[Hiring] Conflicts Counsel @Husch Blackwell

Role Description

The Conflicts Counsel will be a member of the Conflicts Department who collaborates with colleagues within the Conflicts, Client Engagement, and Risk Management departments of the firm to identify and resolve conflicts of interest issues related to:

• Intake and maintenance of new and existing business
• Lateral clearance
• Outside counsel guidelines (OCGs)
• Requests for proposals (RFPs)
• Other conflicts-related issues, as needed

Conflicts Counsel directs and conducts specific processes in the Conflicts department, including:

• Efficient review, identification, and resolution of conflicts of interest
• Drafting conflicts waivers
• Review of lateral candidates and OCGs
• Providing recommendations regarding ethical wall implementation and conflicts-related language for engagement letters

Further responsibilities will include:

• Timely and clear communication with partners, staff, and firm leadership regarding conflicts requests and complex conflicts questions
• Maintaining thorough and accurate records of conflicts resolutions
• Assistance with identifying, resolving, and documenting erroneous, outdated, or incomplete conflicts information in existing records

The Conflicts Counsel exercises discretion and independent judgment while complying with departmental and firm policies and procedures. This position is responsible for assuring compliance with applicable Rules of Professional Conduct related to conflicts of interest and client engagement agreements.

Essential job functions include:

• Maintaining a thorough working knowledge of the technologies that support the daily operations of the Conflicts department, including but not limited to Intapp Open and Intapp Terms
• Serving as a resource for conflicts analysts regarding the identification and resolution of conflicts of interest
• Discussing conflict of interest issues with attorneys, analysts, business intake, other support staff, and firm leadership
• Reviewing requests submitted to the Conflicts Department to provide a concise and complete evaluation of potential conflict issues
• Drafting and reviewing language in waiver and engagement letters
• Making requests and recommendations related to the implementation of ethical walls
• Developing and maintaining knowledge of legal ethics, case law, and professional responsibility rules related to conflicts of interest
• Reviewing client outside counsel guidelines and engagement agreements
• Assisting with the review and clearance of new hire candidates
• Reviewing outside counsel guidelines and working with partners to prepare responses to clients
• Assisting Client Development team and partners in reviewing and responding to Requests for Proposals
• Preparing and delivering trainings for Conflicts team as well as firm attorneys and staff on topics related to conflicts, ethics, and professional responsibility
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor and active law license in the U.S. in the jurisdiction in which the candidate resides
• Three or more years of direct, full-time conflicts experience at a large law firm required
• Computer proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and Outlook) required
• Experience with online reference materials and Boolean searching techniques preferred
• Experience with Intapp Open and Intapp Terms strongly preferred

Requirements

• Ability to identify and analyze conflict of interest issues and to recommend and implement solutions
• Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints
• Ability to track, manage, and effectively prioritize numerous responsibilities, emails, and conflicts requests
• Strong writing skills, with the ability to clearly and concisely communicate in an effective manner
• Ability and availability to travel to other Firm locations on occasion as needed

Benefits

• Compensation commensurate with skill and experience
• Discretionary bonus opportunities based on individual and firm performance
• Medical and dental coverage
• Life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Pre-tax flexible spending account for certain medical and dependent care expenses
• Employee assistance program
• Paid Time Off
• Paid holidays
• Participation in a retirement plan program after meeting eligibility requirements