Bressler Risk Blog

I’ve been known to say, tongue mostly in cheek: “The smartest risk people in legal read this blog.” That supports a corollary: “The smartest law firms recruit the smartest risk people in legal through this blog.” >smile<

So I’m particularly pleased to highlight a new opening from a repeat “customer” of the BRB jobs board, Moore & Van Allen, a prominent law firm of more than 300 attorneys with offices in the Carolinas. They’re looking for a: “Conflicts Analyst” —

• This is a full-time, remote work eligible position within our Conflicts team.
• Duties include:
  • Performance of database research to identify and analyze potential conflicts of interest during new business intake and when hiring new attorneys and staff
  • Responding to attorney and staff inquiries about conflicts; managing the conflicts database; and assisting the department with various other duties.
• The successful candidate will possess:
  • A 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 also possess good oral and written communication skills in order to interact effectively with a diverse group of attorneys and staff and;
  • Must be able to work in a professional environment and work well with others as part of a team.

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!

I’m pleased to share two new job listings from Alston & Bird.

“New Business Intake Manager” — The Atlanta office of Alston & Bird is seeking a New Business Intake Manger (NBI Manager) to oversee the firm’s new business intake function on a global basis.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• The NBI manager will oversee the New Business Intake team and set the strategic direction for the firm’s new business intake function.
• The NBI Manager will also oversee the implementation of standardized new business intake procedures across offices and liaise with partnership and firm leadership on client intake needs and issues, with escalation to Loss Prevention as needed.
• Individual will maintain expertise in new business intake best practices and advise firm leadership on areas for improvement.
• Serve as Business Lead for firm projects involving new business intake.
• Manage and oversee the day-to-day operations of the NBI Department.
• Develop training materials and ensure the professional development of Department staff.

Skills Needed to be Successful Include:

• Prior new business intake experience utilizing automated intake workflow systems in a law firm environment required.
• Additional skill sets such as prior supervisory experience; excellent written communication skills and the ability to draft and execute complex communications including policies and procedures, and instructional documents.
• Strong knowledge of ethical, legal and risk management rules and requirements governing conflicts of interest and conflicts resolution process required.

“Senior Conflicts Specialist” — Under direction of Conflicts Manager, serve as the role of Senior Conflicts Specialist – Lateral and Quality Control to perform a variety of departmental duties working closely with Loss Prevention, Attorney Hiring, Training, and the Conflicts Department to relay any conflict issues and pertinent information to the Conflicts and Loss Prevention partner(s), train Analysts and monitor work product to align with quality and assurance standards, as well as assist in maintaining the efficient operation of the department and facility.

Essential Duties Include:

• Streamline the lateral process and be the liaison with Attorney hiring, Conflicts Review Committee, and Sponsoring Attorney.
• Review and provide a thorough and timely analysis of all lateral candidates
• Train and develop staff as well as support lead conflicts and compliance initiatives, including policy and procedural refinements and workstreams to continually improve the Firm’s capabilities
• Help train NBI staff, especially with interpreting the conflicts report, search strategy, and research skills from internal and external sources.
• Work to build quality control mechanisms (stats) into the Intapp program.
• Create benchmarks for all the different tasks to disburse the work among the team.
• Assist Loss Prevention partner with the necessary research to aid in conflict decisions and to correctly identify entities.
• Perform data analysis and identify possible issues or “direct conflicts or business issues,” e.g., A&B business and risk policy issues, pending laterals, adversities against significant clients, etc.

Skills Needed to be Successful Include:

• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task
• Exceptional analytical, writing, oral communication and interpersonal skills
• Strict attention to detail , along with excellent follow through skills with minimal supervision.
• Successful candidates will understand legal conflicts. Assist in identifying potential conflicts of interest through Corporate (D&B, Orbis) and Intapp conflicts databases.
• Thorough knowledge of Firm and Administrative Support Service standards, practices, and procedures to meet Firm personnel demands.

For additional detail:

• You can see the specific job postings: [New Business Intake Manager] and [Senior Conflicts Specialist]
• And read more about professional life at Alston & Bird on their excellent careers page, including why Fortune has ranked them as one of America’s ‘100 Best Companies to Work For now for 23 consecutive years.

Our latest job listing comes from Gibson Dunn which is looking for a: “Compliance Officer” —

• Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, a premier international law firm with over 1,600 attorneys and 20 offices in major financial centers worldwide, seeks a Compliance Officer.
• As a member of the Office of General Counsel, the Compliance Officer will be responsible for policies, procedures, training and oversight in support of firm-wide compliance with applicable laws, regulations and standards, including anti-money laundering and sanctions, data privacy, insider trading and other important compliance issues.
• The candidate must be a lawyer with 6+ years of experience practicing law, including in compliance issues.

More about Gibson Dunn:

• At Gibson Dunn, we understand that exceptional client service extends far beyond the attorney-client relationship. Our exceptional staff is one of the keys to our ability to serve our clients in the manner they have come to expect. The support staff at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is comprised of a diverse group of motivated and highly skilled professionals. With approximately 1000 staff members throughout the U.S. and in key cities in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, our staff is dedicated to providing the highest level of support to the lawyers, and clients of our firm, to assist them in doing their job more efficiently and effectively.
• Gibson Dunn looks for individuals who exhibit top-notch critical thinking, exceptional substantive skills, creativity, a passion for life and the law, and the desire to provide platinum service to our clients. Through guidance, mentoring, and training, we empower our associates and staff to organically maximize their performance and potential, serving clients and gaining meaningful opportunities for professional growth along the way. In addition, Gibson Dunn believes that diversity in its workforce is an imperative. We strive to create an inclusive and empowering community for all. This philosophy not only allows Gibson Dunn to create the winning team, but also a happy team.

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

Learn more about working at Gibson Dunn 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 Williams & Connolly: “Senior Applications Support Engineer” —

• This position has the primary responsibility for the administration and maintenance of various off the shelf (COTS) application solutions.
• These include New Business Intake, Conflicts, Ethical Walls, Document Collaboration, Client Relationship Management, Matter Management, etc.
• The Senior Applications Support Engineer will be responsible for installing, upgrading and troubleshooting the various on-premise applications as well as managing various SaaS solutions.
• As the subject matter expert of these applications, the Senior Application Support Engineer is also responsible for third-tier support for escalations. Additionally, the Senior Application Support Engineer will lead the implementation and design of new technology solutions to meet the business needs.

Duties include:

• Provide expert technical support for various technology platforms implemented at the firm.
• Act as the system owner in order to maintain and continuously improve application functionality, performance, and security.
• Identify and implement opportunities for improvement in efficiency by fully leveraging features and capabilities of the firm’s technology platforms.
• Develop workflow enhancements and process integrations as needed.
• Troubleshoot, support and maintain SQL servers, databases, automated routines and scripts.
• Coordinate routine application upgrades and security patching in accordance with the firm’s patching policy, ensuring appropriate test protocols and patch timelines are followed.
• Work with various product vendors to implement and enhance applications.
• Work with practice groups to gather requirements and implement technology solutions.
• Train and mentor User Support Representatives on application functionality and troubleshooting techniques.
• Act as escalation resource for help tickets related to the assigned applications

Requirements include:

• 5+ years of experience in legal technology COTS applications and information technology support.
• Strong knowledge of Windows and Linux Ubuntu Operating Systems, SQL, IIS, and data workflow automation.
• Strong knowledge of database technologies and management tools; ability to assess and create SQL scripts to analyze data.
• Knowledge of Web Server technologies; experience with IIS required.
• Knowledge of Integration Builder a plus.

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

Learn more about working at Williams and Connolly on their careers page:

• “At Williams & Connolly, a high percentage of our support staff members have been with the firm for more than a decade. They have been given the opportunity to develop their careers through promotions, increased responsibility, and internal mobility because we know that our professional talent is every bit as important as our lawyers in providing quality service to our clients.”
• “The firm offers competitive compensation, outstanding benefits and professional growth opportunities with the sincere anticipation that Williams & Connolly will be a place for our staff to enjoy a challenging career for many years to come.”
• “Washingtonian magazine again selected the firm as one of the Washington D.C. area’s 50 “Great Places to Work.” Our interesting cases, opportunity to work with the most talented lawyers in the world, team spirit, excellent professional rewards, and other notable perks landed us among the featured companies.”

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

Our next sponsored risk job listing comes from Moore & Van Allen, a prominent business and litigation law firm with offices in the Carolinas: “Conflicts and Matter Intake Systems Analyst” —

• This full-time position with our Conflicts team is remote work eligible.
• Duties include
  • Conducting conflicts database searches and analyzing results
  • Reviewing new client/matter request forms to ensure accuracy
  • Maintaining the quality and integrity of the Intapp workflow system for matter intake and the conflict database, spots issues, recommends improvements, modifications and/or upgrades;
  • Maintains the quality and integrity of the Intapp Walls  ethical screening software
  • Manages the upgrades of current software and the implementation of new software to include designing, editing and testing new reports and training staff on new systems.

The successful candidate will possess:

• At least three years of work experience related to legal research (conflicts research preferable).
• Experience with Intapp risk systems + Integration Builder (preferred)
• Experience or understanding of matter management/time and billing systems including Aderant Expert.
• Conceptual understanding of workflow processes and ability to conduct validation testing.
• Experience or demonstrated understanding of data integrations between systems.

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!

John Ferko, the firm’s COO, reached out to note that Richards, Layton & Finger, Delaware’s largest law firm, is seeking an experienced attorney to manage the firm’s conflicts and new business intake functions in Wilmington, DE.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the conflicts, new business intake and due diligence teams. More at: “Director of Conflicts and New Business Intake” —

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Manage the conflicts, new business intake and due diligence teams, systems, and processes, ensuring potential conflicts are quickly accurately identified and resolved and conflicts are cleared for new matters, new clients, and lateral attorneys.
• Provide leadership and facilitate departmental team building and training.
• Review, assess, recommend, and communicate improvements to conflicts and new business intake processes, procedures, and policies.
• Work with General Counsel on issues relating to conflicts of interest and due diligence; provide support through the regular review and identification of potential issues under client Outside Counsel Guidelines.
• Oversee the firm’s Intapp Walls database; train firm users on Intapp Conflicts and New Business Intake applications and continuously develop the firm’s use of these systems.

For additional detail:

• You can see the specific job posting here
• And read more 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.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher is hiring an “Ethical Walls and Conflicts Administrator” —

• Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is seeking an Ethical Walls and Conflicts Administrator based in the New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Palo Alto office.
• The Ethical Walls and Conflicts Administrator will work under the direction of Office of General Counsel attorneys and be responsible for administering ethical walls the firm establishes to govern which attorneys and staff professionals may access documents on the matters the firm handles, running searches in the firm’s conflicts database and updating that database, and communicating with firm attorneys and staff professionals about these matters.

Responsibilities Include:

• Establish and maintain ethical walls in accordance with attorneys’ instructions
• Prepare and circulate ethical wall notices to firm personnel
• Run conflicts reports in response to attorney requests
• Update the firm’s conflicts database with new documents and information
• Assist with opening new matters in the firm’s New Business Intake system
• Address inquiries received by the ethical walls and conflicts team email boxes, escalating for attorney review and resolution as needed
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned

Requirements Include:

• Four-year degree
• Proficiency in the use of databases desired
• Ability to communicate clearly and accurately with all members of the firm, both orally and in writing
• Availability for overtime on nights, weekends, and firm holidays
• Ability to commute to the New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Palo Alto office

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

Learn more about working at Willkie on their website:

• “Willkie is an elite international law firm of approximately 1,000 lawyers located in 13 offices in six countries. For more than 130 years, we have represented companies across a wide spectrum of businesses and industries.”
• “Willkie combines the professional benefits of practicing at a world-class firm with the personal rewards of an environment that values both staff development and lasting relationships.”
• “We draw strength from our collaborative style and inclusive culture and strive to hire staff from diverse backgrounds interested in making real contributions to our practice. Whether you are just starting your career or are considering a move, there are opportunities at Willkie.”
• “At Willkie, we believe great people are the key to our success. As such, we are offering a highly competitive compensation package with exceptional benefits. If you are looking to work in a friendly, collaborative environment that affords unique opportunities to expand your professional development, this role is for you.”

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

Mintz is hiring a “Client Intake Manager” —

This position can be based in Boston or Washington, DC. A JD is a plus but not required. The ideal candidate brings 5+ years of experience working in the conflicts department of a law firm or professional services firm (or equivalent experience).

• “The Client Intake Department is principally responsible for responding to requests for conflict checks associated with prospective new clients, new matters, potential lateral attorneys and support staff candidates, and other related matters. The Department is also responsible for maintaining accurate records regarding the above matters and monitoring compliance with related best practices and policies throughout the lifecycle of each such matter.”
• “The Client Intake Manager will be responsible for supervising the day-to-day operations of the Department. The Client Intake Manager ensures all such requests submitted to the Department are responded to promptly and within stated time frames by Department staff, provides direct supervision to Department staff in the fulfilment of these requests, and monitors compliance with all firm policies, procedures, and best practices.”

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Manage and oversee day-to-day operations of the Firm’s Client Intake Department.
• Develop, manage and lead a growing team of direct reports.
• Supervise the Department’s processing of submitted requests to ensure compliance with Firm policies, best practices, and the Department’s own expectations.
• Supervise the Department’s processing of conflict checks related to potential lateral attorneys and support staff candidates.
• Conduct conflicts-related training of lateral attorneys.
• Create and maintain information walls and screens.
• Supervise conflict and intake records creation and maintenance and manage related data flow and systems.
• Supervise the testing and implementation of new systems, as needed.
• Participate in the training and professional development of Department staff.
• Assist in the development of forward-looking intake policies and procedures, including by staying current with industry trends and evolving best practices, and coordinating and conducting training of attorneys and assistants regarding the same.
• Implement improvements to reporting, clearance, data collection, and maintenance processes for both laterals and new business intake; collect, analyze, and report information from the conflicts team to assist in developing best practices and procedures.
• Work closely with partners to identify and effectively process to conclusion potential conflict and intake issues and certain limited professional responsibility matters, as requested.
• This role requires 60% in office presence; remote work is permissible 40% of the time.

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

Learn more about working at Mintz on their careers page:

• “We know that any organization is only as good as its people, and we expect the best from ours. Whether you recently passed the bar, are looking for a change later in your career, or possess gifts in administration, we want you to succeed. You win, we win: it’s that simple. So, what do you care about? How would you like to be challenged? We will ask; come prepared with your answers.”
• “We recognize that the firm’s success is dependent on having high-quality professionals in every position. Our staff members are vital contributors to the delivery of outstanding legal services. We seek talented and driven individuals who are committed to producing exceptional work, and providing critical support to our attorneys. Our environment offers collegiality, intellectual curiosity, teamwork, and an opportunity to grow professionally. We encourage enthusiasm, take pride in our work, and reap the benefits of working with a great group of colleagues.”

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

John Ferko, the firm’s COO, reached out to note that Richards, Layton & Finger, Delaware’s largest law firm, is seeking an experienced attorney to manage the firm’s conflicts and new business intake functions in Wilmington, DE.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the conflicts, new business intake and due diligence teams. More at: “Director of Conflicts and New Business Intake” —

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Manage the conflicts, new business intake and due diligence teams, systems, and processes, ensuring potential conflicts are quickly accurately identified and resolved and conflicts are cleared for new matters, new clients, and lateral attorneys.
• Provide leadership and facilitate departmental team building and training.
• Review, assess, recommend, and communicate improvements to conflicts and new business intake processes, procedures, and policies.
• Work with General Counsel on issues relating to conflicts of interest and due diligence; provide support through the regular review and identification of potential issues under client Outside Counsel Guidelines.
• Oversee the firm’s Intapp Walls database; train firm users on Intapp Conflicts and New Business Intake applications and continuously develop the firm’s use of these systems.

For additional detail:

• You can see the specific job posting here
• And read more 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.