Bressler Risk Blog

Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor reminds us that they’re seeking a Director of Risk Management to manage a variety of programs and systems to prevent and mitigate the firm’s operational risks, including New Business Intake, Conflicts of Interest, Information Governance and Data Protection, Insurance and assisting the firm’s General Counsel. They wanted to note some key details on the position:

• “Candidates should possess a law degree from an accredited law school; a risk management mindset; research skills and analytical abilities; flexibility and after-hours availability. DSBA membership is desirable.”
• “At Young Conaway, you will find a beautiful facility in the heart of Rodney Square and a dynamic and friendly professional environment with ample opportunity for experience, development and growth.”
• “We offer competitive compensation commensurate with skill level and experience; excellent comprehensive benefits package, including immediate coverage under our medical, dental & vision plans, parking/commuting allowance, 401K plan and generous paid time off; and exceptional opportunities for training, experience and growth.”

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Management of New Business Intake (NBI) Process and System (including software, staff and budget)
• Conflict of interest management (including advising firm attorneys, reviewing lateral/contract attorney work, implementing ethical walls)
• Facilitating the firms Conflicts of Interest Committee
• Information Governance and Data Protection (IGDP) (including facilitating the firm’s IGDP Committee, managing the firm’s Security Awareness Program, and coordinating key processes with the firm’s records manager)
• Providing Assistance to General Counsel (including contract review, reviewing “outside counsel guidelines” and other client terms, assistance with firm engagement letter management)
• Insurance Program oversight (including coverage management, broker/carrier contact, and claims management)

See the complete job posting for more detail on job and to apply

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

Our latest BRB job post comes from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. They’re seeking a “Risk and Compliance Attorney,” based in the US. Key details on this position:

• The Risk & Compliance Lawyer plays a key role as a member of the firm’s Legal Department, which manages the firm’s risk exposure and provides advice to the firm on a range of legal and compliance issues relating to business acceptance (including conflicts of interest, confidentiality, client due diligence, sanctions issues, reputational and commercial risk) as well as other issues, such as contracting, commercial risks, client engagement terms, local ethical and regulatory issues, and firm policies and practice.
• The role of the Legal Department is to support the firm in pursing the effective management of regulatory, legal, operational, and information security risk so as to preserve and maximize the value of the firm over the long term. We do this by taking responsibility for a range of actions, by sharing in the performance of others and by assisting partners and staff to manage risk themselves through training, awareness raising and the provision of relevant intelligence, services and materials.

Key Responsibilities and Deliverables Include:

• Advise the partnership on business acceptance issues relating to conflicts of interest, confidential information, reputational risk and sanctions issues globally, to assess the business suitability of potential new matters and new clients.
• Undertake due diligence and reputational risk assessment of new clients and matters.
• Assist the partnership with solutions to resolve conflicts, confidentiality, reputational and commercial risk, anti-money laundering (AML) compliance and sanctions issues including assistance with drafting waivers and maintaining information barriers.
• Answer questions from partners, associates and staff at all levels across the firm regarding US law, regulations and firm policies pertaining to conflicts of interest, ethics and regulatory compliance.
• Review and advise on client engagement letters and outside counsel guidelines, particularly with respect to conflicts of interest and US applicable law and regulation.
• Assist in review of incoming lateral hires for potential conflicts of interest.
• Remain current on the type of work that Freshfields undertakes across all sectors and join a sector team in at least two sectors building strong and trusted relationships with Sector Group Leaders.
• Assist with training to the firm on risk issues (including New Hire Induction Training and Intapp system training) and be an ambassador for the Legal Department within the wider firm.
• Assist with the development and implementation of business acceptance processes as part of Legal Department and firm-wide programs.

See the complete job posting for more detail on job and to apply

Learn more about working at Freshfields on their careers page:

• “With over 2,800 lawyers in 28 key business centers around the world, Freshfields combines an unrivalled breadth of expertise across practice areas and borders with tremendous growth opportunities within our US practices. This unique balance defines our work style and culture. On one side, there’s the friendliness, personal attention and lack of hierarchy you find in a small firm; on the other, the comprehensive network, breadth of work and resources of an international organization. We’re a collegial firm – we work, learn and socialize together as one team. We’re also truly international in both outlook and opportunity.”
• “Our people make our firm – we are a people business and want to create a welcoming and supportive environment where all can flourish. We see diversity as a strength which creates fresh perspectives and generates new ideas. We enjoy our work and are determined to do an outstanding job. We deliver best when working in teams.”
• “We think and work globally – we don’t just say we are one firm; we act like one firm right across the world. We work wherever our clients need us. This is how we define ourselves, not by reference to where we have offices. Cross-border work isn’t just what we do, it is what we excel at. We understand what it really takes to work across different legal systems and commercial environments and to bridge language and cultural gaps.”

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

I was pleased to receive word from the team at Cooley, who are following up the previous post announcing their NBI/Conflicts Analyst role with another job opening announcement: “Conflicts Staff Attorney.” Key details on this additional position:

Location: New York, Los Angeles Palo Alto, Washington DC, Boston, San Francisco, or San Diego

The business intake and conflicts function is essential to the firm’s:

• (1) compliance with (a) ethical obligations prevailing in jurisdictions in which the firm maintains offices and in which it practices and (b) the firm’s Risk Management policies and procedures
• (2) avoidance of malpractice claims and ethical violations
• and (3) ability to onboard new business, in the form of new clients and new matters for existing clients, new timekeepers and new employees in a timely fashion.

Key Responsibilities:

• Working closely with the Director of Business Intake and Conflicts, the Conflicts Staff Attorney will be responsible for assuring compliance with applicable Rules of Professional Conduct and assisting and managing other loss prevention functions.”
• The Conflicts Staff Attorney is a staff attorney who understands the rules that govern legal practice and can perform practical processes to ensure compliance with those rules. The Conflicts Staff Attorney does not practice law for any client other than the firm and maintains professionalism and strict confidentiality in all client and firm matters.”
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of the American Bar Association (ABA) Model Rules of Professional Conduct as adopted in each state in which the firm maintains an office, and jurisdictional differences in all states, countries and practice areas in which the firm conducts business
• Monitors ABA and jurisdictional rules for changes. Suggests modifications in firm policy to the Director of BIC for approval
  Analyze and resolve conflicts of interest related to new business and new hires
• Effectively work with Managers, Directors, Conflict Analysts and firm attorneys to obtain the relevant information to make determinations on conflict issues
• Draft and review ethical screens, conflict waivers and risk management engagement letter provisions
• Review and analyze client-imposed engagement letters and outside counsel guidelines to which the firm is asked to agree by clients and prospective clients
• Conduct research projects as assigned relating to conflicts of interest issues
• Conduct advanced level research projects on corporate affiliations and corporate relatedness

See the complete job posting for more detail on job and to apply

Learn more about working at Cooley (Seven-Time Fortune Best Company to Work For) on their careers page:

• “Working at Cooley provides an opportunity to work in an environment of collaboration, challenge and reward. We are all part of one firm dedicated to maintaining a diverse workplace that values and celebrates differences—from the way we relate to and support each other, to the way we work together to meet the needs of our clients. It is the unique abilities and perspectives of every individual at Cooley that creates a rewarding workplace.”
• “For Cooley, this means offering all employees the tools, training and mentoring they need to succeed. It enables every individual to balance work and family obligations. It looks beyond the Firm’s four walls, fostering community involvement. It includes becoming leaders and contributors in our communities.”

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

Our latest promoted risk management opening comes from Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor. They’re seeking a Director of Risk Management to manage a variety of programs and systems to prevent and mitigate the firm’s operational risks, including New Business Intake, Conflicts of Interest, Information Governance and Data Protection, Insurance and assisting the firm’s General Counsel. They wanted to note some key details on the position:

• “Candidates should possess a law degree from an accredited law school; a risk management mindset; research skills and analytical abilities; flexibility and after-hours availability. DSBA membership is desirable.”
• “At Young Conaway, you will find a beautiful facility in the heart of Rodney Square and a dynamic and friendly professional environment with ample opportunity for experience, development and growth.”
• “We offer competitive compensation commensurate with skill level and experience; excellent comprehensive benefits package, including immediate coverage under our medical, dental & vision plans, parking/commuting allowance, 401K plan and generous paid time off; and exceptional opportunities for training, experience and growth.”

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Management of New Business Intake (NBI) Process and System (including software, staff and budget)
• Conflict of interest management (including advising firm attorneys, reviewing lateral/contract attorney work, implementing ethical walls)
• Facilitating the firms Conflicts of Interest Committee
• Information Governance and Data Protection (IGDP) (including facilitating the firm’s IGDP Committee, managing the firm’s Security Awareness Program, and coordinating key processes with the firm’s records manager)
• Providing Assistance to General Counsel (including contract review, reviewing “outside counsel guidelines” and other client terms, assistance with firm engagement letter management)
• Insurance Program oversight (including coverage management, broker/carrier contact, and claims management)

See the complete job posting for more detail on job and to apply

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

The team at Cooley is looking to connect with anyone interested in their new job opening: “Senior Business Intake & Conflicts Analyst (New Business).” Key details on the position:

Location: San Francisco, Palo Alto or San Diego

Key Responsibilities:

• “The Senior Conflicts Analyst will focus on New Business, working under the supervision of the Director of Conflicts (New Business). They are primarily responsible for processing and analyzing all incoming new client and new matter workflow requests and analyzing large conflict check reports on a daily basis to determine any direct or potential conflicts.”
• “Process and analyze all incoming new client and new matter workflow requests.”
• “Identify existing conflicts and determine potential conflicts by reviewing large conflict reports on a daily basis.”
• “Communicate with responsible attorneys of existing or potential conflicts regarding status of their matters via email and by phone.
  Maintain checklist, notes and outcome of conflicts and responses from responsible attorneys.”
• “Prepare conflicts analysis emails regarding any potential or direct conflicts to all involved attorneys regarding the resolutions of any potential or direct conflicts.”
• “Perform legal research of current conflicts case law and legal ethics.”
• “Assist with conflicts training for secretaries, paralegals and attorneys regarding conflicts procedures.”
• “Assist with the tracking of waiver letters for conflict of interests on new clients/new matters.”
• “Responsible for the drafting and implementation of any necessary ethical screen memos.”
• “Assist Senior Conflicts Analysts (Laterals) with the processing of attorney lateral hire, paralegal and non-staff conflict checks as needed.”

See the complete job posting for more detail on job and to apply

Learn more about working at Cooley (Seven-Time Fortune Best Company to Work For) on their careers page:

• “Working at Cooley provides an opportunity to work in an environment of collaboration, challenge and reward. We are all part of one firm dedicated to maintaining a diverse workplace that values and celebrates differences—from the way we relate to and support each other, to the way we work together to meet the needs of our clients. It is the unique abilities and perspectives of every individual at Cooley that creates a rewarding workplace.”
• “For Cooley, this means offering all employees the tools, training and mentoring they need to succeed. It enables every individual to balance work and family obligations. It looks beyond the Firm’s four walls, fostering community involvement. It includes becoming leaders and contributors in our communities.”

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

I was truly delighted to get an email last week from my friend Judy Berman, Global Director of New Business Intake and Information Management at Shearman & Sterling. 

She noted that if you’re reading this right now, you’re the “exact audience” the firm wants to make aware of their new Conflicts Supervisor job opening:

• “The Supervisor, Conflicts is responsible for managing the day to day functioning of the Conflicts Department, as well as assisting in aligning and promoting Firm practices related to taking on new clients across all offices.”
• “This position will involve the day-to-day management of conflicts requests, the new matter intake function, ethical walls, scheduling of staff, and workflow/matter opening follow-up.”
• “Additional responsibilities include supervising Conflicts and New Business Intake Analysts in responding to questions and requests from Partners, Legal Administrative Assistants, and other Firm constituencies regarding the new business intake process.”
• “The Supervisor, Conflicts will assist in developing appropriate standards for risk management, implementing those standards and ensuring compliance with the policies and procedures promulgated.”
• “The Supervisor, Conflicts is responsible for handling the team’s time off requests, scheduling, and interviewing potential candidates for new or replacement positions with respect to conflicts staff and drafting annual Staff Performance Evaluations for discussion with the Senior Manager, NBI & Info Management.”
• See the posting for more detail on job responsibilities and to apply

Desired Knowledge, Skills & Attributes include:

• Knowledge of risk management processes and procedures in a large, international law firm, as well as a basic understanding of the ethical requirements of the New York Code of Professional Conduct.
• Skilled at using the full suite of MS Office software; and various applications including Elite, Intapp New Business Intake (NBI) and Intapp Conflicts; and outside databases including D&B, Orbis, CapitaIIQ and WorldCheck.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills.

The position is located in New York and they’re seeking someone with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in a conflicts function at a large law firm, 2 years of which were supervisory in nature.

Learn more about working at Shearman and Sterling on their careers page:

• “We are committed to attracting, retaining and developing the best and most diverse talent from around the globe to serve our clients with the insights, judgment and excellence that they expect from us. We know that the continued success of our firm, our people and our clients are inextricably bound, and require that we reflect the variety of perspectives and backgrounds represented in our ever more interdependent world.”
• “Shearman & Sterling is a global business. We rely on a team of dedicated professionals to make one of the world’s top law firms run effectively. When you join our business services team, you’ll be part of a highly regarded firm with sophisticated, wide-ranging practices, forward thinking business leaders and an extensive global footprint that distinguishes us from our peers. We look for professionals who are best in class and bring with them a level of know-how and enthusiasm in a wide range of functional disciplines.”

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

Our latest sponsored risk job entry comes from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, who has a Conflicts Attorney position open:

• “The Conflicts Attorney works with Conflicts and Ethics Counsel, Director of Conflicts/New Business, and others in the Office of the General Counsel to identify and resolve potential legal and business conflicts, perform thorough due diligence on potential new firm clients, and help ensure best practices and adherence to firm policies and procedures in client intake.”
• “This position is responsible for the conflicts process for all new business and performs duties in coordination with the Director of Conflicts/New Business to ensure a comprehensive and synchronized conflict-of-interest process.”
• “Reviews created conflicts reports to identify potential conflicts, risk management issues, anti-money laundering concerns, practice management issues, and client relationship issues.”
• Read more on about this position and apply here.

Education/Experience/Certifications

• Juris Doctor degree required
• Previous conflicts or law firm risk management experience strongly preferred
• Previous large law firm experience involving analytical reasoning or researching skills preferred
• Experience with conflicts client intake related software preferred [this firm runs Intapp]

On Working at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner:

• From their careers overview page: “Formed by the combination of Bryan Cave and Berwin Leighton Paisner, our law firm is purposely structured in a way few other law firms are – as a fully integrated international team that provides clients with clear, connected legal advice, wherever and whenever they need it.”
• “Our ability to provide our clients with the highest level of service is wholly dependent on our ability to attract and develop people who will carry on the firm’s tradition of excellence. Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner thrives on talent and we invest heavily in helping our people fulfill their potential. Everyone here is encouraged to think differently. Great ideas are celebrated, excellent work is appreciated and you’ll uncover an international network that ensures global reach. We know Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner has a bright future and we’re keen to talk to people who feel the same.”
• “At Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner we believe that diversity enriches the quality and fabric of our culture and makes us a stronger, better firm. We strive every day to create an inclusive workplace where every individual feels celebrated for their difference, can be themselves and can contribute meaningfully to the firm’s success. Find out more about our approach to diversity and inclusion at BCLP.”

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

Vanessa Becker, Senior Ethics & Business Intake Attorney at Holland & Hart LLP sends word of two open positions at her firm. The lawyer role has one of the best (short) application writing assignments I’ve ever seen in such a posting. (And if that’s not an intriguing enough reason to check out the opening, I may lose a bet…)

Ethics & Conflicts Attorney 

• “Our ethics and conflicts attorneys help ensure that the firm and its lawyers do not inadvertently violate conflict of interest rules that govern the firm’s representation of clients.”
• LOCATION: Boise, Idaho or Salt Lake City, Utah office
• Read more on about this position and apply here.

Business Intake Specialist

• “The Business Intake Specialist helps to provide the intake lawyers and their assistant with an efficient and seamless business intake process when opening new matters.”
• LOCATION: Boise, Idaho or Salt Lake City, Utah office
• Read more on about this position and apply here.

On Benefits and Work/Life Balance:

• “Holland & Hart works hard to promote work/life balance with a 37.5-hour scheduled work week for most staff employees, a robust wellness program, and generous PTO and holiday pay for eligible employees.”
• “Full-time employees become eligible for benefits on the date hire, with a benefits offering that includes medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, EAP, STD, and LTD. Also available are voluntary income protection benefits such as supplemental life, accident, critical illness, and long-term care insurances, as well as a 401(k)-retirement plan with a company match.”
• “In addition, the firm has programs that may provide for educational assistance, free or discounted legal services, and opportunities through the Holland & Hart Foundation, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating volunteer opportunities for lawyers, staff, families, and friends of Holland & Hart LLP. Part-time employees may have access to some of these benefits, which may be on a pro-rated basis.”

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

I was pleased to receive a note from Ann Ostrander, Senior Director, Risk Management at Kirkland & Ellis, expressing enthusiastic interest in a sponsored post promoting several new risk opportunities at that firm.

“Director of Business Intake & Conflicts” —

• The Director–Business Intake Operations (“Director”) oversees the daily operations of the Firm’s Business Intake Conflicts Department (“BIC”).
• This includes ensuring that the activities of BIC support the Firm’s values and goals, and help Firm lawyers comply with their duties of professional responsibility and other ethics or regulatory requirements.
• The Director helps to develop both strategic and tactical plans for BIC and ensures the prompt, effective and efficient delivery of services to Firm lawyers and legal support staff.
• The Director interfaces with partner-led new business committees, individual partners and with the Office of General Counsel as needed.
• LOCATION: All US Offices

“Director of Risk Management (Planning & Special Projects)” —

• The Director of Risk Management–Planning and Special Projects (“Director”) provides support to leaders within the business units of the Firm’s Risk Management Department.
• This support consists of guidance regarding both strategic and tactical planning, direct project management, and assisting individual leaders with their professional and skills development.
• The Director is an internal consultant within the Risk Management Department, and uses developed consulting skills to help Risk Management leaders to become effective planners, implementers, and strategic/tactical thinkers.
• LOCATION: All US Offices

“Conflicts Manager” —

• The Conflicts Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Firm’s Conflicts Department, and oversees processes related to the conflicts search and analysis of potential new clients and new matters, the conflicts evaluation of lateral attorneys and other new hires, and potential conflicts in restructuring/debtor representations.
• This role is also responsible for determining staffing levels and global service coverage as well as workflow coordination to ensure all requests are being handled as expeditiously and accurately as possible.
• The Conflicts Manager works with the Business Intake & Conflicts Staff Training & Development team to prepare new Conflicts personnel to work effectively, and to evaluate, enhance, and develop conflicts search and analysis processes that support compliance with the rules of professional conduct, regulatory requirements, and Firm policies.
• LOCATION: Chicago Office

About Kirkland & Ellis:

• “Kirkland & Ellis LLP is a preeminent, full-service law firm with offices around the world and a staff as diverse as the practice areas we support. Our clients range from Fortune 100 companies to medium and small corporations, financial institutions, and private equity firms. Known for our commitment to excellence, Kirkland strives to provide superior service to our clients as well as our fellow employees. From Information Technology to Human Resources, Paralegal Services to Business Development, Kirkland offers non-attorney professionals challenging careers in a variety of functional areas. Whether starting or growing your career, Kirkland can offer a performance-driven culture filled with bright and innovative teams of co-workers.”

Read more about these position and apply via individual entries linked above.

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

I quite pleased to see the positive response to the sponsored job post experiment (including a few fun remarks from the reader peanut gallery, you know who you are). Turns out, if you’re reading this blog, folks are definitely interested in connecting with you about your conflicts career.

Gordon & Rees is a great example. They’ve reached out to get the word out about an open position on their team: “Risk Management Clerk (Legal Conflicts)” —

• Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, a national law firm in all 50 States, has an immediate opening for a Risk Management Clerk (Legal Conflicts).
• This is a full time position, which could be a “Remote opportunity” for qualified candidate residing in the Pacific Standard Time Zone.
• Ideal candidates will be responsible for Client Matter maintenance and observe confidentiality in all Client/Firm matters. Medium to large law firm experience is preferred.”

Key responsibilities include:

• Conduct conflict of interest searches, interpretation of conflicts data and determine methods to resolve conflicts
• Analyze conflicts reports and make recommendations on potential conflicts for attorney review
• Communicate conflict of interest information to lawyers to ensure any conflicts are resolved
• Conduct research using 3rd party business resources for all new clients, and others as needed

Read more about this position and apply via website job listing.

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