Bressler Risk Blog

Following an earlier post highlighting their “Conflicts Attorney” opening, this BRB jobs update highlights a second open position at Taft: — “Conflicts Analyst” —

• We are seeking a Conflicts Analyst to join our Conflicts team. The ideal candidate will have at least two years of experience working in a legal/ethical conflicts department in a mid- to large-sized law firm. This position can be based in our Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Denver, Detroit, Indianapolis or Minneapolis office.
• Under the direction of the Firm’s Conflicts Counsel, the Conflicts Analyst will perform research and prepare conflicts search reports analyzing the data of existing and potential clients and matters and identify and assist in resolving possible ethical conflicts in representation and business issues for both new business and lateral matters.
• The Conflicts Analyst serves clients and attorneys by ensuring that the firm fulfills its ethical obligations. All Taft employees operate under a “Client First” philosophy – in all things, we seek to provide exceptional services to our clients.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Define effective search strategies and conduct conflicts searches for new business and potential lateral matters using the firm’s internal electronic database.
• Analyze, articulate and communicate search results to firm attorneys, including the identification and suggested resolution of potential conflicts.
• Perform comprehensive corporate research using online databases to accurately determine corporate affiliations and relationships.
• Work collaboratively with Conflicts Counsel, Conflicts Attorneys, General Counsel, firm attorneys and the conflicts team to aid in conflicts resolution.
• Draft engagement letters, conflict waivers and ethical screen memorandums for review.
• Assist in the ongoing review, reconciliation and clean-up of the firm’s existing client/matter information and conflicts database.
• Provide excellent customer service to legal assistants and firm attorneys.
• Must have ability and willingness to work remotely outside of normal business hours as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2+ years of experience working in a law firm conflicts department that utilizes Intapp (strongly preferred) or equivalent conflicts software.
• Working knowledge of professional responsibility and legal ethics rules pertaining to conflicts.
• Ability to efficiently manage multiple tasks and projects while providing an accurate work product in a high-volume, fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to think critically, independently and decisively.
• Ability to take initiative and adapt to changes in workflow, processes and procedures.
• Ability to work effectively in a team atmosphere.
• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to scale communications to all levels within the firm and translate complex issues into simple concepts.

For additional detail:

• Read about professional life and benefits at the firm on their careers page:

• To apply for this position:
  • Candidates interested in Cincinnati should apply here.
  • Candidates interested in Cleveland should apply here.
  • Candidates interested in Columbus should apply here.
  • Candidates interested in Dayton should apply here.
  • Candidates interested in Denver should apply here.
  • Candidates interested in Indianapolis should apply here.
  • Candidates interested in Minneapolis should apply here.
  • Candidates interested in Southfield should apply here.

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

This BRB jobs update highlights a new open position at Taft: “Conflicts Attorney” —

• Taft is looking for a highly motivated, team-oriented Conflicts Attorney to serve our Conflicts team.
• We are seeking a Conflicts Attorney to join our conflicts team. The ideal candidate will have 2+ years of experience working in a conflicts department in a mid – to large-sized law firm, and can be based in our Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Denver, Detroit, Indianapolis or Minneapolis office.
• Under the direction of the Conflicts Counsel, the Conflicts Attorney will be responsible for all aspects of the conflicts process, from preparing conflicts search reports as needed, to identifying and resolving possible ethical conflicts and business issues for both new business and lateral matters.
• The Conflicts Attorney serves clients and attorneys by ensuring that the firm fulfills its ethical obligations.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Review, analyze and articulate conflicts search results for new business and lateral hires. Identify potential conflict issues and determine appropriate steps for resolution.
• Work collaboratively with Conflicts Counsel, General Counsel, firm attorneys and the conflicts team to effectively resolve conflict issues.
• Assist new firm attorneys in transitioning lateral clients and matters, including drafting engagement letters and conflict waivers.
• Draft and distribute ethical screen memorandums. Set up new ethical walls and manage existing walls using firm software.
• Identify opportunities to create or streamline existing processes and procedures to reduce risk and increase efficiency.
• Assist in the development and training of department employees.
• Assist in the large-scale review, reconciliation and clean-up of the firm’s existing client/matter information and conflicts database.
• Provide excellent customer service to legal assistants and firm attorneys.
• Travel within the U.S. to other offices as required.
• Must have ability and willingness to work remotely outside of normal business hours as needed.

Requirements

• Intapp experience strongly preferred.
• Ability to efficiently manage multiple tasks and projects while providing an accurate work product in a high-volume, fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to think critically, independently and decisively.
• Exhibit strong problem-solving and time management skills.
• Ability to take initiative and adapt to changes in workflow, processes and procedures.
• Ability to work effectively in a team atmosphere.
• Possess an acute attention to detail, along with excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to scale communications to all levels within the firm and translate complex issues into simple concepts.
• Juris doctor required.
• 2+ years of experience working in a conflicts department in a mid- to large-sized law firm required.
• Knowledge and understanding of professional responsibility and legal ethics rules pertaining to conflicts.

For additional detail:

• Read about professional life and benefits at the firm on their careers page:

• To apply for this position:
  • Candidates interested in Chicago should apply here.
  • Candidates interested in Cincinnati should apply here.
  • Candidates interested in Cleveland should apply here.
  • Candidates interested in Columbus should apply here.
  • Candidates interested in Dayton should apply here.
  • Candidates interested in Denver should apply here.
  • Candidates interested in Detroit (Southfield) should apply here.
  • Candidates interested in Indianapolis should apply here.
  • Candidates interested in Minneapolis should apply here.

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

The BRB jobs update highlights a new open position at Richards, Layton & Finger: “New Business & Conflicts Analyst” —

• Richards, Layton & Finger, Delaware’s largest law firm, seeks a full-time New Business & Conflicts Analyst.
• The New Business & Conflicts Analyst is responsible for providing support to the Intake & Conflicts teams by processing requests for matters, conflicts and due diligence research.
• Hours are 9:00am – 5:30pm.
• This hybrid role (4 days in the office, 1 remote) reports to the Conflicts & New Business Intake Manager.
• For more information, and to apply, contact the firm’s Director of Human Resources, Gina Edwards (Edwards@rlf.com) or reach out to: Admincareers@rlf.com.

Responsibilities:

• Reviews, analyzes and processes business intake requests; ensures that data and intake requirements have been properly met.
• Reviews, processes and runs conflicts search requests on clients, parties and new hires; analyzes conflicts search results and prepares reports; performs and provides research on parties as needed.
• Communicates with firm personnel and works closely with attorneys and legal assistants to ensure that conflicts and new business data has been processed in accordance with firm policies and procedures.
• Assists with developing procedures and workflows for processing new business and conflicts requests.
• Monitors the workflow status of requests and contacts firm personnel when needed to efficiently move processing along (i.e. providing correct data, attorney edits/changes, attorney approvals, etc.). Works with the Accounting team to ensure that matter edits and general processing are handled efficiently.
• Prepares matter reports; assists team members and the Department Manager with special projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Resourceful and motivated to solve issues as they arise.
• 2+ years’ experience in a law firm preferred.
• Experience running and knowledge of software including but not limited to: Intapp, Outlook, Word, etc.
• Detail oriented with excellent follow through; good oral and written communication skills; ability to communicate with a diverse group of individuals.
• Ability to be a team player and flexible
• Periodic overtime and the availability to provide weekend conflicts coverage once every 5-6 weeks.

For additional detail:

• Read about professional life and benefits at the firm  on their careers page:
  • Our professional staff plays an integral role in delivering the exceptional service that stands as the bedrock of our firm’s reputation. We deeply value our professional staff and promote a welcoming, supportive environment that enables our employees to reach their professional and personal goals.
• To apply for this position, contact the firm’s Director of Human Resources, Gina Edwards (Edwards@rlf.com) or reach out to: Admincareers@rlf.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 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…