US Job Description
Firm Information
Reed Smith is a global relationship law firm with more than 1,700 lawyers in 30 offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Founded in 1877, the firm represents leading international businesses, from Fortune 100 corporations to mid-market and emerging enterprises. Its lawyers provide litigation and other dispute resolution services in multi-jurisdictional and other high-stakes matters; deliver regulatory counsel; and execute the full range of strategic domestic and cross-border transactions. Reed Smith is a preeminent advisor to industries including financial services, life sciences, health care, advertising, entertainment and media, shipping and transport, energy and natural resources, real estate, manufacturing, technology, and education. For more information, visit reedsmith.com.
Position Summary
This is a non-traditional legal position. Conflicts & Risk Management Attorneys work within the Business Intake Group. The primary responsibility of this position is the accurate and timely analysis and resolution of legal and ethical conflicts of interest. One basic role is to evaluate new business using internal databases and external research to determine if a conflict of interest exists. In the event of a conflict, the Conflicts & Risk Management Attorney will facilitate the resolution of the conflict. The position requires a strong knowledge of the rules of professional responsibility in multiple jurisdictions as well as strong research and writing skills. The position is part of a team and as such, the candidate must be willing to learn multiple job functions within the Conflicts & Risk Management Attorney team and be willing to help where required. There is no billable hour requirement.
Job Duties and Responsibilites
- Analyze conflict reports, draft detailed analyses, and facilitate resolution or avoidance of conflicts of interest based on the specific requirements of the matter at issue
- Draft conflict waivers, engagement letters and other related documents or memos
- Perform electronic research as needed on legal issues, corporate affiliations, SEC filings, public records, sanctions and more
- Use internal and external databases to collect relevant information
- Construct Ethical Walls as required
- Review, evaluate and help to negotiate client-issued engagement terms
- Analyze conflicts of interest for lateral hires
- Review and negotiate vendor contracts
- Work with and provide assistance to the Director of Business Intake in matters related to Business Intake and Conflicts of Interest
- As required, supplement the Conflict Specialists in performing conflict searches
- Assist in the evaluation of new technologies for the Business Intake Group
- Recognize and understand potential inconsistent data in the database and advise accordingly
- Answer questions with regard to the new business and lateral hire processes
- Assist internal clients with questions regarding conflicts of interest
- Assist in maintaining updated procedures for the Business Intake Group
- Devise emergency procedures to be followed when faced with equipment failure and downtimes
- Assist with off hours and weekend coverage rotation.
Requirements
Education: JD and Bar Admission required.
Experience: Practice experience or experience with conflict analysis is preferred but not required.
Skills:
The candidate must have excellent written and spoken communication skills and must display a professional manner with clients, attorneys, paralegals and other staff members.
Strong analytical skills are needed to collect, compile and analyze large amounts of data. The candidate must be able to organize and prioritize the workload and use own judgment in decision making on how to adequately and efficiently meet all deadlines. An ability to understand and follow specific and detailed instructions is needed. Must be able to make productive use of working hours and exhibit strong time management skills. Knowledge of PC and Windows applications is required. Knowledge of the Intapp Risk applictaions is a plus.
Other
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Equipment To Be Used: Personal computer and other office equipment such as telephone, calculator, fax, machine, copier, scanner, etc.
Typical Physical Demands: Physical demands commensurate with job duties.
Essential Job Functions:
- Ability to sit and/or stand for prolonged periods, intense eye usage, and finger, hand and wrist dexterity associated with prolonged computer use.
- Ability to utilize technology, including computers and telecommunication devices.
- Ability to read and interpret written documents, computer screens and other visual displays accurately.
- Ability to hear and understand verbal communication, including conversations and instructions, is important for effective collaboration and communication.
Typical Mental Demands: Able to deal with stress associated with fast-paced work environment. Able to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and time sensitive matters. Must be able to work well as a member of a team, make judgment decisions, handle complex issues with minor supervision, and must be able to handle routine responsibilities independently. Must be able to adapt to changing work situations and grasp and apply new ideas. Must be able to relate to and interact professionally with people at all levels within the Firm.
Working Conditions: Works remotely. Occasionally called upon to work hours in excess of your normal daily schedule. Potential for in-office work requests as needed, so proximity to the office is important.
Benefits Package Overview:
- 401k Plan
- Medical
- Health Savings Account
- Virtual Health
- Dental
- Vision
- Accident
- Hospital indemnity
- Critical illness
- Life insurance
- Short term disability
- Long term disability
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Lyra Health EAP
- Paid Family Leave
- College Savings Plan
- Transportation benefit
- Back-up Child Care
- College Coach
- Pet insurance
- Paid sick time
- Vacation time
Reed Smith offers a challenging work environment, business casual dress code and a total compensation package that includes a competitive salary, flexible benefits program, tuition assistance, and generous 401 (k) plan.
Reed Smith is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reed Smith's success depends heavily on the effective utilization of qualified people, regardless of their race, ancestry, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, veteran's status, or any characteristic protected by law. As a firm, we adhere to and promote equal employment opportunity for all.
Reed Smith provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, including in the application and interview process.
Qualified candidates only. No search firms.