Conflicts Counsel

Atlanta, GA, United States

The Conflicts Counsel is responsible for working with the Director of Knowledge Management, the conflicts analysts, and the Office of General Counsel to facilitate the smooth running of the business intake system. Successful candidates will have an understanding of and experience analyzing legal conflicts of interest pursuant to the relevant ethical rules and current developments; review and revise engagement letters and conflict waiver letters; review and assist in modifying client proffered outside counsel guidelines; facilitate lateral integration with respect to business intake matters; and the like.

Position Reports to: Director of Knowledge Management and Office of General Counsel

Overall Responsibilities: Primary duties will include, but are not limited, to the following:

Analyzes and resolves potential conflicts for new business intake and incoming lateral attorneys.

Reviews new business memoranda and draft engagement letters to ensure compliance with Firm policy.

Works collaboratively and proactively with the Firm's attorneys in addressing any conflicts or new business intake issues with the aim of resolving all such issues consistent with Firm policy and applicable ethics rules. Determines when any such issue should be escalated for review by the Office of General Counsel.

Assists lawyers in negotiating client amendments to standard engagement letters.

Regularly evaluates standard engagement letter forms and updates as needed.

Assists lawyers in drafting and negotiating waiver letters for conflicts of interest

Updates standard waiver letters for different types of conflicts of interest

Works with the Director of Knowledge Management and Office of General Counsel to develop and implement a centralized Outside Counsel Guideline ("OCG") intake, review and compliance process.

Reviews and evaluates client OCGs in line with Firm objectives.

Assists lawyers in negotiating OCG provisions/amendments with Firm clients.

Assists in training and troubleshooting with attorneys and others with respect to the conflicts and business intake process.

Provides support to attorneys and others regarding ethical walls.

Actively maintains knowledge of the applicable rules of professional conduct, client relationship considerations, and related developments.

Provides leadership and evaluates ways to innovate areas of responsibility.

Participates in or manages special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

"After hours" may be required on occasion.

Other duties/tasks as assigned

Required skills: Proficiency using on-line research tools such as Westlaw, the Internet, and various other resources.

Ability to apply research and analysis techniques and methodologies to assigned projects for business intake.

Ability to initiate, follow through all details, and complete time sensitive assignments with minimal supervision.

Business writing skills including knowledge of business English, vocabulary, punctuation, grammar, and spelling as necessary to present routine business information in established formats.

Good and timely oral communication skills as necessary to communicate and coordinate with others on routine but varied issues and work effectively with people at all levels.

Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (particularly Word and Excel).

Excellent time management skills and communication skills, including the ability to explain technological processes, e.g., Intapp Open, in simple terms to teach others

Strong customer service skills

Must be extremely detail-oriented and reliable

Maintains strict confidentiality

Follows all policies and procedures

Able to adapt, be flexible, and deal with frequent changes, delays, or unexpected events

Education and Experience Requirements: A JD, in addition to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Admission to a bar.

At least four years of combined experience as a practicing attorney in a law firm or equivalent experience, combined with recent law firm compliance experience.

Experience with Intapp New Business Intake and Conflicts preferred, but not required.

Mental/Physical/Environmental Requirements Indoor offices with controlled temperatures with limited exposure to noise, dust, chemicals.

Mobility within the office including movement from floor to floor.

May sit for long periods of time.

Crouching, kneeling standing, walking, pushing pulling and lifting occasionally

Operating a personal computer, telephone, voicemail and other office equipment on a regular basis.

Must be able to express and exchange ideas by means of the spoken and written word.

Must have the ability to convey detailed information in a clear and concise manner through spoken and written word.

Must demonstrate good problem-solving skills.

Potential for a remote working arrangement.

FLSA Status

Exempt

HOURS:

Full-time, M-F 9:00-5:30 (with 1 hour for lunch).

ADA: The employer will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

This job description will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity. Essential and marginal job functions are subject to modification.