Description:

An International Law Firm, a Washington, DC-based Am Law 100 law firm, is seeking a Conflicts Attorney to join its Team. This position will be located in Washington, DC, but remote applicants will be considered.

The Conflicts Attorney (Laterals and OCGs) will work in the Conflict and Intake Compliance Department (“CIC”) and will: Support the firm-wide lateral hiring conflicts clearance process, including drafting waivers and preparing ethical wall memos. Identify, analyze, and resolve or make recommendations for the resolution of potential conflicts of interest related to laterals. Serve as an integral part of the firm-wide processes relating to Outside Counsel Guidelines (“OCGs”) and Requests for Proposals (“RFPs”), and other client agreements including the review, analysis and negotiations of OCGs, RFPs and engagement terms. Work with lawyers in all offices including internationally, in a high-charged, fast-paced work environment. This role may also assist from time to time with new business intake and related conflicts and business intake processes.

Responsibilities:

Accurately apply Ethics Rules to review and clear conflict of interest issues for the lateral hiring process.
Prepare communications to partners and stakeholders clearly identifying all potential issues identified in lateral conflicts reports to facilitate clearance process.
Work with Director of CIC, Ethics Partner on lateral conflicts analysis and resolution as needed, and work with firm management to resolve any business conflict issues identified.
Draft lateral waivers and disclosures, ensuring alignment with Steptoe's policies, procedures, and risk compliance.
Prepare and distribute ethical screening memoranda and implement screens in ethical wall database.
Work with Director of CIC, Partners and the Office of the General Counsel to review and negotiate OCGs and engagement terms and solicit and coordinate feedback and approval of same.
Assist in follow-up to ensure that agreed OCGs are obtained.
Conduct legal research related to conflicts of interest and stay apprised of firm's current policies and firm best practices related to same.
Organize and maintain efficient and transparent document depository to mitigate the firm's exposure to risk.
Adhere to strict confidentiality parameters and utilize discretion while ensuring compliance with the firm's ethical and business obligations.
Navigate conflicts database and develop a thorough understanding of the Intapp Open/Terms system and other technology/platforms used in the Conflicts Intake and Compliance Department.
Act as an interdepartmental resource with respect to CIC policies, processes and procedures.

Qualifications:

Juris Doctor (J.D.) and admission to local bar (active and in good standing); admission to DC bar preferred.
Working knowledge of the ABA and DC Rules of Professional Conduct.
At least two years' law firm (or other professional services firm) experience in a lawyer role; two years conflicts work at a law firm preferred.
Ability to turn around work under high pressure, independently manage production of work with short deadlines, and meet overall timeliness demands.
Close and consistent attention to detail with ability to follow instructions and apply solution-oriented approaches.
Excellent independent judgment.
Organizational experience managing files in a complex database.
Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills.
Willingness to work flexible hours and respond to urgent requests outside regular business hours.
Facility with computer systems in use at law firms including business intake systems and research systems such as Moody's, Bureau van Dijk (Orbis, Compliance Catalyst, World Compliance), LexisNexis and other.