Conflicts Counsel

Job Description:

Perkins Coie is seeking an experienced and motivated individual to join our team as a Conflicts Counsel. In this role, you will conduct thorough conflicts analysis on new business opportunities and lateral hires, providing guidance to firm lawyers on conflicts of interest matters. Your expertise will be essential in reviewing, researching, and resolving conflicts issues, ensuring compliance with relevant ethical standards and firm policies across jurisdictions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Evaluate conflicts of interest associated with new business and lateral hires, addressing any arising issues through effective drafting of waivers/consents and offering advisory support on ethical concerns related to withdrawal and screening.
• Serve as a legal advisor to firm lawyers regarding conflict-of-interest matters.
• Conduct legal research and draft comprehensive legal memoranda in response to inquiries from the General Counsel, firm attorneys, managers, and various firm committees.
• Assist management in managing sensitive practice management and firm ethics issues, providing training on conflict-related challenges.
• Analyze intricate factual scenarios to identify potential issues proactively.
• Prepare advanced waivers/consents, engagement letters, and joint representation letters in finalized format.
• Facilitate negotiations between attorneys to resolve disputes concerning conflicts and waivers.
• Engage in additional related legal work as required.

SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED

• In-depth knowledge of the Rules of Professional Conduct and their implications in legal practices.
• Comprehensive understanding of jurisdictional variations in applicable rules and principles for choice-of-law analyses.
• Able to navigate and respond to change effectively, making informed decisions with available information.
• A strong grasp of various legal domains, capable of discerning the roles of parties involved, along with a solid understanding of business organizations, financing concepts, and litigation principles and procedures.
• Excellent legal research and writing abilities, with a talent for analyzing complex data and delivering clear, concise information.
• A keen eye for detail and strong critical thinking capabilities for identifying challenges and proposing innovative solutions.
• Project management proficiency, adept at identifying issues, managing time efficiently, prioritizing tasks effectively, and handling multiple deadlines seamlessly.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Collaborative atmosphere and interpersonal skills for effective engagement with colleagues across the firm.
• Strong professional communication skills, capable of interacting with all levels of the organization through verbal and written means.
• Proficient in MS Office applications.

SPECIFIC SKILLS PREFERRED

• Insight into litigation practices and familiarity with law firm processes.
• Capability to identify procedural challenges and establish suitable relationships.
• Knowledge of Intapp products (Conflicts, Intake, Walls, Terms) and Elite 3E.
• Prior experience in managing conflicts for lateral hires, including collaboration with new candidates and firm partners to address issues, reviewing former client matters, and coordinating with various departments for effective onboarding.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Candidates must possess a Juris Doctorate and have a minimum of 3 years of legal practice experience.
• Active membership in good standing within any jurisdiction is required, alongside a robust understanding of relevant legal topics and the governing rules on professional responsibility.
• Applicants must be licensed and in good standing to practice law in the state of their prospective office.
• Demonstrated success in a fast-paced and stressful work environment is essential.

At Perkins Coie, we value self-motivated individuals committed to delivering value and exceptional service with integrity and enthusiasm. Our collaborative culture emphasizes client dedication and mutual respect. We are also dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion within our firm and broader communities. Join us at one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For and enjoy comprehensive health benefits, tuition reimbursement programs, and paid sabbaticals.

This role is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, a 401(k) plan, and extensive health benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with a paid time-off plan starting at 20 days annually, personal medical leave, parental leave, up to 10 paid holidays, and family care benefits.

Compensation varies based on experience, skills, market conditions, and internal equity. Below are the typical pay ranges:

Colorado: $134,380 to $212,460 annually

Illinois: $141,820 to $224,220 annually

Washington state: $141,750 to $224,110 annually

Washington, D.C.: $153,090 to $242,040 annually