At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovation in legal tech and manage complex conflicts of interest.
- Company: Dynamic law firm committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package, including private medical insurance and matched pension contributions.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping risk strategies and improving onboarding processes.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with 10+ years' experience in conflicts and legal technology.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are looking for a senior lawyer (10+ PQE) to join our Risk function in a strategic role focused on conflicts of interest and innovation. Working closely with the head of conflicts, this role sits at the centre of the firm's Client and Matter opening processes, working closely with partners and senior stakeholders across the firm. You will advise on complex legal and commercial conflict issues, shape risk decisions on new mandates, and play a leading role in developing how we use technology to improve onboarding and risk management processes. This is a high-impact position offering a unique combination of technical legal work, commercial decision-making and innovation delivery.
Key responsibilities
- Innovation and legal technology
- Identify opportunities to streamline and improve conflicts workflows, reducing friction while maintaining appropriate controls.
- Work across systems and teams to improve data flow, automation and usability in matter opening processes.
- Contribute to wider innovation initiatives within the Risk function and across the firm.
- Engagement terms and client terms
- In conjunction with head of conflicts proactively manage the firm's adoption and use of engagement letters, conflict provisions, waivers and client terms.
- Advise on non-standard client terms and outside counsel guidelines.
- Support the adoption and development of standard templates and internal guidance.
- Conflicts
- In conjunction with head of conflicts and conflicts managers, lead the assessment and resolution of complex legal and commercial conflicts of interest, including cross-border matters.
- Act as a senior escalation point for high-risk or sensitive mandates for the client onboarding team.
- Oversee the design and implementation of information barriers (ethical walls).
- Support the firm's client and matter acceptance process, ensuring alignment with regulatory obligations and firm risk appetite.
- Apply a consistent approach across multi-jurisdictional engagements and international offices.
- Stakeholder engagement
- Act as a trusted adviser to partners on conflicts, onboarding and risk strategy.
- Work closely within Risk & Compliance, Finance, IT and Business Development teams.
- Support the delivery of training and guidance on conflicts processes.
Who you are
- Essential qualified lawyer with 10+ years' PQE, 4 years+ in conflicts.
- In-depth knowledge of professional conduct rules and regulatory frameworks (e.g. SRA and equivalents).
- Experience with client onboarding systems and conflicts platforms (Intapp).
- Demonstrable interest or experience in legal technology, AI or process improvement.
- Track record of improving or implementing operational processes or systems.
- Experience advising on engagement terms, waivers and client agreements.
- Strong experience advising on complex and international conflicts of interest.
- Strong commercial judgement with the ability to balance risk and business objectives.
- Excellent communication skills and confidence working with senior stakeholders.
- Experience of multi-jurisdictional or global operating environments.
What do we offer?
- You can be yourself: It takes everyone to make us who we are. We're a culture of diverse perspectives, with each of us making unique contributions that make us better together.
- In the office or WFH?: We think the best balance is more time in the office than at home, so we operate a 60:40 rule.
- Beyond salary: We offer plenty of benefits; private medical insurance, health cash plan, dental insurance, life assurance, critical illness insurance, matched pension contributions up to 7%, holiday trading, plus many more.
Nurturing your talent: Take a 'build a career' approach to your training. You'll be on a pathway but free to wander if you see something you'd like to study more closely. Funnel your interests: You have a life outside work, and we can help it to flourish. Join clubs, affinity networks, inclusive events, and pro bono/charity initiatives.
Inclusion at Fieldfisher: At Fieldfisher, inclusion is central to how we work. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, supported and able to succeed. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process or once you join us, we will work with you to put the right support in place.
What to do next: Click 'Apply Now', complete an online application and upload a CV. Successful applications will be invited to a 20-30-minute introductory call with a recruiter. Every role recruits differently. But we'll always let you know what to expect from the process, so you get no surprises. For hybrid opportunities, you'll be invited to visit our offices for a face-to-face meeting. We try to make sure the process takes around 2-3 weeks only, but we can't always promise that. We will work around everyone's availability. You can contact us. We recruit on a rolling basis. Your application may be reviewed before the application deadline. We accept applications until we have filled the role. To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page.
