New Business Legal Conflicts Professional - WilmerHale

JOB SUMMARY

Independently performs conflicts of interest checks (on work intake and Lateral hire requests) and initiates all follow ups necessary to perform due diligence on assigned files and to disseminate accurate and timely information. The Conflicts Analyst also works closely with the Conflicts Attorneys who oversee the Department’s Lateral work. Exercises independent judgment in keeping projects on track and bringing files and projects to conclusion.

The Conflicts Analyst seeks the Administrative Manager’s guidance in connection with all internal and administrative objectives and policies including PTO, OT, scheduling requests, and clarification regarding general workplace expectations. The Conflicts Analyst draws upon the subject matter expertise of department leaders performing conflicts work for clarification regarding subject-matter-specific performance expectations and contextual guidance and direction on general and day-to-day Department and Firm-wide new business and ethical conflicts-of-interest projects.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*

• Participates in or manages special projects and performs other duties as assigned.
• Conducts thorough and complete new client business, supplemental, pre-clearance, new hires, business development, and other types of conflict of interest search requests.
• In connection with new hire (Lateral) conflicts checks, organizes, prioritizes, and tracks incoming requests and status, coordinates information and updates other conflicts team members, Legal Talent, and other recruiting staff as needed. Handles a full range of lateral conflicts matters including more complex conflicts issues, working with Conflicts Attorneys to reach resolution.
• Reviews requests for accuracy and ensures work product completeness following up with lawyers as necessary.
• Analyzes conflicts reports and flags information to highlight potential conflicts for additional review.
• Reviews and analyzes conflicts database “hits” and makes recommendations concerning the likelihood of potential conflicts.
• Communicates and disseminates conflicts of interest information verbally or in writing to all relevant parties.
• Maintains “Hold” files of assigned matters, following up within established timeframes to handle all due diligence and ensure that files are in alphabetical order by client, complete, and up-to-date with regard to follow ups.
• Drafts waiver letters and engagement letters for clients as directed and required, including lateral-specific consent letters.
• Provides additional research using third-party business resources for all new clients and for other assigned work as needed.
• Serves as a subject matter expert regarding lateral conflicts intake, new matter opening, generating client engagement or waiver letters, departmental technology, and related department policies.
• Shares weekend and holiday e-mail and conflicts checking coverage with other conflicts team members on a rotating, calendared basis which often necessitates overtime hours. In addition, the conflicts team members share responsibility for the content and for the setting and turning off of the “out of office” email and phone line messages associated with this coverage.
• Contributes to the Firm’s Service Excellence initiative to consistently improve its image internally and externally. Displays professionalism, quality service and a “can do” attitude to internal members/departments of the Firm as well as external clients and vendors via electronic and print correspondence, over the telephone and in-person.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to initiate, follow through all details, and complete time sensitive projects with minimal supervision.
• Ability to use (or ability to learn if we would teach) standard office software applications in use at WH including LegalKey, Elite, NBI (new matter intake systems), FileCD (electronic intake routing systems), Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office (Word), and Outlook (e-mail), and other resources as requested.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, including the ability to work effectively in an atmosphere of multiple projects, shifting priorities, and deadline pressure.
• Ability to apply research and computerized analysis techniques and methodologies to assigned projects.
• Demonstrated ability to compile, review, and determine logical conclusions or recommendations based on data and information that is varied in content and format.
• Business writing skills including knowledge of business English, vocabulary, punctuation, grammar, and spelling as necessary to present routine business information in established and error-free formats.
• Good oral communication skills as necessary to communicate and coordinate with others on routine but varied issues. Good judgment in determining when assistance is needed in communicating with attorneys on varied issues.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, as necessary to work effectively with people at all levels at WH.
• Proficiency using on-line research tools (or ability to learn if we would teach) such as Lexis, Westlaw, Dun & Bradstreet, Hoovers, the Internet, and various other resources.

Required Experience

Education:

Four-year college degree required. Education should have demonstrated ability to think critically, analyze information, and make sound recommendations. J.D. preferred.

Experience:

Minimum 3-5 years’ experience (e.g., general research, paralegal, or project assistance experience) successfully demonstrating responsibilities and/or skills described herein. Law firm experience required. A graduate degree may be considered in lieu of job experience.

For additional information about our benefits, please click here.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees in the position. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills for positions. The firm reserves the right at all times, in its sole discretion, to add or subtract duties and responsibilities, as it deems necessary.

WilmerHale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or ancestry, age, disability or veteran status, or other protected status.

#LI-KC1

#LI-Hybrid