Conflicts Counsel

About the role

Husch Blackwell LLP is seeking a Conflicts Counsel to join their Conflicts Department. This position may be filled remotely or in any of their locations.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with colleagues to identify and resolve conflicts of interest issues related to new and existing business, lateral clearance, outside counsel guidelines (OCGs), requests for proposals (RFPs), and other conflicts-related issues.
• Direct and conduct specific processes in the Conflicts department, including efficient review, identification, and resolution of conflicts of interest, drafting conflicts waivers, review of lateral candidates, OCGs, and providing recommendations regarding ethical wall implementation and conflicts-related language for engagement letters.
• Timely and clear communication with partners, staff, and firm leadership regarding conflicts requests and complex conflicts questions.
• Maintain thorough and accurate records of conflicts resolutions.
• Aid in identifying, resolving, and documenting erroneous, outdated, or incomplete conflicts information in existing records to maintain the integrity of information.
• Exercises discretion and independent judgment while complying with departmental and firm policies and procedures.
• Affirm compliance with applicable Rules of Professional Conduct related to conflicts of interest and client engagement agreements.

Essential job functions

• Maintains 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.
• Serves as a resource for conflicts analysts regarding the identification and resolution of conflicts of interest, and communication to attorneys and staff regarding same.
• Discusses conflict of interest issues with attorneys, analysts, business intake, other support staff, and firm leadership to identify and resolve potential conflicts of interest, while maintaining objectivity and professional independence.
• Reviews requests submitted to the Conflicts Department to provide a concise and complete evaluation of potential conflict issues along with communicating and executing steps for resolution of conflicts issues or potential issues, and documents same.
• Drafts and reviews language in waiver and engagement letters to ensure that it adequately addresses conflicts issues and are executed by those with appropriate authority.
• Reviews existing conflict waivers from clients for applicability to a new conflict of interest with that client.
• Makes requests and recommendations related to the implementation of ethical walls.
• Develops and maintains knowledge of legal ethics, case law, and professional responsibility rules related to conflicts of interest, as well as relevant procedures, policies, and practices of the firm related to conflicts, risk, and ethics issues.
• Reviews client outside counsel guidelines and engagement agreements to identify deviations from the Firm’s policies.
• Works with billing and relationship Partners to appropriately address deviations.
• Aids in the review and clearance of new hire candidates, including complete conflicts analysis and resolution, drafting engagement agreements and waivers as needed, communicating with recruiting and firm leadership regarding the status of conflicts issues for a candidate, and providing training to a new lateral partner hire.
• Reviews outside counsel guidelines and works with partners to prepare responses to clients that align with firm needs and requirements.
• Aids in the maintenance and documentation of clients’ agreements within our conflicts software and databases.
• Aids Client Development team and partners in reviewing and responding to Requests for Proposals and similar business opportunities.
• Prepares and delivers trainings for Conflicts team as well as firm attorneys and staff on topics related to conflicts, ethics, and professional responsibility.

Requirements

• 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 on-line reference materials and Boolean searching techniques preferred.
• Experience with Intapp Open and Intapp Terms strongly preferred.
• 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, particularly with respect to summarizing and simplifying complex or numerous conflicts issues.
• Ability and availability to travel to other Firm locations on occasion as needed.