Conflicts Counsel

DLA Piper is, at its core, bold, exceptional, collaborative and supportive.  Our people are the backbone, heart and soul of our firm.  Wherever you are in your professional journey, DLA Piper is a place you can engage in meaningful work and grow your career.  Let’s see what we can achieve. Together.

Summary

The Conflicts Counsel will advise and assist the firm’s attorneys and staff in connection with the identification and resolution of conflicts of interest.
Location

This position can sit in any of our US offices and offers a hybrid work schedule.
Responsibilities

• Advises firm attorneys and staff regarding conflict of interest issues associated with new clients and matters and efficacy and integrity of ethical walls;

• Analyzes prospective legal matters across every practice group to identify conflicts of interest;

• Serves as an escalation point for the Conflicts Resolution Group and New Business Intake teams, advising them regarding conflicts of interest and appropriate resolution, including, but not limited to, closed client and former lateral client references and affiliate questions;

• Drafts and reviews engagement terms, conflict waiver letters, and ethical wall memoranda;

• Supports the onboarding of lateral attorney/paralegal candidates, as necessary;

• Works as part of a team with Office of General Counsel attorneys, and Conflicts Resolution Group and New Business Intake staff members; and

• Identifies and analyzes conflict of interest issues and recommends responses thereto;

• Responds effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints;

• Tracks, manages, and effectively prioritizes numerous responsibilities, emails, and conflicts requests;

• Provides leadership to and manages a team of business professionals to include coaching, mentoring and professional development. Responsible for providing performance feedback on a regular basis; and

• Other duties as assigned.

• Working remotely is an option.
   

Desired Skills   

• Substantive knowledge of Rules of Professional Conduct and current state of legal ethics issues.

• Excellent written and verbal skills required to communicate complex legal issues.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required to interact with partners, associates, and firm staff on a regular basis.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail required to handle large volumes of work and numerous matters simultaneously.

• Ability to work effectively and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to work both independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team.

• Ability to work outside regular business hours when needed and to travel on occasion.

Minimum Education                        

• JD

Minimum Years of Experience  

• 3 years’ experience in law firm or in-house legal department. Prior experience in conflicts resolution or law firm risk management in a large law firm environment highly preferred.

Essential Job Expectations

While the specific job requirements of a DLA Piper position may vary depending upon scope of the job and area of specialty, there are certain universal requirements that are expected of all DLA Piper employees, which include but are not limited to:
 

• Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties.

• Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence in an efficient and responsive manner.

• Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product.

• Successfully meet deadlines, expectations, and perform work duties as required.

• Foster positive work relationships.

• Comply with all firm policies and practices.

• Engage in both physical and sedentary activity, such as (a) working at a computer for extended periods of time, including on-screen reading and typing; (b) participating in digital/virtual conference calls; (c) participating in meetings as needed.

• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment.

• Perform all other duties, tasks or projects as assigned.
   

Our employees are expected to embrace and uphold our firm values as a part of our DLA Piper culture. We are committed to excellence in how we represent our clients and develop our people.
Physical Demands

Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.    

Work Environment    

The individual selected for this position may have the opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement comprised of remote and in-office work, the requirement for which will be determined in coordination with the hiring manager or supervisor and may be modified in the firm’s discretion in the future. 
Disclaimer    

The purpose of this job description is to provide a concise statement of the work elements and to organize and present the information in a standardized way. It is not intended to describe all the elements of the work that may be performed by every individual in this classification, nor should it serve as the sole criteria for personnel decisions and actions. The job duties, requirements, and expectations for this position may be modified at the Firm’s discretion at any time. This job description does not change the at-will nature of employment. 
 

Application Process     

Applicants must apply directly online instead of sending application materials via email. 
 

Accommodation    

Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to permit individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions and responsibilities of the position or to participate in the job selection process. If you have a request for an accommodation during the application process, please contact [email protected]. 
 

Agency applications will not be considered.     
 

No immigration sponsorship is available for this position.    

The firm’s expected hiring range for this position is $127,262 - $202,352 per year depending on the candidate’s geographic market location.

The compensation offered for employment will also be dependent on other factors including the candidate’s experience, skills, educational and professional background, and overall qualifications. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k). 

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DLA Piper is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Job applicant poster viewing center.