Conflicts Counsel

Polsinelli•Los Angeles, CA

16h•$140,000 - $175,000•Hybrid

About The Position

At Polsinelli, What a Law Firm Should Be is not just our tagline, it is what we live every day. We strive to create an environment where our team members are encouraged to bring their creativity and professional passions into the workplace so that they can thrive. Are you a people person who has a keen eye for detail, thrives in a professional environment and wants to be part of a dynamic team? We have the perfect role for an engaging professional like you! Polsinelli is seeking a Conflicts Counsel to support our firm. This position is hybrid, preferably based in one of our West Coast offices. Must be detail oriented, have strong computer skills, strong oral and written communication skills, critical thinking skills, the ability to perform well under pressure, and active bar membership in good standing. The ideal candidate would have at least two years’ experience in conflicts clearance and the review of outside counsel guidelines in a large law firm but strong candidates without this specific experience will be considered.

Requirements

Must be detail oriented
Have strong computer skills
Strong oral and written communication skills
Critical thinking skills
The ability to perform well under pressure
Active bar membership in good standing

Nice To Haves

At least two years’ experience in conflicts clearance and the review of outside counsel guidelines in a large law firm but strong candidates without this specific experience will be considered.
Prior experience with InTapp Open and Terms is preferred.
Proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Adobe and Database Management is preferred.

Responsibilities

Review legal conflicts for new business.
Be the primary point of contact for outside counsel guidelines (OCGs) received from clients and work with partners and administrative stakeholders to prepare responses to clients that align with firm engagement policies.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the American Bar Association (ABA) Model Rules of Professional Conduct as adopted in each state in which Polsinelli maintains offices, and jurisdictional differences in all states and practice areas in which Polsinelli conducts business.
Monitor ABA and jurisdictional rules for changes; suggest modifications in firm policy to the Director of Conflicts Counsel for approval.
Review language in waiver and engagement letters to ensure that they adequately address conflicts and various engagement issues, including scope of work and fee arrangements.
Discuss conflict of interest and other risk issues with Attorneys, New Business Intake (NBI) staff and the Director of Conflicts Counsel to identify and resolve potential conflicts of interest, while maintaining objectivity and professional independence.
Provide clear documentation regarding resolutions of conflicts to the Attorneys and NBI Coordinators; provide clear waiver language as may be necessary and obtain waivers before files are opened.
Provide clear documentation regarding resolution of OCGs and work with Attorneys to appropriate address deviations from normal firm engagement policies.
Confirm need for ethical walls to screen individuals from particular clients and matters.
Participate in professional organizations that promote the ongoing education and development of professional ethics in the legal industry.
Assist with special projects as requested by NBI, Director of Conflicts Counsel, the General Counsel or Chief Legal Officer.
Other duties as assigned by the Director of Conflicts Counsel, General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer or other members of Polsinelli leadership.