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Other Attorney in Saint Louis, MO

Husch Blackwell LLP Jul 03,2017 Apr 26,2017 Location Saint Louis MO
This job is expired...

Law Firm

Attorney

Other

Min 5 yrs required

Profile

Conflicts Counsel The candidate directs and conducts specific processes in the Conflicts department, including identification and resolution of conflicts of interest, ethical wall implementation, and other compliance activities. Exercises discretion and independent judgment while working under the general direction of the GC, the Director, and established Firm policies and procedures. This position is responsible for assuring compliance with applicable Rules of Professional Conduct, assisting and managing other loss prevention functions, and assuming responsibility for the operations of the Conflicts department. Essential duties are performed personally or through delegation/supervision of subordinates. Will be staff attorney who understands the rules that govern legal practice and can design and implement practical operational processes to ensure compliance with those rules. The Conflicts Counsel does not practice law for any client other than the Firm and maintains professionalism and strict confidentiality in all client and Firm matters. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of the American Bar Association (ABA) Model Rules of Professional Conduct as adopted in each state in which the Firm maintains an office, and jurisdictional differences in all states and practice areas in which the Firm conducts business. Monitors ABA and jurisdictional rules for changes. Suggests modifications in Firm policy to the Director for approval. Participates in professional organizations that promote the ongoing education and development of professional ethics in the legal industry. Maintains a thorough working knowledge of the technologies that support the daily operations of the Conflicts department, including the computerized conflict checking system. Serves as resource for Conflicts Analysts and support staff on legal questions involving how to run and clear conflicts of interest. Discusses conflict of interest and loss prevention issues with Attorneys, Conflicts Analysts, other Conflicts Counsel, the Director, Assistant General Counsel, and General Counsel to identify and resolve potential conflicts of interest, while maintaining objectivity and professional independence. Reviews conflict of interest reports escalated for review and provide a concise and complete evaluation of potential conflict issues along with recognized steps for resolution. Works effectively with Managers, Director, Conflict Analysts and firm attorneys to obtain the relevant conflict information to make determinations on basic conflicts issues. Provides clear documentation regarding resolutions to the Conflict Analysts. Conducts online searches and uses web-based research tools, company websites or public databases to determine relevant information about potential representations. Assists with the maintenance and update of the conflicts of interest database, as needed to ensure accurate data management. Performs legal research, as needed, and drafts memos to define Firm policy or to resolve potential conflict of interest situations. Assists in the preparation, review and application of waivers and/or consents to ensure compliance with ethical rules and firm policies and standards. Prepares all routine conflicts waivers, identifies need for unusual conflicts waivers, and monitors obtaining necessary waivers before matters are opened. Reviews closed firm matters to determine whether new matters are substantially related for conflicts purposes. Reviews language in waiver and engagement letters to ensure that they adequately address conflicts and engagement issues. Confirms need for ethical walls to screen individuals from particular clients and matters as part of the conflict clearing process. Reviews outside counsel guidelines to identify deviations from the Firm’s engagement policies. Works with billing and relationship Partners to appropriately address deviations. Reviews analysis of prior legal affiliation reports as prepared by Conflicts Analysts for all new and lateral hires. Assists with the clearance of all new hire candidates, including complete conflicts analysis and resolution, drafting engagement agreements and waivers, and working with the Intake Dept. to ensure that all cleared clients/matters are opened in a timely and efficient manner. Assists firm partners with the preparation of conflicts waivers as needed to resolve ethical conflicts of interest. Assists firm partners with the preparation of engagement agreements as needed to address advanced waiver, standard conflict waiver, or ethical screening requirements. Prepares ethical walls for implementation by the Compliance Coordinator in the firm’s ethical screening software. Assists with special projects as requested by the Director or GC/AGC. Other duties as assigned by the Director, the GC/AGC, Ethics Partners, or other members of company leadership.

Qualification and Experience

The candidate should have Juris Doctorate and active Missouri law license (or active license in another state and willingness to obtain Missouri law license within one year). 5+ year’s private practice legal experience is preferred. Familiarity with large firm practice preferred. Computer proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and Outlook) required. Experience with on-line reference materials and Boolean searching techniques preferred. Must have ability to learn and utilize specialized internal conflict checking software. Issue tracking, follow-up, and resolution skills are essential. Should have solid legal writing skills. Should have outstanding analytical skills requiring an aptitude for detail, precision, and logic in order to conduct detailed analyses of complex conflict documentation, prior legal affiliation forms, conflict resolutions and waivers, and process large volumes of detailed confidential information. Must have ability to identify and analyze complex conflict of interest issues and problems and to recommend and implement solutions. Should have ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Strong legal research skills with the ability to translate legal requirements into operational processes are needed.

Company info