In this BRB jobs update, I’m pleased to spotlight an open position at Dentons Canada: “Conflicts Attorney” (apply via email address below) —
The Opportunity in Summary
- A fully remote position.
- Dentons Canada is seeking a Conflicts Attorney to join our Canada conflicts team, reporting to the Conflicts Director and with exposure to the Canada General Counsel. The Conflicts Attorney will assist with complex conflict of interest issues Firm wide while playing an integral role in the Firm’s client-matter intake process.
- We are specifically seeking: US conflicts attorneys, with substantive conflicts experience of minimum 18 months under the US professional rules at preferably an international business, or large national, law firm — this is an essential requirement. Training in the applicable Canadian professional rules, which are substantially similar to the US rules, will be provided — this is not needed in advance.
- A prior fee earning background of minimum a few years at preferably an international business, or national, law firm is highly desirable but not essential. Commercial acumen is essential. Intapp experience is highly preferred. The ability to perform searches independently (ideally on Intapp, or another similar platform) from scratch is essential.
- There is a preference for the Pacific time zone, but all time zones will be considered.
- Are you interested in stimulating and challenging work, while maintaining a stable work schedule, with the option to work fully remotely? If so, we would love to talk to you about joining our conflicts team!
Primary Responsibilities – the below are indicative:
*****Please note that training in the applicable Canadian professional rules, which are substantially similar to the US rules, will be provided — this is not needed in advance.
As a member of the Canada Region’s conflicts team, the Conflicts Attorney will have the following primary responsibilities:
- In relation to potential and existing matters: develop search strategies, and analyze and facilitate resolution of complex legal conflicts of interest and confidential information issues under the relevant rules of professional conduct, and the Firm’s own conflicts policies.
- Identify, analyze and facilitate resolution of complex potential commercial conflicts issues with the partnership, including, where appropriate, drafting consent terms and coordinating the implementation of information barriers.
- In relation to Firm responses to RFPs: completing the conflicts analysis and conflicts statements, and navigating potential commercial / policy issues.
- Review client terms and advise on potential conflicts issues, including providing commercially appropriate solutions in light of how the Firm is positioned vis-à-vis other clients / market sectors etc.
- Review lateral hire mandates for potential conflicts and advise on appropriate solutions. This includes communicating directly with lateral candidates.
- Proactively brokering discussions between partners Firmwide and other stakeholders as necessary to navigate and resolve legal and commercial conflicts, and confidentiality issues.
- Input into Firm wide policy issues, including sector positioning, as it relates to conflicts.
- Provide ad hoc advice to partners and other fee earners as required.
- Draft and review conflicts-related language for client engagement letters.
- As necessary, advise lawyers and professionals as to the Firm’s conflicts rights and obligations under existing client engagement agreements
- Contribute to the department’s ‘know how’ system.
- From time to time, assist other colleagues with queries and help train junior members, if needed.
- From time-to-time, develop and deliver training.
- Other duties as assigned to fully meet the requirements of the position.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Must hold a law degree and be admitted to practice law in the US.
- Comprehensive knowledge of US conflicts rules and guidelines—US knowledge is transferable to the Canadian context.
- Prior substantive and demonstrable conflicts experience under the US rules is essential —minimum 18 months, preferably with an international business law firm, or a large national law firm.
- Highly desirable – a prior fee earning background of minimum a few years at preferably an international business law firm, or national law firm.
- Knowledge of a variety of practice areas, including insolvency, to understand where possible conflicts issues may arise within them.
- Intapp experience highly preferred.
- Understands, without prompting, that there may be occasions where it is necessary to work beyond standard business hours given the nature of conflicts at an international law firm.
- The ability to perform searches independently (ideally on Intapp, or another similar platform) from scratch is essential.
Key skills / attributes:
- Proactive and ongoing knowledge of the applicable conflicts rules and resources.
- Excellent ability to present complex legal and commercial issues to partners under time pressurized circumstances, recognizing what is relevant and what is not.
- Excellent commercial acumen, and application of pragmatic thinking and common sense.
- Ability to recognize / test / probe issues independently and present a defensible analysis, often under pressure.
- Ability to deal with incomplete / ambiguous information and make sound judgment calls.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage competing deadlines effectively.
- Exceptional attention to detail and able to think critically.
- Ability to ‘think outside of the box’ and take the initiative.
- Knowledge of a wide area of legal practices including, but not limited to, corporate, financing and insolvency.
- Proactively issue spotting.
- Able to think on the spot and be quick learner.
- Demonstrate efficiency and thoroughness in work, with a methodical and organized approach.
- Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion with sensitive information.
- Exhibit strong teamwork skills, and interact positively at all levels within the Firm.
- Remain composed under pressure.
- Proactive and client-focused with an ability to leverage problem-solving and analytical skills to solution complex issues.
- Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing, and can manage difficult situations under pressure and within tight deadlines.
- Work with minimal supervision.
- Upholds the Firm’s values, promoting equal opportunities and diversity.
- Acts as a professional ambassador for the Firm, demonstrating commitment to privacy and ethical conduct.
WHAT DENTONS OFFERS
Join a firm that is recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers (2024)!
Comprehensive total rewards package, including, but not limited to:
- Competitive salary and health benefits, virtual healthcare services, RRSP matching program and a leading parental leave policy.
- Fully remote role.
- Intellectually stimulating and rewarding work in conflicts and ethics.
- Exposure to senior partners in Canada and globally, and to the Canada General Counsel.
- Opportunities for professional growth.
**To apply for this position, please send a detailed resume: conflictsrecruitment.canada@dentons.com
*We thank all applicants who apply, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
ABOUT DENTONS
- Dentons is designed to be different. Our firm leads the way in a rapidly changing legal marketplace. We challenge the status quo and deliver consistent results as well as uncompromising quality and value to our clients. Our global presence is renowned as a firm with over 21,000 individuals in more than 200 offices serving clients across 80+ countries.
- Dentons Canada is committed to its people and communities. We are consistently recognized as an employer of choice having received numerous awards including being selected as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers (2024); Canada’s Top Employers for Young People (2024); Alberta Top 80 Employers (2024), and Canada’s Best Diversity Employers (2023).
- This role is an opportunity for you to join the world’s largest law firm, a firm that offers opportunities to build your career while growing your skills and deepening your expertise.
And if you’re interested in seeing your firm’s listings here, please feel free to reach out…