare and review attorney client engagement letters for accuracy, including as to scope of legal work
• Opening new clients and affiliated matters in firm software system
• Closing and preparing final closing documents of requested matters
• Entering and updating all matter‑related information and firm contacts
• Run conflicts related to lateral hires joining the firm
• Assist with offboarding of attorneys and reassignment of matters
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Organized

Timely

Confidential

Responsive

Multi-tasking

Research

Communication skills

Written & verbal communication

Confidential information handling

Education

Legal degree and professional license

Tools

Microsoft Office

iManage

Legal billing software

Job description

Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP (FMG), a nationally recognized litigation firm with more than 500 attorneys across 38 offices in 21 states, is seeking a Staff Attorney to join our Conflicts team in our Phoenix office. The Staff Counsel is a member of the Conflicts and Intake Team and assists with conducting internal conflict research on all potential and new cases and works with partners to ensure any conflicts are cleared or waived. The Staff Counsel also drafts and reviews waivers for new matters and assists vetting conflicts related to lateral hires. Additional essential functions of position include opening new clients matters in firm software.

This is an exempt position and the ability to learn and adapt to new processes and systems is essential. Experience in a Law Firm environment or Professional Services environment or equivalent education with an understanding of the legal conflicts and billing process required. Characteristics that have proven successful in the role include the ability to follow up, multi-task quickly, research and resolve problems and above all else, maintain a positive attitude. Solid communication skills are important as position requires communicate frequently with partners, other attorneys, and clients, either in writing or in-person. Proficiency in Microsoft Office required. Experience with iManage and legal billing software a plus. This is a 100% in office position.

The following set of success factors describe the characteristics of those who are successful in our Firm:

• Organized, Timely, Confidential, Responsive (within 24 hours)

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct internal conflicts research on potential new cases
• Review and resolve any conflicts including drafting of waivers of conflict and otherwise resolving any actual or potential conflicts
• Communications with attorneys, clients and assistants of possible issues regarding the matter opening process and ethical rules including applicable code of professional responsibility
• Prepare and review attorney client engagement letters for accuracy, including as to scope of legal work
• Opening new clients and affiliated matters in firm software system
• Closing and preparing final closing documents of requested matters
• Entering and updating all matter‑related information and firm contacts
• Run conflicts related to lateral hires joining the firm
• Assist with offboarding of attorneys and reassignment of matters
• Other duties as assigned

Education, Experience, and Skills

• Understanding of legal conflicts and applicable ethics rules
• Accuracy and attention to detail a must
• Ability to multi-task
• Proficiency in data entry and processing and following up with tasks
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Ability to work efficiently in an extremely fast‑paced environment with strict deadlines
• Must maintain courteous and professional demeanor, with a positive attitude
• Exceptional written and communication skills a must
• Ability to work with and maintain confidential and sensitive information
• Legal degree and professional license required
• Three or more years of experience in legal or insurance field preferred
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.) required
• Knowledge of other business software and online databases preferred

Why FMG?

• Competitive compensation
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• HSA and FSA options
• 401(k) with 3% employer Safe Harbor contribution
• Generous PTO and work–life balance
• Year-end bonuses and referral programs
• Firm‑paid life insurance and long‑term disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• A collaborative, respectful, and team‑oriented culture

EEO Statement

Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP (FMG) is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees by maintaining a workplace free of discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or other protected group status as provided by law. FMG complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Employment dependent on successful completion of a background check and drug screen.