Conflicts Attorney

About Us

Blank Rome is an Am Law 100 firm with 15 offices and nearly 700 attorneys who provide comprehensive legal and advocacy services to clients operating in the United States and around the world. Our professionals have built a reputation for their leading knowledge and experience across a spectrum of industries and are recognized for their commitment to pro bono work in their communities. Since our inception in 1946, Blank Rome’s culture has been dedicated to providing top-level service to all of our clients and has been rooted in the strength of our diversity and inclusion initiatives. Our commitment to our core values and dedication to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment, allows the firm to attract and retain the brightest in the industry.

Job Overview

The Conflicts Attorney reviews, interprets and analyzes conflict of interest reports to identify and resolve potential conflicts of interest. These conflict reports pertain to prospective and new clients and matters as well as clients and matters of potential lateral candidates. The Conflicts Attorney is responsible for drafting waivers, reviewing and drafting engagement letter provisions, reviewing outside counsel guidelines and client contracts, implementing ethical walls, and other tasks and projects as needed.

This role is remote working arrangement. Potential candidates must reside within one of the 10 states in which we have a physical office. In this role, you will report to the Conflicts Supervisor.

Essential Functions

• Review and analyze conflict of interest reports, identify potential conflicts of interest, and assist in resolving them.
• Review and analyze lateral materials and conflict of interest reports and identify potential conflicts of interest; assist Partners and firm management in resolving same.
• Provide clear and concise summaries of potential conflict issues and steps required for conflict resolution.
• Conduct online research and use web-based research tools, company websites and/or public databases to identify relevant information about potential representations.
• Discuss conflict and loss prevention issues with Partners, Associates, New Business Intake Analysts, and others at the firm to identify and resolve potential conflicts of interest.
• Exercise discretion and professional independent judgment with respect to the identification and resolution of potential conflicts of interest.
• Draft engagement and waiver letters, as necessary, and follow up to ensure waivers are obtained before new clients/matters are opened.
• Review language in Partner/Associate drafted waiver letters and non-standard engagement letters to ensure that they are acceptable and adequately address conflict concerns and related risk issues.
• Review outside counsel guidelines to identify deviations from the firm’s engagement policies; work with relevant attorneys to appropriately address deviations.
• Identify the need for ethical walls to screen individuals from particular clients and matters; manage and maintain the firm’s processes for implementing walls.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the American Bar Association (ABA) Model Rules of Professional Conduct as adopted in each state in which Blank Rome maintains offices, and jurisdictional differences in all states and practice areas in which Blank Rome conducts business.
• Perform legal research as needed to identify and resolve potential conflicts of interest.
• Train new conflicts team members in conflicts processes and procedures as needed.
• Maintain the integrity of the firm’s conflicts database.
• Assist with special projects relating to risk management and compliance as they may arise.
• Perform other tasks and responsibilities as assigned.
• Work additional hours as needed to fulfill job requirements.

The above essential functions represent the general nature and level of responsibilities for this position and is not intended to be an all-inclusive list. The firm may modify and amend any job description at any time in its sole discretion.

Skills/Qualifications

• 3+ years of law firm experience, preferably in risk management or corporate compliance.
• Law degree from an accredited law school.
• Active bar licensure and in good standing in any US jurisdiction.
• Experience in conflicts identification and clearance at a large law firm.
• Experience with researching jurisdiction-specific rules as they relate to conflicts of interest.
• Experience with iManage or other document management/document retention software used by major law firms.
• Experience performing legal research and corporate family/affiliate research (Hoovers, Dun & Bradstreet, Lexis/Westlaw, etc.).
• Experience with Intapp Open, Walls, Terms and Elite or other computerized conflicts systems.
• Ability to supervise Conflicts Analysts and train on system use, workflow and procedure.
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written) with the ability to develop positive working relationships (in-person and virtually).
• Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with effective organizational skills.
• Proven problem solving, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Unquestioned integrity and professionalism.
• Strong, functional knowledge of the Rules of Professional Responsibility.
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Teams) and Adobe.
• Proficient in web-based conference call/web-sharing applications.
• Must have and maintain internet access and ability to work remotely after hours as needed.

Compensation

The salary range for this role in New York or California is $120,000 - $130,000. Positions outside of New York or California will be subject to salary ranges specific to the market for that particular geographic location. Actual salaries will vary depending upon various factors, including relevant experience and skillset. The salary range listed is just one component of Blank Rome’s total compensation package for employees. Other monetary rewards include annual discretionary bonuses based on performance and profit-sharing contributions based on eligibility and firm profitability.

In addition, Blank Rome provides a comprehensive suite of benefits to promote health and financial security, including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as life, accident, and disability insurance plans. The firm also provides the opportunity to participate in 401(k) retirement benefits, commuter benefits, and well-being programs.

General Expectations

• Promote positive work habits, including effective and timely communication, teamwork, and demonstrating respect for colleagues.
• Contribute to providing the highest quality of service to internal and external clients.
• Take appropriate initiative and ownership of job responsibilities while ensuring the assignments/job duties are performed successfully and on time.
• Understand and abide by firm policies and embrace firm values.
• Ability to maintain regular attendance and work regularly scheduled hours.
• Ability to sit for long periods of time, type, and handle light lifting (files, copy paper, etc.) in a professional office environment.
• Comply with safe work practices including compliance with the firm’s COVID-19 policies and safety measures.

EEO Statement

Blank Rome is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information, marital or family status, or any other status protected by law.

Our core values of respect for the individual, the community, and the law are clearly demonstrated in our ability to recruit and develop a diverse group of exceptionally talented attorneys and professional staff who enable us to best serve our clients and our communities.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $120,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

License/Certification:

• Bar (Required)

Work Location: Remote