Bressler Risk Blog

Our latest job listing comes from Sullivan & Cromwell, spotlighting a new open role: “Conflicts Specialist” —

• The Conflicts Specialist (Laterals) will prepare conflict check reports, assist in updating internal records associated with new hire conflicts, and assist with new business intake.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review incoming firm wide partner, attorney and paralegal conflict check submission forms.
• Prepare conflict check reports using Intapp, in-house systems and online research tools accurately and efficiently. Supplement the conflicts reports with online research and independent analysis.
• Communicate effectively with attorneys and staff, asking the right questions to obtain needed information; promptly and thoroughly gather the data available; provide that data to the attorneys in a useful, accurate way.
• Work with the rest of the Conflicts team to update the Firm’s internal records and retrieve engagement letters, waivers and client information when needed by firm lawyers.
• Assist the Conflicts team with the other day-to-day operations of the group, including new business intake, the establishment of ethical walls and client background checks.

In addition, responsibilities related to maintaining firm and client information are to be adhered to by all employees. This includes complying with the firm’s information security policies, protecting firm assets from unauthorized access, disclosure, modification, destruction or interference, and reporting security events or potential events or other security risks to management.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must demonstrate a high degree of trustworthiness commensurate with handling confidential and sensitive material.
• Proficient in Boolean search logic and basic internet researching skills.
• Strict attention to detail a must.
• Must be responsible for completing tasks and following through with the resolution of issues; including the ability to meet deadlines and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to work effectively with all levels of staff and lawyers with tact and diplomacy.
• Willingness to learn new skills outside of the conflicts role, such as those pertaining to anti‑money laundering reviews, know‑your‑customer checks and client onboarding.
• Flexibility to work additional hours as necessary, rotating weekend and holiday remote coverage with other Conflicts Specialists.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree and 3+ years of conflict of interest experience in a medium to large law firm.
• Understanding of public and private corporate structures and families (domestic and foreign).
• Familiarity with Intapp Open, 3E and D&B Hoover’s company research database (Avention) is a plus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

COMPENSATION

The base salary range offered for this role will be between $85,000 and $95,000. When determining a candidate’s compensation offer, elements unique to each person are taken into consideration including but not limited to skill set, experience level, performance, professional certifications, degrees and location, as well as the needs of the Firm. The total compensation package for this position may include overtime pay, discretionary bonuses and other benefits. For a more comprehensive list of employee benefits, please visit www.sullcrom.com/employee-benefits.

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

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 spotlight updates to an open position at Fredrikson, which is now open to remote candidates: “Conflicts Analyst (Remote)” —

• We are seeking a Conflicts Analyst to join our Conflicts Team.
• This fully remote position (available to candidates located California, Colorado, Idaho, and Washington) is essential to ensure timely, accurate conflicts reporting and analysis to minimize risk to the Firm.
• The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, collaborative, and has a strong understanding of conflict rules and legal risk analysis. This position reports to the Conflicts Manager and works closely with attorneys and staff across the Firm.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Ensure accurate entry of parties into the conflicts database, including corporate family structures.
• Conduct corporate research using multiple tools to assess conflicts for new business intake and other matters.
• Prepare and deliver thorough written and verbal conflict analyses.
• Analyze new business intake reports, lateral hire conflicts, RFPs, and other materials with a critical lens.
• Assist in managing attorney and staff requests, providing prompt and clear guidance.
• Support lateral candidate conflict reviews and engagement letter/conflict waiver processes.
• Conduct conflict searches and reviews independently, escalating only complex issues as needed.
• Maintain professional and efficient communication at all times.

Our Ideal Candidates Will Have

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in a large law firm setting.
• Knowledge of conflicts rules under the Rules of Professional Conduct.
• Associate’s degree or equivalent experience; bachelor’s degree or paralegal certificate strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with conflicts software such as Intapp Open, Elite, and legal research tools like Dun & Bradstreet Family Tree Portal.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage confidential information and interact effectively with legal professionals at all levels.
• Understanding of conflict resolution methods such as waivers and ethical screens.

Benefits

Our comprehensive benefits options include medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, short-and long-term disability, employee resource benefits (inclusive of counseling, coaching, and care-giving guidance), paid-parental leave, parenting classes, pre-tax parking and transportation options, and much more! Our retirement plan includes financial planning, Social Security/Medicare planning, 401k/Roth investment options, and a firm-paid profit-sharing contribution. Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms and conditions.

About Fredrikson

Diversity and inclusion are core values of Fredrikson & Byron. To best serve our clients, we provide innovative solutions to legal needs by cultivating a diverse workforce. With a reputation as the firm “where law and business meet,” our attorneys and staff bring business acumen and entrepreneurial thinking to operate as business advisors, strategic partners, and legal counselors to our clients. The firm’s 400+ attorneys serve clients through our ten locations around the world: Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and Mankato, MN; Bismarck and Fargo, ND; Ames and Des Moines, IA; Madison, WI; Saltillo, Mexico; and Shanghai, China. Visit www.fredlaw.com for more information.

Fredrikson is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. Fredrikson does not discriminate in its recruiting, hiring or employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, national origin, ancestry, marital status, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military or veteran status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, and any other characteristics protected by applicable local, state, and/or federal laws.

See their careers site for more on the company and work environment, see the complete job posting for more details on the position and to apply.

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

I’m pleased to highlight a new open role at Quarles: “Conflicts Analyst” —

• We are seeking a Conflicts Analyst to join any of our offices.
• This employee will process conflict of interest requests for new clients, new matters, lateral attorneys, and marketing/RFPs.
• Review and analyze conflicts reports associated with prospective business to identify potential conflicts of interest and internal firm policy issues.
• Work closely with Conflicts Counsels to facilitate the resolution of potential legal ethical and business issues.
• This position is open to applicants seeking an on-site, hybrid or remote position.
• Office Locations: Chicago, Denver, Indianapolis, Madison, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Naples, Phoenix, San Diego, St. Louis, Tampa, Tucson, Washington D.C.

Responsibilities:

• Perform corporate research to identify corporate affiliates, principals, and nature of business in order to search and identify ethical and business issues in the firm’s conflicts database.
• Create conflict reports that identify and summarize issues relating to new clients, new matters, lateral attorneys, marketing requests, and special projects.
• Work closely with Conflicts Counsels and take necessary steps to confirm conflicts of interest are resolved including closing dormant matters and working with relationship lawyers to confirm cures are in place.
• Evaluate and escalate difficult or highly sensitive conflicts and matter opening issues to General Counsel’s Office, senior conflicts personnel and/or Loss Prevention Partners and work with them to address the issues.
• Review and resolve various issues related to opening legal matters, including business conflicts, are of practice issues, billing and client credit issues, pro-bono related questions and internal Firm policies.
• Assist Legal Recruiting by summarizing conflicts and business issues, providing clearance assistance and requesting screens related to the onboarding of lateral attorney hires.
• Maintain current knowledge of trends and developments impacting the conflicts function.
• Possess knowledge of the Model Rule of Professional Responsibility that apply to conflicts of interest.
• Recommend new policies and procedures related to conflicts analysis and clearance, business intake and risk compliance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required.
• Two years prior conflicts of interest experience at a mid to large firm.
• Experience using computer database software preferred, especially Intapp Open.
• Must demonstrate ability to maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills required.
• Strong time management and organizational skills required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel preferred.
• Internet search knowledge preferred.
• Business/Legal familiarity preferred.
• Must demonstrate a high degree of trustworthiness when handling confidential and sensitive materials.
• Excellent interpersonal relations, written and communication skills.
• Reliability, dependability, and strong motivation to respond to requests thoughtfully and quickly.
• Ability to filter, compile, review, and understand information presented.
• Work well under pressure.
• Ability to coordinate many issues/projects at once.
• Empathetic, caring, and persuasive customer service skills.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Flexibility to work additional hours, if necessary.

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

About Quarles

Join the team of inclusive, committed business professionals that is critical to our success.

Our team of business professionals — across functions such as finance, human resources, marketing and business development, information technology and office administration — plays a pivotal role in the ongoing success of the firm. Our leadership recognizes this and so do our attorneys. That’s why we’re as committed to your growth as you are to ours. At Quarles, you will be surrounded by colleagues who are focused on the success of the team, who want to see you succeed and who are as persistent and hard-working as you. You will be part of a culture where great people are working to achieve great things, together, and where the contributions of every individual — attorney and business professional — are equally valued.

For more detail, see 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 Fennemore: “Conflicts Analyst” —

• Fennemore is a full-service business law firm with a 140-year legacy of excellence and a future defined by innovation. We are not your traditional law firm, and that’s on purpose. With 20 offices across the Western U.S., we’re breaking growth records as one of the fastest-growing firms in the country. We embrace change, set new standards for how a modern law firm operates, and create environments where both clients and colleagues thrive.
• Our people-first philosophy is built on collaboration and creativity. Industry recognition for retention, workplace culture, and job satisfaction reflects that commitment.
• We’re proud to foster a strong sense of community, a genuine commitment to work-life balance, and a diverse and inclusive work environment where passionate professionals feel valued and supported.
• Ready to take your career to the next level? Fennemore has an exciting opportunity for a remote Conflicts Analyst to join our dynamic and growing Conflicts & Compliance Department!
• This is a fantastic chance to work with a collaborative team in a fast-paced legal environment, all from the comfort of your home. While this position is remote, please note that most of our offices operate in Mountain and Pacific time zones, so candidates must be available to work MST or PST business hours.
• Salary: $78,000/yr. – $81,000/yr.

Responsibilities:

• Process requests for conflict searches, performs necessary research, completes business intake forms, conflicts analysis, and provides recommendations with attention to deadlines and time-sensitive issues
• Assist with training and onboarding of new attorneys and staff by running conflicts checks and resolving conflicts before the employment start date
• Verifies that all conflict searches are complete, consistent, and accurate, and that all firm conflict procedures have been followed
• Responds to calls, emails, and workflow requests from firm attorneys, paralegals, and legal administrative assistants regarding the new business intake process
• Assists with tracking compliance documentation, including engagement letters, conflict waivers, outside counsel guidelines, billing guidelines, and business associate agreements for new matters
• Run Westlaw Due Diligence reports and provide initial review and analysis as part of the New Business Intake process
• Assist with ingestion, tracking, and reporting of compliance documentation with firm clients
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• J.D. preferred, or demonstrated experience in similar legal or industry role
• 1-2 years’ experience with automated conflict checking systems and/or corporate research in a law firm environment preferred
• Must have knowledge of ethical rules, guidelines, corporate research, due diligence, and compliance issues
• Strong functional skills in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Microsoft Explorer, and Outlook)
• Exceptional customer service skills and a high degree of accuracy and organization
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and comfort working with people of all levels
• Critical thinking, strong judgment, and decision-making skills
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities

See their careers site for more on the company and work environment, for more information, and to apply email: employment@fennemorelaw.com. 

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 McNees: “Conflicts Analyst” —

• McNees Wallace & Nurick has an immediate opening for a Conflicts Analyst for Remote or Onsite work.
• This position supports the New Business Intake & Research Department (the “Department”) and Firm Counsel in promptly responding to all new business requests submitted firm-wide, including requests related to existing and potential new clients as well as requests related to new hires and requests for proposal.
• The conflicts analyst is called upon to communicate complicated information, handle multiple complex situations, and produce high-quality work in a timely manner. The primary responsibility of the analyst is to provide analysis and guidance regarding conflicts of interest related to new business and lateral hires.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Analyze conflict reports for new business and potential laterals, as well as RFPs, and communicate effectively and confidentially with internal clients to maintain a responsive and thorough conflicts on-boarding process for new talent and new business.
2. Work with other Department members by responding in a timely manner to requests.
3. Incorporate information from emails, comments, and phone conversations to ensure that all known information about new business is fully incorporated in the analysis process.
4. Correct inconsistent party information on requests as submitted.
5. Assist with the identification of additional parties based on information from various sources.
6. Identify and perform large-scale projects to reconcile party information in the conflicts database.
7. Field questions from staff and attorney users regarding intake/conflicts software.
8. Work closely with Department members to provide comprehensive conflict/intake training for all new hires and firm employees on an ongoing basis.
9. Maintain detailed instructional training documents catered to different audiences.
10. Coordinate with the inter-departmental design team to identify areas for improvement with vendors and follow up with testing to verify changes within the system.
11. Recommend process/service improvements, solutions, policy changes and/or major variations from established policy to better meet the needs of both internal and external clients.
12. Ensure that services are delivered effectively and efficiently; ensure compliance with Firm policies and procedures; assist in the development of office or department procedures and processes; attend regular staff meetings and training; work effectively with other departments and work groups, including timely follow-up and frequent communications.
13. Exercise independent judgment and discretion.
14. Assist with a wide range of research projects as necessary.
15. Other duties as assigned

ESSENTIAL CAPABILITIES:

• Must be able to leverage firm and department resources to provide a timely and thorough response to all incoming inquiries; produce quality work that upholds the expectations set by the goals of the Department; work independently and efficiently.
• Must be able to listen and respond to all inquiries in a professional and sensitive manner and navigate various communication styles to effectively deliver analysis and give advice that is informed, objective, and succinct. Must be able to handle sensitive or difficult issues with confidence and professionalism; leverage technology to maintain an appropriately lean operation and promote efficiency across the firm.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree required. Law firm and conflicts of interest analysis or related risk management initiatives and familiarity with Upfront, Intapp, or other conflicts database software preferred.

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

About McNees:

McNees is a full-service law firm with offices in Devon, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Pittsburgh, Scranton, State College, and York, PA; as well as Columbus, OH; Frederick and Towson, MD; and Washington, DC. We pride ourselves on our team approach to practicing law, and we encourage work-life balance and community involvement. We offer a collegiate and inclusive culture, competitive salary, range of benefits, and local community involvement.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, nationality, sex, or any other characteristic or trait protected by law.

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