Conflicts Attorney

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is a world-leading global law firm, where our ambition is to help you achieve your goals.

Exceptional client service and the pursuit of excellence are at our core. We invest in and care about our client relationships, which is why so many are longstanding. We enjoy breaking new ground, as we have for over 170 years.

As a fully integrated transatlantic and transpacific firm, we are where you need us to be. Our footprint is extensive and committed across the world’s largest markets, key financial centres and major growth hubs.

At our best tackling complexity and navigating change, we work alongside you on demanding litigation, exacting regulatory work and complex public and private market transactions. We are recognised as leading in these areas.

We are immersed in the sectors and challenges that impact you. We are recognised as standing apart in energy, infrastructure and resources. And we’re focused on areas of growth that affect every business across the world.

All of this is achieved by supporting the growth of our people, who help us deliver on our ambition – which is to help you achieve yours.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer: Your goals. Our ambition

The Opportunity

Title:     Conflicts Attorney

Reporting to:       Heads of Conflicts

Location(s):         New York

Key internal relationships:       

•           The New Business Intake (“NBI”) team, consisting of a network of analysts and attorneys in the US, the UK and Australia

•           Chief New Business & Enterprise Risk Officer

•           The Matter Management, Financial Crimes, and Operational Excellence teams within the NBE&R umbrella.

•           Business Development and In House Counsel (“IHC”) teams

•           US General Counsel (also the Money Laundering Compliance Officer).

•           Regional Practice Group Heads, Sector Leads and Client Relationship Partners and the Conflicts Partners

•           Partners, fee-earners

Key responsibilities:    

•           Provide assistance, support, and analysis to the firm on a range of compliance topics centered on conflicts of interest, new business intake, and client due diligence processes.

•           Assess potential new clients and matters for the firm in accordance with applicable professional conduct rules, and relevant domestic and overseas regulatory requirements.  Collaborate with or escalate issues to the Financial Crime team where appropriate.  Familiarity with Intapp Open software is a plus.

•           Consult with and advise Conflicts Analysts and foreign-qualified lawyers on legal and ethical questions under US law as needed, serving as an escalation point for more complex clearances.

•           Facilitate resolution of commercial conflicts by liaising with practice group heads, sector leads, and Conflicts Partners by presenting them with the business case for instructions within the context of the Firm’s strategic growth priorities.

•           Review and provide guidance on conflicts provisions in engagement terms, outside counsel guidelines, and requests for proposal; draft conflict of interest waivers as appropriate.

•           Support lateral conflicts clearance, onboarding, client transfers, and matter openings for lateral partners and other new hires, and work closely with recruiting, business development, practice leadership, and administrative teams to help facilitate smooth intake and transition processes.

•           Contribute to establishing, updating, and implement risk management policies, controls, and procedures in coordination with the NBE&R team, the IHC team, and other firm stakeholders.

•           Conduct research and provide support to partners, fee-earners, and business services teams on applicable rules of professional conduct, applicable legislation, regulations, and firm policies relating to, ethics, regulatory compliance, and new business acceptance matters.

•           Assist with monitoring changes to the legal and regulatory landscape in which the firm operates, particularly changes affecting new and existing clients; provide support to the team and other firm stakeholders in adapting policies and procedures as appropriate.

Other

•           Support information barrier processes, compliance audits, and regulatory reporting across jurisdictions.

•           Contribute to the development, testing, and implementation of new intake software, processes, and strategic projects.

•           Comply with WHS obligations and responsibilities in accordance with the requirements for this role.

•           Maintain accurate records in conflicts and intake systems.

•           Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications, skills and experience   

•           Admitted as an Attorney in New York or another US State. 

•           Prior experience in conflicts of interests is preferred but not essential as full training on the firm systems and policies will be provided.

•           Excellent research and analytical skills with a focus on accuracy and attention to detail.

•           Demonstrated commercial awareness and understanding of risk in a law firm environment.

•           Ability to multi-task and effectively prioritize multiple deadlines.

•           Effective verbal, written and face-to-face communication skills with a variety of staff including senior partners and legal assistants.

Success Factors

            Bringing my Best

•             Delivers high quality work with guidance and support as needed

•             Shows willingness to take on new tasks and learn from experience

•             Is open to change and builds new knowledge and skills to grow in the role

            Creating Great Results

•             Seeks to understand stakeholder needs and supports practical solutions

•             Builds trust by providing reliable support in their area of responsibility

•             Communicates clearly and adapts approach with support for different audiences

            Supporting and Developing Others

•           Contributes positively as a team member

•           Shares knowledge and supports colleagues when appropriate

•           Works collaboratively within the department and with other teams

            Enhancing the Firm

•             Develops an understanding of the firm’s strategic growth priorities and risk considerations

•             Recognizes when to escalate competing issues or seek guidance

•             Suggests process improvements and shares observations on changes affecting the team

Global Competencies

As part of our commitment to professional growth and high performance, all our people are expected to demonstrate behaviors and skills in line with our global competency frameworks. These frameworks cover key areas, which provide clear guidance on what good looks like and support development at every stage of your career with us:

•           Personal Leadership

•           Builds Authentic Relationships

•           Collaborates with Others

•           Enhances the Client Experience

•           Achieves Results

While specific competencies may vary depending on role level, we encourage everyone to aim to perform in line with their relevant framework.

Salary:

Exact compensation may vary based on skills and experience and the salary range is $180,000–$215,000

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is an equal opportunity employer. The firm is committed to creating and maintaining a workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of the business and are valued for their skills, experience, and unique perspectives. The firm does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, mental or physical handicap or disability, age, citizenship status, alienage, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression or any other criteria prohibited under applicable federal, state or local law.

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Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone thrives. We see this as essential to our success, including our ability to innovate and achieve sustained high performance. This is a key part of our Values—Human, Bold, and Outstanding.