Conflicts Attorney

Perkins Coie is looking for a dynamic, qualified individual to fill a Conflicts Attorney position performing conflicts analysis on new business and firm lateral hires and advising firm lawyers on conflicts of interest issues. The Conflicts Attorney will independently review, research, and resolve conflicts issues related to new firm business and new business professional personnel and ensure compliance with ethical standards in all jurisdictions as well as firm policies.

For purposes of complying with export control laws, candidates must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Analyze conflicts of interest on new business and firm lateral hires. Resolve issues that arise in such matters, including when drafting waivers/consents and advising on ethical issues relating to withdrawal and screening.

• Act as a legal advisor to firm lawyers on conflicts-of-interest issues.

• Perform legal research and prepare legal memoranda in response to requests from the General Counsel, firm lawyers, managers, and various firm committees.

• Assist management in handling sensitive and confidential issues related to practice management and firm ethics. Provide training on conflict issues.

• Analyze complex factual situations and spot potential problematic issues.

• Draft complex waivers/consents, engagement letters, and joint representation letters in final format.

• Negotiate between lawyers in resolving disputes over conflicts and waivers.

• Perform other related legal work as needed.

SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED

• Knowledge of the Rules of Professional Conduct and their application to the practice of law.

• Solid understanding of jurisdictional differences in the application of varying rules and principles in making a choice-of-law analysis.

• Ability to effectively cope with change, including the capacity to decide and act without having the total picture. 

• Thorough understanding of a wide range of areas of law, including being able to identify the roles of parties in matters, and possession of a solid comprehension of business organizations and financing concepts as well as litigation principles and procedures, such as depositions, subpoenas, roles of codefendants, and comparative fault.

• Strong legal research and writing skills, including the ability to compile and analyze complex data and furnish detailed information clearly and concisely.

• Strong critical-thinking skills and eye for detail; ability to spot problems and propose creative solutions.

• Project management skills, including the ability to spot issues, manage time well, prioritize effectively, adapt to quick changes, and handle multiple deadlines.

• Ability to work with minimal supervision.

• Ability to collaborate with others within the department and firm, including with personnel in international offices.

• Well-developed and professional interpersonal skills; ability to interact and communicate effectively with people at all organizational levels across the firm’s U.S. and international offices, both orally and in writing, consistent with communication best practices.

• Proficiency with MS Office. 

SPECIFIC SKILLS PREFERRED

• Understanding of litigation practice and working knowledge of law firm processes.

• Ability to detect procedural problems and determine appropriate relationships.

• Relevant knowledge/familiarity with Intapp products (Conflicts, Intake, Walls, Terms) and Elite 3E.  

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Qualified candidates must have a Juris Doctorate and a minimum of three years of legal practice experience.  

• Applicants must be licensed and in good standing to practice law in the state of the office out of which they will be based and the state in which they reside.

• Previous experience clearing firm lateral hires is preferred, including working directly with new hire candidates and firm partners to resolve issues, reviewing and analyzing former client issues, and working cross-departmentally with new hire onboarding efforts.

• Previous experience in clearing conflicts in international jurisdictions is preferred.

• The candidate will need to possess a strong working knowledge of relevant topics, legal issues, and the rules governing professional responsibility and also be able to provide demonstrated success in a stressful environment.

At Perkins Coie, we look for self-motivated individuals dedicated to providing value and superior service and who have a high degree of integrity and enthusiasm for their work. We have created a company culture based on collaboration, devotion to serving our clients, and mutual respect. Perkins Coie is committed to advancing diversity and inclusion both within the firm and throughout our collective communities. Work with one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For and receive great health insurance, tuition reimbursement, and paid sabbaticals. 

This position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, 401(k) plan, medical, dental, and vision insurance, accrued paid time off plan starting at 20 days annually, personal medical and parental leave, up to 10 paid holidays, and family care benefits. More information regarding benefits and programs may be found here. 

This position may be filled in the following location(s). The listed compensation range reflects the typical pay for this role, though it is rare for new hires to receive an offer at the top of the range. Actual compensation may vary depending on experience, skills, market conditions, and internal equity. 

Colorado compensation range: $138,450 to $198,775 annually

New York compensation range: $160,640 to $253,980 annually

Washington state compensation range: $146,040 to $230,890 annually

Washington, D.C., compensation range: $157,720 to $249,360 annually