Conflicts Attorney

About the role

The Conflicts Attorney is responsible for evaluating and resolving legal conflicts-of-interest for new business intake, matter openings, client updates, and lateral attorney onboarding. This role conducts complex conflicts analyses, advises attorneys and firm leadership on risk and ethics issues, and ensures compliance with professional responsibility rules and firm policies.

Responsibilities

• Identifying and analyzing actual and potential conflicts for existing and prospective clients by conducting in-depth research using internal systems and external databases (e.g., Hoover’s, D&B, Lexis, EDGAR) and interpreting results to assess business and ethical risks
• Conducting conflicts analyses for lateral attorney candidates, recommending and implementing resolutions with Division Managers and the Ethics Committee, communicating with stakeholders to clear conflicts, and preparing required consent letters and documentation before and after onboarding
• Drafting and maintaining conflict waivers, disclosures, engagement letter language, and supporting documentation
• Reviewing and analyzing Outside Counsel Guidelines and engagement letters for conflicts-related provisions; advise on restrictions, required screens, and necessary updates to internal data
• Supporting matter opening workflows, contributing to maintaining high-quality conflicts data and processes
• Educating attorneys and legal staff on ethical obligations, conflicts procedures, new business intake, and client relationship considerations

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and active bar status in ILA
• A minimum of 3 years of conflicts or professional responsibility experience in a mid-to-large, multi-practice law firm
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex legal relationships, business structures, and conflict scenarios
• A minimum of 2 years of law practice experience in private practice strongly preferred
• Proficiency with conflicts/new-business intake systems and strong research and analytical skills
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to make persuasive arguments and present nuanced analyses to all levels of firm leadership
• Strong negotiation skills and consultative approach when working with attorneys and staff
• High level of discretion, judgment, and diplomacy in handling sensitive and confidential information
• Strong attention to detail, client-service orientation, and responsiveness
• Participation in the conflicts on-call rotation and ability to respond by phone to after-hours emergency conflict checks

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience

Skills

• Excellent research and analytical skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism
• Strong interpersonal and team collaboration skills

Benefits

Venable offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Disability and life insurance
• Flexible spending and healthcare savings accounts
• 401(k) with firm profit sharing
• Paid time off and holidays
• Wellness and personal advocacy programs
• Family planning resources and leave programs
• Tuition reimbursement

Pay

Pay Range for Candidates in Chicago, IL: $145,000 - $180,000 per year