Job description We are currently recruiting for an In-House Lawyer or Senior In-House Lawyer (depending on level of experience) to join our Business Acceptance Unit (BAU) in the London office on a 12 month contract to be a trusted adviser to the business, providing high quality, proactive business-focused support and solutions to colleagues on a variety of commercial and complex regulatory issues, focussed mainly on conflicts of interest and other business acceptance matters. It requires an individual with the ability to develop strong working relationships in order to be a "go to" and accessible person for queries and concerns from around the world from stakeholders of all levels from business teams and fee-earning, including practice group heads and senior management. In-House Lawyers are given a high level of autonomy and expected to take responsibility for identifying solutions and driving them forward. In addition, they will participate in strategic projects and will be part of the horizon-scanning team, inputting into the strategic direction of the firm’s regulation. Senior In-House Lawyers take a lead role in analysing and resolving the most complex issues, as well as enhancing and developing processes and procedures to ensure a first class service is provided to our partners and clients. Role and responsibilities Analysing and resolving (or, where appropriate, facilitating resolution of) professional, legal, regulatory and commercial issues relating to business acceptance and client engagement which are referred by business acceptance analysts and by partners and all other levels of lawyer and support staff, focussing on business/commercial conflict issues and professional and legal conflicts issues. Undertaking an initial assessment with regard to anti-money laundering, sanctions, reputational and suitability issues that arise in the assessment of new business and working with specialist teams (such as the Financial Crime and Sanctions team) within the BAU to resolve such issues. Referring commercial issues to relevant stakeholders, including practice group heads and office/regional heads. Exercising judgment as to when to refer business acceptance issues to the Global Head of Business Acceptance and/or other senior BAU members such as the Head of Financial Crime and Sanctions and facilitating the resolution of any such issues referred. Responding, and managing the team’s responses, within particular timeframes, to partners’ and fee earners’ requests relating to business acceptance and client engagement to ensure the service level expected by partners is met. Drafting waivers and consent language required in the resolution of conflicts of interest issues. Reviewing and analysing conflicts of interest issues with respect to incoming lateral hires. Assisting with lateral hire on-boarding, including the coordination of matter opening for transferred matters. Assisting the Engagement Terms team within the BAU with reviewing and drafting conflicts of interest provisions within engagement terms, client relationship terms and client panel terms. Monitoring changes in practice, professional rules, regulations and the law as affects business acceptance and client engagement globally so that these can be reflected in the business acceptance and client engagement process and policies. Assisting in the creation and maintenance of precedents and know how resources for use within the business acceptance and client engagement team and the development of appropriate business acceptance and client engagement know how (e.g. briefings) for use throughout the firm. Mentoring, supervising and assisting in the management and development of the Business Acceptance Unit’s Analyst and Administrative staff. Assisting in the creation, ongoing development and implementation of the firm’s global business acceptance and client engagement policies, processes and systems. For example those relating to client confidentiality and information barriers, matter inception, new client acceptance, conflicts and conflict checking, internal matter records databases (for conflicts management purposes), other external database resources used for business acceptance purposes, use, and development, of functionality within the firm’s existing systems for business acceptance purposes, the business acceptance watchlist (listing sensitive areas being actively monitored) and the content, collection and storage of engagement letters. Intervention (where required, at the point of business acceptance) to issue directions on specific formalities required for business acceptance purposes e.g. levels of virtual file security and any need for formal information barriers. Assistance in monitoring information barriers including setting up information barriers, information barrier clearances on walled matters and responding to queries on the firm’s procedures. Assisting in the design, implementation and delivery of training presentations and other development programmes for lawyers and support departments regarding risk management and, in particular, business acceptance and client engagement. In relation to all of the above, reporting to the Global Head of Business of Acceptance.Key requirements Experience in relation to conflicts of interest within a law firm environment is essential. Qualified lawyer with significant PQE. Must have strong academic background. International experience with a leading top tier firm is highly advantageous with a strong background in multi-jurisdictional transactions or dispute resolution. Interest in, and potential for, developing mentoring skills. Commercially minded and possessing a strong legal skill set. Ability to analyse facts and scenarios thoroughly (and yet quickly) and proactively to put forward resolutions to legal and commercial problems. Excellent task management skills and a proven ability to manage multiple tasks under time pressure. Enthusiastic, self-motivated and pro-active. Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of Allen & Overy’s recruitment team who will work with you to provide any reasonable adjustments as required. We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic. At Allen & Overy, we recognise that our people are our most valuable asset, which is reflected in the wide range of benefits that are available to our employees. Some of these benefits include: our occupational pension scheme, group income protection cover, private medical insurance, mental health resources and free apps, health and wellbeing services encompassing an onsite gym, wellbeing centre and GP service, emergency back-up care support, parental and special leave, holiday entitlement increasing with length of service, holiday trading, season ticket loans and online discounts and lifestyle management services. Allen & Overy recognises the value of flexible working and embraces hybrid working, allowing our people to work from home up to 40% of their working time. We do however remain committed to working together in person for the remaining 60% of time so that we can learn, grow and succeed together.