Job Title
Conflict Attorney (Laterals and OCGs)
Firm
Steptoe LLP
Location
District of Columbia
Description
Steptoe LLP, 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. Success Factors Attention to detail: complete complex projects and tasks accurately and timely. Efficiency: ability to work and problem-solve quickly and manage time accordingly. Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: recognize problems or situations that are new or without clear precedent; evaluate alternatives and find solutions using a systematic, multi-step approach; develop improvements and innovations to enhance performance. Customer service: work diligently to ensure that everyone seeking CIC services receives the highest level of service; consistently seek to improve service levels across the firm. Excellent work ethic: ensure that all work is completed on a timely basis, maintain attendance and punctuality at a high level, available for work outside of normal business hours as needed. Interpersonal skills: ability to interact professionally with partners and staff at all levels of the organization as well as clients. Teamwork: ability to work well with others on projects, initiatives, and tasks that require their input and cooperation. Relationships: ability to maintain effective relationships with a diverse group of attorneys, clients, and professional staff. Analysis and Communication: ability to analyze complex documents and concisely communicate results of analysis. Work Environment Non-Smoking environment. Available to work during regular office hours Monday through Friday. Must be able to work beyond regular hours and be available on-call. Must be able to work under tight deadlines and skillfully manage high-pressure demands. Steptoe is an equal opportunity employer EOE/AA/Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran. All inquiries will be held in strict confidence. We strongly encourage qualified women, minorities, Veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ community to apply.
Posted
Updated
Position
Staff Attorney
Practice Areas
Litigation
Specialties
Conflicts/Ethics
Experience
2+ years
Employer Type
Law Firm