Conflicts Lawyer

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is a world-leading global law firm, where our ambition is to help you achieve your goals. Exceptional client service and the pursuit of excellence are at our core. We invest in and care about our client relationships, which is why so many are longstanding. We enjoy breaking new ground, as we have for over 170 years. As a fully integrated transatlantic and transpacific firm, we are where you need us to be. Our footprint is extensive and committed across the world’s largest markets, key financial centres and major growth hubs.

Primary Objectives

The NB&ER team has overall responsibility for ensuring all the policies and processes involved in taking on new clients and matters are adhered to, and work is accepted in accordance with the firm's risk management procedures. These include carrying out conflict checks for the Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer and associate offices globally, client approval, matter inception, financial crime and anti-money laundering checks, tracking of client terms and retainers, monitoring information barriers. The Conflicts Team consists of legally qualified team members in London, Sydney and the US. The teams provide joint services, including partner advisory services, globally.

Key Internal Relationships

• Head of Conflicts UK, US & EMEA
• Senior Conflict Lawyers/Advisors
• Conflicts Partners including General Counsel
• Regional Practice Group Heads, Sector Leads and Client Relationship Partners
• Sydney, London and US Conflicts team members

Primary Responsibilities

• Managing conflict checks on every new matter globally to identify (through analysis) and resolve (through consultation) both legal and commercial conflicts of interest.
• Applying US rules to identify conflict of interests.
• Drafting conflict waivers in accordance with US conflict rules.
• Consult with and advise Conflicts Analysts and foreign-qualified lawyers on legal and ethical questions under US law as needed, serving as an escalation point for more complex clearances.
• Review every new client and matter opportunity through analysis of internal and external information sources and advise partners globally in relation to conflicts and information barrier management.
• Understand and identify wider risks including reputational, sanctions, financial crime and commercial conflict issues through Matter Risk Assessment.
• Advising partners and lawyers regarding conflict check results, processes and policies.
• Liaise with the Financial Crime team on the Matter Risk Assessment.
• Actively contributing to the building of an effective and mutually supportive conflicts team globally.
• Influence the design and optimisation of conflicts and information barrier management technology and projects.

Qualifications, skills and experience

• Law degree/LPC
• Understanding of US conflicts rules and their application
• Work experience in a professional services environment in this field for at least a year (we will however consider candidates with less experience provided they can demonstrate the required competencies)
• Understanding of the legal and professional regime applying to conflicts of interest and confidential information.
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Excellent commercial awareness
• Ability to prioritise workloads
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work autonomously, escape and prioritise multiple tasks
• Clear verbal, written and face to face communication skills with staff at every level
• Knowledge of Microsoft programs and research resources
• Ability to work well under pressure and to deadlines

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone thrives. We see this as essential to our success, including our ability to innovate and achieve sustained high performance. This is a key part of our Values—Human, Bold, and Outstanding. At Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, we align your growth and ambition with ours. We invest in your personal and professional growth and support you to achieve your ambitions. And you share responsibility for playing a part in delivering the firm’s growth and ambition too.