Bressler Risk Blog

In this BRB jobs update, I’m pleased to highlight an opening at Crowell: “Assistant Compliance Counsel” —

• The Assistant Compliance Counsel is responsible for providing compliance-related legal advice to the firm, and assisting management with administering the firm-wide Compliance Program.
• The Assistant Compliance Counsel works within the Office of the General Counsel to address the firm’s compliance with applicable regulatory and statutory requirements in each of the jurisdictions in which the firm operates, and other jurisdictions as necessary.
• The Assistant Compliance Counsel collaborates with firm attorneys and members of the professional staff to research and advise on legal compliance issues, conduct risk assessments, develop related policies and procedures, devise and conduct trainings, investigate potential violations, and audit the firm’s compliance with applicable policies and regulatory requirements.

Job Responsibilities:

• Assist in developing, administering, and monitoring the firm-wide Compliance Program to minimize and manage risk.
• Conduct legal research on compliance obligations, and deliver written or oral presentations on conclusions and recommendations.
• Assess existing firm policies and procedures and recommend enhancements, including procedures regarding third party screening, reporting obligations, information governance, data privacy, cybersecurity, and others.
• Draft compliance trainings on selected topics, and effectively deliver such training to firm personnel.
• Assist with audits of the firm’s compliance with certain policies and procedures and recommend corrective action where appropriate.
• Assist in responding to compliance-related requests from third parties, and participate in calls with firm clients to negotiate and resolve issues.
• Assist in devising and implementing risk assessments across key areas.
• Assist in investigating reports of breaches of laws, regulations, or firm policies.
• Identify means to collect data related to compliance effectiveness, and ways to use that data to enhance controls and other compliance efforts.
• Stay current with compliance program best practices and developments in risk management.
• Conduct outreach and education efforts in firm offices to enhance the visibility and effectiveness of the Compliance Program.
• Assist the Office of the General Counsel with providing legal support and advice to the firm.

Qualifications

Requirements:

• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally with lawyers and staff at all levels.
  • Demonstrated ability to deliver effective presentations to both small and large audiences, including the ability to explain complicated material in a concise manner.
  • Proven skills in analyzing legal precedent, applicable regulatory schemes, contractual obligations, and related information, and applying critical and creative analytical skills to develop solutions to complex problems.
  • Demonstrated writing skills, including the ability to draft legal analyses, compliance policies, procedures, and related training materials.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop an effective plan for achieving objectives with appropriate milestones for executing the plan.
  • Ability to adapt to changing priorities and a wide variety of legal issues, while maintaining productivity and managing workload.
  • Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently and effectively with others in a collaborative team environment to accomplish assigned projects.
  • Ability to represent the firm with honesty, integrity, and professionalism.
  • Legal experience with one or more of the following major regulatory schemes in the US, EU, or UK: anti-money laundering; sanctions; data privacy; anti-corruption; employment. Equivalent experience with other legal regulatory issues will be considered in lieu of one of these areas.
• Education
  • The position requires a Juris Doctor.
• Experience
  • The position requires a minimum of three (3) years of legal experience, preferably in an Am Law 100 law firm, during which knowledge, skills and abilities relevant to the position were attained. Experience devising or implementing compliance policies and procedures strongly preferred.

See the complete job posting for more details on the job requirements and to apply for this position.

Learn more about working at the firm on their careers page.

And if you’re interested in seeing your firm’s listings here, please feel free to reach out…

In this BRB jobs update, I’m pleased to highlight an opening at Perkins Coie: “Conflicts Attorney” —

• Perkins Coie is looking for a dynamic, qualified individual to fill a Conflicts Attorney position performing conflicts analysis on new business and firm lateral hires, and advising firm lawyers on conflicts of interest issues.
• The Conflicts Attorney will independently review, research, and resolve conflicts issues related to firm new business and staff personnel and ensure compliance with ethical standards in all jurisdictions as well as firm policies.
• For purposes of complying with Export Control laws, candidates must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents to apply.

Essential Functions

These essential functions are primary job duties that incumbents must be able to perform unassisted or with some reasonable accommodation.

• Analyze conflicts of interest on new business and firm lateral hires. Resolve issues that arise in such matters, including when drafting waivers/consents and advising on ethical issues relating to withdrawal and screening.
• Act as a legal advisor to firm lawyers on conflicts of interest issues.
• Perform legal research and prepare legal memoranda in response to requests from the General Counsel, firm lawyers, managers, and various firm committees.
• Assist management in handling sensitive and confidential issues related to practice management and firm ethics. Provide training on conflict issues.
• Analyze complex factual situations and spot issues where problems might occur.
• Draft complex waivers/consents, engagement letters, and joint representation letters in final format.
• Negotiate between lawyers in resolving disputes over conflicts and waivers.
• Other related legal work as needed.

Specific Skills Required

• Knowledge of the Rules of Professional Conduct and their application to the practice of law.
• Solid understanding of jurisdictional differences in the application of different rules and principles in making a choice of law analysis.
• Effectively cope with change; can decide and act without having the total picture.
• Thorough understanding of a wide range of areas of law, including being able to identify the roles of parties in matters, and possess a solid understanding of business organizations and financing concepts as well as litigation principles and procedures, such as depositions, subpoenas, roles of codefendants and comparative fault.
• Strong legal research and writing skills, including the ability to compile and analyze complex data and furnish detailed information clearly and concisely.
• Strong eye for detail and critical thinking skills; ability to spot problems and propose creative solutions.
• Project management skills, including the ability to spot issues, manage time well, prioritize effectively, adapt to quick changes and handle multiple deadlines.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to collaborate with others within the department and firm.
• Well-developed and professional interpersonal skills; ability to interact and communicate effectively with people at all organizational levels of the firm, both orally and in writing, consistent with communication best practices.
• Proficiency with MS Office.

Specific Skills Preferred

• Understanding of litigation practice and working knowledge of law firm processes. Ability to detect procedural problems and determine appropriate relationships. Relevant knowledge/familiarity with Intapp products (Conflicts, Intake, Walls, Terms) and Elite 3E.

Education and Experience

Qualified candidates must have a Juris Doctorate and a minimum of 3 years of practice experience. Need to be an active member in good standing in any jurisdiction and have a strong working knowledge of relevant topics, legal issues, and the rules governing professional responsibility. The candidate will also be able to provide demonstrated success in a stressful environment.

See the complete job posting for more details on the job requirements and to apply for this position.

Learn more about working at the firm on their careers page.

And if you’re interested in seeing your firm’s listings here, please feel free to reach out…

In this BRB jobs update, I’m pleased to highlight the second of two open risk roles at Analysis Group: “Conflict Analyst” (see previously: “Conflict Attorney“) —

Longtime blog reader Deborah Hopkins, the firm’s vice president of conflicts, provides some special context about Analysis Group, and why many of our law firm risk professionals reading might be curious about what life is like in the consulting world:

• “Analysis Group is one of the largest international economics consulting firms, with more than 1,500 professionals across 15 offices in North America, Europe, and Asia. Since 1981, we have provided expertise in economics, finance, health care analytics, and strategy to top law firms, Fortune Global 500 companies, and government agencies worldwide. Our internal experts, together with our network of affiliated experts from academia, industry, and government, offer our clients exceptional breadth and depth of expertise.”
• “For professionals with experience in the legal industry, this is an exciting opportunity to apply your skills in a dynamic, intellectually stimulating environment. Here, you can explore how the analytical rigor, strategic thinking, and sound judgment you’ve honed in a law firm setting can drive success in high-stakes economic consulting.  Join us to collaborate on impactful projects, expand your horizons, and make a difference in a field where critical analysis and exceptional decision-making are the foundation of success.”

About the role:

• The Conflict Analyst is responsible for assisting in the Legal Department’s risk management activities by performing business research and database content analyses designed to reduce risk.
• This function performs conflict checks, assists in the resolution of actual or potential conflicts, and functions in a quality control role for the case intake process by confirming data and identifying key content elements of the new case or lead.
• Responsibilities also include assistance with various projects undertaken by department leadership.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

• Conduct due diligence and research on new cases and leads.
• Research company information on the web, such as annual reports, news articles, corporate affiliates, product names and product information.
• Research case information on the web using Lexis, Bloomberg Law, and federal and state court websites.
• Accurately enter case information into Firm’s conflict database, Intapp Open.
• Apply analytical and critical thinking skills to interpret database research results to identify and highlight potential conflict issues related to both parties and subject of the engagement.
• Organize relevant information and prepare succinct written case summaries that effectively communicate potential issues.
• Assist in the resolution of conflicts, which requires a high degree of contact with Managing Principals, the Firm’s
• General Counsel and other senior staff.
• Prepare necessary reports to submit to the Conflict Committee for review and approval of new cases and leads.
• Ensure case, client, and related party information is comprehensive and accurate, and identify key content elements of the new case or lead that support other administrative teams.
• Work with others in the Legal Department on engagement letter terms, and review and track engagement restrictions or agreed-upon terms to ensure compliance.
• Identify cases that require an information screen, and coordinate with the Risk System Administrator when information screens are necessary.
• Maintain internal case databases, run searches on internal and external document databases and systems.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; paralegal certificate or JD preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of substantive relevant experience required.
• An ideal candidate will have 5-8 years of substantive relevant experience.
• Equivalent work experience in a professional service firm preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and interact with colleagues, both verbally and through written communication.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Strong PC capabilities, including Microsoft Office (Word, Intermediate Excel) required. Intapp Open experience a plus.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule dictated by business needs.
• Research skills required – Lexis, Bloomberg Law, Dun & Bradstreet Family Tree Finder, Pacer, CourtLink, etc.
• An inclusive and growth-oriented mindset, strong interpersonal skills, and an ability to work across differences.
• To the extent permitted by applicable law, eligible candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship or restriction, now and in the future.

See the complete job posting for more details on the job requirements and to apply for this position.

Learn more about working at the firm on their careers page.

And if you’re interested in seeing your firm’s listings here, please feel free to reach out…

In this BRB jobs update, I’m pleased to highlight the first of two open risk roles at Analysis Group: “Conflict Attorney.”

Longtime blog reader Deborah Hopkins, the firm’s vice president of conflicts, provides some special context about Analysis Group, and why many of our law firm risk professionals reading might be curious about what life is like in the consulting world:

• “Analysis Group is one of the largest international economics consulting firms, with more than 1,500 professionals across 15 offices in North America, Europe, and Asia. Since 1981, we have provided expertise in economics, finance, health care analytics, and strategy to top law firms, Fortune Global 500 companies, and government agencies worldwide. Our internal experts, together with our network of affiliated experts from academia, industry, and government, offer our clients exceptional breadth and depth of expertise.”
• “For professionals with experience in the legal industry, this is an exciting opportunity to apply your skills in a dynamic, intellectually stimulating environment. Here, you can explore how the analytical rigor, strategic thinking, and sound judgment you’ve honed in a law firm setting can drive success in high-stakes economic consulting.  Join us to collaborate on impactful projects, expand your horizons, and make a difference in a field where critical analysis and exceptional decision-making are the foundation of success.”

About the role:

• This non-practicing attorney works across key functional areas within the Legal Department to reduce risk to the firm, including intake and conflict processes, resolution of conflict issues, and review and maintenance of conflict restrictions in client agreements. This is a highly valued role on the conflicts team. The emphasis placed on the conflict process by firm partners and the unique nature of conflicts within the industry makes this a compelling opportunity. This position has direct exposure to the highest levels within the organization and offers an opportunity to play a key role in navigating increasingly complex conflict issues.
• Understanding the conflict process is essential to this role. Job Functions and responsibilities include:

Conflict Analysis

• Analyze new business for content integrity and necessary elements for complete conflict analysis.
• Perform research on all new cases, all parties associated with each case, including research on corporate affiliations, subject matter, law firms, and experts.
• Identify and analyze complex conflicts issues, compile, and analyze complex data, and furnish concise, detailed information in written report format.
• Facilitate discussions between consultants, provide guidance related to conflict concerns, and offer recommendations for resolution.
• Interact with the firm’s Conflict Committee

Support of the Conflict and Legal Leadership Teams:

• Help guide conflict staff with addressing conflict search findings and issues encountered in case intake requests.
• Identify areas for improvement to processes and procedures and assist with implementing change.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to others within the department regarding conflicts and business issues, best practices, etc.
• Collaborate with other firm departments to advance initiatives or ensure compliance with firm best practices.
• Assist with presentations and trainings pertaining to conflicts and case intake.

Client Agreements:

• Support the Legal Department’s contracting team in their review of conflict restrictions in client agreements by providing feedback regarding terms restricting AG’s work in other matters, and when necessary, suggest alternative language that could ultimately work for both the client and AG.
• Maintain firm records regarding conflicts, engagement terms, etc.
• Review agreements for relevant information and potential changes and update the Conflict database as necessary.

This position has a hybrid work schedule with a minimum of three days per week in the Boston office.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate is required. License to practice law in the United States required.
• Minimum of 3 years substantive relevant experience required.
• Experience in conflicts, professional liability, or compliance role in a large law firm setting preferred.
• Experience with Intapp Risk products preferred.
• Proficiency with Windows-based software such as Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong interpersonal and analytical capabilities; ability to look at “big picture” and think proactively and forwardly.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills with an aptitude for problem solving.
• Demonstrated success in written and verbal communication and organizational skills.
• Team focused attitude and strong customer service skills.
• Ability to be flexible, confident, and comfortable in a high demand, fast paced environment.
• Flexibility regarding work hours and schedule.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• An inclusive and growth-oriented mindset, strong interpersonal skills, and an ability to work across differences.
• To the extent permitted by applicable law, eligible candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship or restriction, now and in the future.

See the complete job posting for more details on the job requirements and to apply for this position.

Learn more about working at the firm on their careers page.

And if you’re interested in seeing your firm’s listings here, please feel free to reach out…

In this BRB jobs update, I’m pleased to highlight an open role at Davis, Graham  & Stubbs: “New Business Intake Specialist” —

• The New Business Intake Specialist is responsible for reviewing new client and matter documentation submitted through the firm’s business intake system and ensuring compliance with the firm’s policies and procedures regarding conflicts clearance and new business acceptance when attorneys seek to open, close, or modify clients and matters.
• The person in this role is responsible for assembling all of the information necessary for the firm’s Business Acceptance Partners to decide whether or not to approve the proposed new business or changes to existing matters.
• The New Business Intake Specialist is also responsible for overseeing the accurate and timely opening, tracking, and maintenance of all client matters and maintaining the integrity of the firm’s conflicts and client matter database and the firm’s administrative document library.
• The New Business Intake Specialist provides training on the conflicts and new business intake function to firm personnel and acts as a back-up to the Conflicts Analyst when necessary.

Essential Functions:

• Timely review the firm’s new business intake forms and related documents, including conflict reports, engagement agreements, and other relevant documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with the firm’s guidelines and policies prior to approval by a Business Acceptance Partner;
• Communicate with the lawyers and staff involved in a new business request on any changes or additional information that may be necessary before the firm can accept the new business, conferring with the firm’s Conflicts Counsel and Conflicts Analyst where appropriate;
• Coordinate with library personnel to facilitate an investigation of prospective clients using established online databases with a view towards identifying high-risk and/or negative findings, circulating any findings to the firm’s Conflicts Counsel for further instructions;
• Escalate issues concerning exceptions to the firm’s new matter intake policies, including deviations from the firm’s standard terms of engagement, to the firm’s Conflicts Counsel and/or General Counsel prior to approval by a Business Acceptance Partner;
• Submit complete new business packages to the appropriate Business Acceptance Partners for required approvals;
  Once new business has been approved, follow established procedures and guidelines to open files accurately and efficiently;
• Confirm that all ethical walls have been properly established in Aderant, Records, and the firm’s document management system;
• Ensure that copies of fully-executed engagement agreements and waiver correspondence, outside counsel guidelines, ethical wall memoranda, and other engagement documentation have been stored in the firm’s administrative documents site;
• Contribute to an index of material provisions in each client outside counsel and/or billing guideline, circulating relevant documents and/or provisions to appropriate administrative staff;
• Perform regular audits of parties in the conflicts database to ensure accuracy, completeness, and adherence to established procedures, identifying and resolving any discrepancies or issues with others;
• Act as a back-up to the Conflicts Analyst when absences or workload issues arise;
• Provide ongoing guidance and training to attorneys and staff members on proper matter opening and management procedures and forms, including how to read conflict reports;
• Assist with the development, documentation, and implementation of new conflicts and business intake policies and technologies;
• Serve as a liaison between the conflicts and new business team and other administrative departments to efficiently and accurately exchange information utilized by and maintained in IntApp, Aderant, records, and other firm systems;
• Adhere to legal and ethical standards, including confidentiality requirements, when handling client information;
  Stay up to date with changes in regulations and ensure file management practices align with industry best practices; and
• Other projects and duties, as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Superior focus, attention to detail, and skill in interpreting and analyzing information;
  Sound judgment in identifying potential ethical and other risk management issues in the new business intake process;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills necessary to deliver complex answers to or ask thoughtful questions of attorneys, management, and staff;
• Strong interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively with firm personnel at all levels;
  Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities while dependably producing accurate work product within deadlines;
• Ability to engage and work collaboratively with other team members to meet the strategic objectives of the conflicts and new business team;
• Possess a high level of ethical and professional responsibility and superior judgment in handling confidential information;
• Strong ability to learn new technologies, processes, and workflows as necessary; and
• Willingness to keep updated on trends and developments in the industry and to continue to develop skills, knowledge, and ability to improve processes and procedures.

See the complete job posting for more details on the job requirements and to apply for this position.

Learn more about working at the firm on their careers page:

• Davis Graham business professionals are the foundation of our service-based organization
• Excellence in service comes from every member of our team, every day. We are committed to attracting and retaining employees who share our values: integrity, respect, fairness, diversity in background and interests, a good sense of humor, and collegiality.

And if you’re interested in seeing your firm’s listings here, please feel free to reach out…

In this BRB jobs update, I’m pleased to highlight another open role at Littler: “Conflicts Analyst (Multiple Offices)” —

• The Conflicts Analyst is accountable for accurate conflicts analyses, completed in a timely fashion with sufficient care to detail and thoroughness so as to minimize risk to the Firm.
• This is a Hybrid position resident in Oregon, California, Washington, Nevada, Idaho, New Mexico, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, and Montana.
• Pursuant to California, Nevada, Colorado and Washington regulation the pay range is $32.16 to $38.65 hourly and includes eligibility for performance-based bonuses. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include geography/market, skills, education, experience other qualifications of the successful candidate. We offer generous compensation and benefits packages. For more information visit: https://www.littler.com/benefits/state-details. 
• This role requires working hours aligned with the Pacific Time Zone, regardless of the candidate’s location. Applicants must be available to work standard business hours in PT.
• We offer generous compensation and benefits packages. For more information visit: https://www.littler.com/benefits/state-details.

Responsibilities:

• Ensures that parties are entered correctly into the conflicts database, including corporate family trees, for conflicts purposes.
• Ensures that conflicts analyses are communicated accurately and thoroughly to attorneys or management in writing (where appropriate) and orally. Accountable for responsiveness, clear communication and excellent service toward internal customers.
• Perform such other/additional duties as may from time to time be assigned.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated familiarity with InTapp-Open, Elite or other conflicts software. Familiarity with Dun & Bradstreet Family Tree Portal or other corporate-family or legal research tools. Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Demonstrated ability to:
  • communicate complicated and detailed conflicts analyses to attorneys or management in writing or orally. Demonstrated ability to communicate with and effectively follow the direction of a diverse group of attorneys and staff, and to provide good customer service to all levels of an organization.
  • Organize and prioritize numerous tasks
  • Address tasks in a logical sequence and
  • Minimize errors while maintaining quick turnaround times. Demonstrated ability to prioritize the work of others and appropriately balance responsiveness with accuracy and thoroughness
• Demonstrated familiarity with law firm engagement letters, outside counsel guidelines, conflict waiver agreements, and basic elements of law firm structure and administration.
• Demonstrated ability to run conflicts searches with Boolean logic and review conflicts reports for potential conflicts of interest, take steps to resolve potential conflicts, and appropriately escalate issues if needed Demonstrated ability to analyze accurately potential conflicts of interest, including investigating the facts of the situation by asking questions of attorneys and analyzing data housed in firm systems. Awareness of (a) cures for conflicts such as waivers and ethics screens and (b) conflicts that cannot be waived.

Education and Certifications::

• Required: Associate’s degree or relevant education and experience
• Preferred: Bachelor’s or Paralegal certificate.

Experience Required:

• Minimum 2+ years relevant experience in a law firm.

See the complete job posting for more details on the job and to apply for this position.

About Littler

At Littler, we understand that workplace issues can’t wait. With access to more than 1,800 employment attorneys in over 100 offices around the world, our clients don’t have to. We aim to go beyond best practices, creating solutions that help clients navigate a complex business world. What’s distinct about our approach? With deep experience and resources that are local, everywhere, we are fully focused on your business. With a diverse team of the brightest minds, we foster a culture that celebrates original thinking. And with powerful proprietary technology, we disrupt the status quo—delivering groundbreaking innovation that prepares employers not just for what’s happening today, but for what’s likely to happen tomorrow. For over 75 years, our firm has harnessed these strengths to offer fresh perspectives on each matter we advise, litigate, mediate, and negotiate. Because at Littler, we’re fueled by ingenuity and inspired by you.

Benefits

We offer a generous benefits package to full-time and part-time employees working a minimum of 20 hours a week. Benefits include comprehensive health, dental and vision plan for you, your spouse/domestic partner and children. In addition, we provide a superior 401(k) plan, ample time off programs, mental health programs, family building and caregiving, generous paid parental leave, life insurance, disability insurance, a wellness program, flexible spending accounts, and an employee referral bonus program.

For more information about our benefits visit: www.littler.com/benefits/state-detailshttp://www.littler.com/benefits/state-details.

For more information about our firm visit: www.littler.com.

For inquiries regarding this opportunity, please e-mail Jennifer Carrion at jvivanco@littler.com with “Conflicts Analyst” in the subject line.

Littler Mendelson is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

This job description is a general description of the types of responsibilities that are required of an individual in this job. It is not intended to be a complete list of the responsibilities, duties and skills that may be required for this job.

And if you’re interested in seeing your firm’s listings here, please feel free to reach out…