Bressler Risk Blog

In this BRB jobs update, I’m pleased to highlight an opening at Duane Morris:”Conflicts and Business Intake Compliance Counsel” —

• We are seeking a Conflicts and Business Intake Compliance Counsel.
• The ideal candidate will act as counsel to the law firm in identifying and resolving actual and potential conflicts of interest arising out of new business intake and the hiring of lawyers and staff joining the firm, as well as assisting with the onboarding of clients, matters, lawyers and staff.
• Core responsibilities include counseling lawyers and staff in resolving actual and potential conflicts and providing legal and operational support for the Office of General Counsel in its implementation of risk management strategies relating to new business intake, legal hiring, compliance and other legal matters involving the firm.
• Members of the Office of General Counsel work as an integrated team with many other departments of the firm, including management, and they are seen as valued resources and trusted advisors to the partners, associates and staff of the firm.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Perform initial review of conflicts reports requested by firm attorneys, identify actual and potential conflicts of interest and coordinate resolution of conflicts among all involved parties.
• Advise the firm and its attorneys regarding the appropriate form and terms of engagement letters for use in documenting new engagements and counseling and assisting attorneys on drafting such letters as needed.
• Approve engagement letter drafts prior to distribution to clients and assist with drafting waivers for inclusion in engagement letters or separate letters as required.
• Monitor compliance with new business intake instructions and requirements, such as the completion and execution of appropriate engagement letters and any necessary waivers, implementation of ethical screens where necessary and assessment of intake risk by the firm.
• Act as a resource in assisting firm attorneys in understanding conflicts of interest and managing conflicts and new business intake in an appropriate manner, including participation in firm presentations and training programs as needed.
• Review conflicts reports for incoming lateral lawyers, new lawyers and legal support staff and take necessary action to clear actual and potential conflicts of interest, including interfacing with candidates where necessary to obtain further information about their work.

OTHER DUTIES ASSIGNED:

• Provide legal advice to the firm and its personnel regarding various professional responsibility and risk management matters as required by the Office of General Counsel.
• Tasks may include development and updating of firm policies and forms for internal use; reviewing and providing legal advice regarding client Outside Counsel Guidelines and vendor contracts; maintaining and updating terms of engagement letters, waiver letters and related documents based on changes in the law and firm practice; assisting in development of strategies and methodologies for identifying, managing, and resolving conflicts of interest and assessing client and matter fit; and developing and/or conducting internal conflicts training for the firm’s lawyers and staff.

EXTENT OF CONTACT:

This position requires a high degree of contact with:

• the firm’s General Counsel and Assistant General Counsels;
• the firm’s Director of Office Services, Business Intake Risk and Compliance Director, Business Intake Manager, Conflicts Specialists and other business intake staff;
• firm partners, associates and staff, including executive management.
• This position requires limited contact with individuals outside of the firm.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT:
(necessary travel, unusual work hours, unusual environmental conditions, etc.)

• Position is full-time, requiring a 5-day work week and standard hours as outlined in the firm policy manual, with additional hours as required when necessary to meet deadlines.
• Limited domestic travel, possibly involving multiple-day trips requiring overnight stays, may be required in order to attend training seminars/CLE programs, firm meetings and the like.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Adheres to highest ethical standards for behavior.
• Strong organizational and planning skills, including the ability to organize and prioritize numerous tasks and complete them under time constraints.
• Strong interpersonal skills necessary to permit effective communication in person, by e-mail and telephone with a diverse group of lawyers and staff.
• Ability to recognize actual and potential conflicts of interest under applicable professional standards, other issues that could be viewed as conflicts of interest from an ethical and/or business perspective, and effectively discussing and resolving such issues with the lawyers and staff involved.
• Prior experience as a conflicts attorney, or experience in legal ethics, conflicts analysis and/or review, representation of law firms and the like.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• J.D. degree.
• Member of the State Bar in good standing in Duane Morris office where candidate will sit.
• Minimum 4 years’ experience as a practicing lawyer in a business law firm environment and/or prior experience as a conflicts attorney in a law firm setting.

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

About Duane Morris

Duane Morris’ dedicated professional and administrative support staff provides the technological and administrative infrastructure for the firm. The day-to-day activities of our staff are at the foundation of the firm’s success. The underlying values of teamwork, commitment and service demonstrated every day are not only shared by our entire staff, but they also mirror the seamless, high-quality legal services that our lawyers deliver to the firm’s clients.

More than 650 professional and administrative employees at Duane Morris focus on a variety of disciplines, including accounting, facilities, human resources, information services, legal recruiting, library services, marketing and communications, and office and secretarial services.

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 Lathrop GPM “Senior Intake Analyst” —

• Lathrop GPM, one of the nation’s leading law firms, has an immediate opening for a Senior Intake Analyst in our Minneapolis, MN, Kansas City, MO or San Jose, CA location.
• The Senior Intake Analyst is responsible for supporting the firm’s client and matter intake process through the review, processing, and analysis of new business forms and conflicts checks. Through their subject matter expertise, the Senior Intake Analyst will act as a resource for firm personnel both within and outside of the Intake department.
• All responsibilities are expected to be performed with a commitment to providing excellent customer and risk management service to the partnership in a matter consistent with firm values.

Conflicts & Analysis

• Perform conflicts checks for new client, matter, and additional parties intake forms, including the identification of potential conflicts of interest and providing relevant information to assist the Professional Responsibility Committee (PRC) in clearing potential conflicts of interest
• Perform review and analysis of new representations as it relates to risk considerations and firm specific special processing procedures
• Research prospective clients and related parties using firm databases and web-based applications
• Perform due diligence and credit checks on prospective clients
• Conduct sanctions list screenings for prospective clients and parties involved in proposed representations
• Process conflicts checks for lateral hire candidates
• Process and manage correspondence related to intake forms including retrieving appropriate approvals for non-standard language
• Other duties as assigned.

Subject Matter Resource

• Act as point of contact to answer questions and provide guidance for newly trained employees at the firm, both within and outside of the Intake department
• Help facilitate seamless onboarding, client transfers and matter openings for lateral partners and partner groups
• Assist Intake management with keeping department resources, such as Compass, Intake internal procedure documents, and Intapp Open system documentation, current and making recommendations for improvements
• Identify potential risk considerations and special processing procedures applicable to the opening of new clients and matters

Client Matter Management

• Assist with attorney offboarding as it relates to ensuring the accuracy of firm client matter data and records
• Process and manage requests to change or update client matter information
• Liaise with firm attorneys and legal administrative assistance to ensure client correspondence such as engagement letters, client Outside Counsel Guidelines, and conflicts waivers are obtained when necessary, up to date, and saved in the appropriate repositories

Service

• Track and follow up on all outstanding requests and new business intake form approvals
• Respond to calls, emails and workflow requests from firm attorneys, legal administrative assistants, and other personnel regarding the new business intake process and requests
• Special projects and other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent years’ related experience
• Minimum of three years’ experience in conflicts or new business intake in a law firm

Preferred Requirements:

• Experience with Intapp Open
• Working knowledge of Model Rules of Professional Conduct and their practical application in a mid to large size law firm

In addition to the essential job duties, the following are requisite physical, mental and//or performance requirements of the positions:

• Ability to problem-solve.
• Strong research and analytical skills, including the ability to identify risk considerations and synthesize large amounts of client due diligence data and conflicts of interest information.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively in a virtual environment (e.g., via phone, web/videoconference).
• Ability to concentrate on tasks, make decisions and work calmly and effectively in a high-pressure, deadline-orientated environment.
• Demonstrated ability to use good judgment in taking initiative while asking for direction or clarification and consulting others, as appropriate.
• Willingness to be flexible with time and adjust to a changing work environment.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships, both internally and externally, while maintaining a client service orientation.
• Ability to use sound judgment and discretion in dealing with highly confidential information.
• Ability to maintain stamina throughout a standard workday, on- and off-site.
• Ability to maintain regular attendance and work regularly scheduled hours.
• Ability to take direction and accept supervision.
• Demonstrate ability to work independently, organize and accurately prioritize work, be detail-oriented, understand when urgency is required and use good judgment in varied situations.
• Ability to work effectively with co-workers in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.

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

About Lathrop GPM

Lathrop GPM is a full-service, Am Law 200 law firm with offices in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Overland Park, St. Cloud, St. Louis, San Jose, Redwood Shores and Washington, D.C. Our clients are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, and a professional, challenging, yet comfortable hybrid working environment.

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.

Essential Functions

• 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.
• Perform 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 varying rules and principles in making a choice of law analysis.
• Ability to effectively cope with change, including the capacity to 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 possession of a solid comprehension 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 critical-thinking skills and eye for detail; 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.
• Previous experience clearing firm lateral hires, including working directly with new hire candidates and firm partners to resolve issues, experience reviewing and analyzing former client issues, and working cross-departmentally with new hire onboarding efforts.

Education and Experience

• Qualified candidates must have a Juris Doctorate and a minimum of three 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.
• Applicants must be licensed and in good standing to practice law in the state of the office they would be based out of.
• 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…

Pleased to highlight a new open position from Moore & Van Allen: “Conflicts Analyst” —

• Moore & Van Allen PLLC, a dynamic and fast-growing full-service law firm of more than 400 attorneys and professionals, is seeking an experienced Conflicts Analyst to join our Conflicts team.
• This full-time position may be based in our Charlotte office or fully remote.
• The Conflicts Analyst is responsible for conducting database searches to identify and analyze potential conflicts of interest based on information provided in new file requests and from other sources.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Reviewing new client/matter request forms to ensure accuracy and completeness of all required information.
• Searching the database to identify and analyze potential conflicts of interest during new business intake and when hiring new attorneys and staff
• Responding to search requests, and various other requests, from attorneys, paralegals and legal practice assistants.
• Preparing conflicts results report in response to conflicts search requests.
• Participating in special database projects including periodic software updates, testing and troubleshooting.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent in experience, plus an additional year of legal or database experience in a professional environment.
• Candidates must already be, or are able to become, proficient in Intapp Open and Aderant software systems and basic legal conflicts of interest analysis
• Must possess excellent demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills and strong research and organizational abilities.
• Must be able to work in a professional environment and work well with others as part of a team.

Note: This position is remote work eligible in the following states: NC, SC, FL, VA, TN, OR, OH, TX, GA, MA, and CO.

For additional detail:

• You can see more details in the specific job posting here
• And read more about professional life and benefits at the firm  on their careers page:
  • “Moore & Van Allen has built a highly skilled and client-service focused legal and administrative staff, who add greatly to our ability to serve the firm’s clients. As with our legal professionals, paralegals and staff members enjoy a culture that emphasizes teamwork and professionalism.”

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 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…