Dallas - Assistant General Counsel

Winston & Strawn LLP

Status
Closed
Location
Texas-Dallas
Description
ABOUT US For professional staff, Winston & Strawn presents an exciting opportunity to be a part of a leading global law firm. With our commitment to excellence, diversity, a collaborative work environment, and an emphasis on professional growth, Winston offers a platform for individuals seeking to advance their careers in a dynamic and rewarding environment. Winston is known for its collaborative and collegial culture. We believe teamwork is an essential component in providing high-quality legal services and we value the talents and skills of our entire professional staff team. POSITION SUMMARY As a member of the firm’s Office of General Counsel, the Assistant General Counsel will assist in the management of the firm’s legal affairs and with general risk management initiatives. Reporting to Deputy General Counsel, this role is responsible for reviewing and negotiating business contracts for the firm. This role is also responsible for responding to subpoenas, discovery requests, and helping manage firm litigation, ethics and conflicts matters. The role requires outstanding legal analysis, strong business acumen in negotiations, versatility, and excellent collaboration skills. The Assistant General Counsel will work closely with the Office of General Counsel, firm management, partners, attorneys, and business professionals. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Review, negotiate, draft, and advise on all types of business contracts for the firm including but not limited to contracts related to software, cloud services, artificial intelligence, IS, professional services, purchase and sale, master services agreements, SOW documents, data protection agreements, event, and real estate leases.Escalate issues as appropriate Ensure that the firm’s business contracts comply with firm policies, insurer policies, ethical, risk and regulatory concerns, and industry standard practices. Maintain detailed knowledge of the firm’s business needs, strategic and risk management objectives, and policies Investigate, recommend, and implement continuous improvements to the firm’s business contract review process including for follow-up with partners, vendors, and business professionals, for tracking status and agreed terms, and for documenting policies and procedures Respond to subpoenas, discovery requests, and file transfer requests related to firm matters. Coordinate with outside counsel and requesting parties, as necessary. Collaborate with the firm’s E-Discovery, Information Governance, and other professional staff to manage data preservation, collection, and review protocols. Review information gathered from firm files and other firm repositories for use in discovery, responses to subpoenas, and file transfer obligations Conduct privileged discussions with and advise the Office of General Counsel, partners, associates, and business professionals on contract reviews, firm litigation, ethics, and conflict matters Assist with discovery motion practice, including drafting briefs Perform legal research as needed or as requested Keep current on developments in law and regulation regarding matters related to the firm’s business contract review, discovery, ethics, law firm risk management, and other issues Contribute to process, procedure, and technology improvements to reduce risk to the firm Provide support to the other lawyers in the Office of General Counsel as requested and assist the Office of General Counsel with projects and special requests as assigned All other legal matters or projects as assigned or requested BASIC QUALIFICATIONS J.D. degree and an active license to practice law in the jurisdiction located is required 5+ years of broad litigation experience preferably at a large law firm, or as in-house counsel to a similarly sophisticated company or institution required Must live within a commutable distance from a firm office with the ability to come into the office 3-4 days per week. ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS Experience reviewing and advising on business contracts; and the ability to develop expertise in negotiating and drafting a variety of business contracts Knowledge of key laws, processes, and industry practices applicable to business contracts and leases Experience and proficiency with document review databases such as Relativity Strong knowledge of key discovery concepts, procedural rules, and litigation practices Demonstrated proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite including Excel and iManage; ability to adapt to new software applications Demonstrated commitment to consistently meet deadlines, including flexibility with scheduling and willingness to work extended hours, when necessary, as required by business needs Ability to travel, as required Prior experience reviewing, negotiating, and drafting contracts related to technology, purchase and sale, software licenses, professional services, events, data protection agreements, real estate leases, and other business contracts Prior experience in law firm risk management Proficient knowledge of American Bar Association (ABA) Model Rules of Professional Conduct Experience with conflicts, legal ethics, and privilege issues Familiarity with large law firm practice areas General understanding of data privacy regulations and principles COMPETENCIES Excellent verbal and written communication skills, ability to report facts and other information clearly and concisely and to interact credibly within and outside the firm Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to lead and to create consensus-based support for decisions Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills; ability to exercise independent judgement and make sound decisions Ability to analyze needs to determine priorities based on business objectives Strong legal research and analysis abilities, and comprehensive writing skills A creative and practical approach to problem solving that is informed by the firm’s strategic, business, and professional needs Excellent counseling, organizational, and analytical skills Ability to work well under pressure in a demanding environment and to manage numerous responsibilities simultaneously with diligence and while maintaining a high-level work product Keen sense of accountability and meticulous attention to detail Sound professional ethics and integrity A client service-oriented manner and a continuous improvement mindset Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with members of the Office of General Counsel, firm leadership, and other colleagues across the firm BENEFITS Winston offers comprehensive benefits that provide a full spectrum of coverage and support for our full-time employees and their families. Additional information about benefits and rewards can be found here. SALARY The target annual salary range for this role is currently $325,000 - $375,000 based on a regular, full-time schedule. The amount of compensation offered will be determined by several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications, market data and internal equity. Total compensation includes a comprehensive healthcare benefits package, yearly retirement contribution, and may include an annual discretionary merit bonus. We value diversity in the workplace. EOE/Minorities/Females/Vets/Disabled (EOE=Equal Opportunity Employer) #LI-DC2
Posted
Updated
Closed
Position
Staff Attorney
Practice Areas
Litigation
Specialties
Conflicts/Ethics
Experience
5+ years
Employer Type
Law Firm