At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Conflicts Team and manage complex legal and commercial conflict matters.
- Company: Dynamic law firm focused on strategic growth and excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to work globally and influence high-level strategic decisions.
- Why this job: Shape the future of conflict management in a leading firm and drive impactful decisions.
- Qualifications: Senior-level lawyer with strong leadership and conflict management experience.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Primary Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership in Conflicts of Interest Management
- Lead the strategic direction and operational excellence of the NBI team (London), in collaboration with the Director of New Business Intake, West.
- Oversee and make high‑level decisions on client/matter acceptance, ensuring alignment with the firm’s strategic goals and risk management policies.
- Provide strategic oversight and resolution for complex legal and commercial conflict matters, ensuring timely and effective decision‑making.
- Partner with the Chief New Business & Enterprise Risk Officer and Director of New Business Intake, West to recruit, develop, and retain top talent within the Conflicts Team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
- Ensure the rigorous review and negotiation of conflict provisions in engagement letters, client agreements, and tender terms, maintaining the firm’s high standards of compliance and client service.
- Inspire and lead the Conflicts Team by setting clear strategic goals, fostering a culture of excellence, providing coaching and mentorship, and holding team members accountable for high performance and ethical standards.
- Advisory - Strategic Client/Matter Acceptance
- Act as a key advisor to the CNB&ERO and firm’s senior management on strategic decisions related to client and matter acceptance, providing insights and recommendations based on thorough analysis and risk assessment.
- Facilitate high‑level discussions with senior management on complex conflict queries, ensuring informed and strategic decision‑making.
- Lead the resolution of post‑acceptance legal and commercial conflict issues, ensuring alignment with the firm’s strategic objectives and risk management framework.
- Design and deliver advanced training programmes for partners and lawyers on strategic management of legal and commercial conflicts of interest, enhancing the firm’s overall risk management capabilities.
- Strategic Development of New Business Intake
- Collaborate with the Heads of New Business Intake globally to drive the strategic development and implementation of innovative client and matter acceptance policies, precedents, and processes.
- Lead the design, development, and deployment of market‑leading reporting and insights around new business acceptance, ensuring they meet the strategic needs of the firm and enhance operational efficiency.
- Collaborate with the Director of New Business Intake (West), Head of Conflicts (Asia & Australia), and the Conflicts Team in London in the design, development, and testing of new NBI software as required.
Qualification, Skills & Experience
- Senior‑level lawyer (Executive Counsel or Special Counsel) with a proven track record in strategic leadership and conflict management.
- Demonstrates exceptional autonomy and confidence in engaging with senior stakeholders, including partners and executive management.
- Exhibits superior communication and mediation skills, with the ability to influence and drive strategic outcomes.
- Possesses strong judgment and decision‑making capabilities on complex legal, strategic, and commercial issues.
- Thrives under pressure and consistently meets tight deadlines, delivering high‑quality outcomes.
- Proven experience in leading high‑performance teams and delivering exceptional legal and analytical services on a regional or global scale.
- Demonstrates exceptional cross‑team collaboration in a complex global environment, with the ability to engage with policies and processes outside of core expertise (e.g. financial crime).
Competencies
- Collaborates with Others
- Contributes to the training and development of the Financial Crime team, NBI, and the wider firm.
- Works effectively within a global team, managing workflow and sharing knowledge.
- Takes ownership of significant projects, leading and providing guidance to project team members.
- Develops innovative solutions by valuing diversity of thought, expertise, and experience.
- Brings positive energy to their work and inspires this in others.
- Demonstrates excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Possesses strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise effectively.
- Exhibits excellent service orientation skills.
- Focuses on Clients
- Understands the importance of clients to the firm and acts with the firm’s clients in mind.
- Prioritises initiatives that positively impact client experience and their business.
- Demonstrates a strong understanding of the firm and its clients’ commercial needs, balancing these with the firm’s regulatory obligations.
- Innovates
- Understands the firm’s existing processes and contributes to their continuous improvement.
- Demonstrates initiative and a proactive approach to work.
- Identifies market trends and introduces relevant ideas.
- Achieves Results
- Takes personal responsibility for delivering results and works independently with minimal guidance.
- Effectively manages conflicting demands while meeting deadlines.
- Maintains focus on long‑term objectives and broader firm priorities.
Head of Conflicts employer: Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
As the Head of Conflicts at our London office, you will be part of a dynamic and innovative team that prioritises strategic leadership and operational excellence. We foster a collaborative work culture that values continuous improvement and professional development, offering exceptional growth opportunities for our employees. With a commitment to high standards of compliance and client service, we provide a supportive environment where your expertise in conflict management will be recognised and rewarded.
Contact Details:
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Conflicts
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who might know about conflicts management. A friendly chat can lead to insider info on job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the firm's values and recent projects. Show us how your experience aligns with their strategic goals, especially in conflict resolution. Tailor your examples to highlight your leadership and decision-making skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job alerts! Regularly check our website for new opportunities and apply directly. This shows initiative and gives you a better chance of standing out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews with a thank-you note. It’s a simple gesture that keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your fit for the position!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Conflicts
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in conflicts management and strategic leadership. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a potential Head of Conflicts, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and make high-level decisions. Share examples of how you've inspired and developed talent in your previous roles – we love to see that kind of initiative!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
✨Know Your Strategic Leadership
Make sure you can articulate your vision for leading the Conflicts Team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed conflicts of interest in the past, and be ready to discuss your approach to strategic decision-making.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves high-level discussions with senior management, practice clear and concise communication. Be prepared to demonstrate how you've influenced outcomes in previous roles through effective mediation and negotiation.
✨Highlight Your Team Development Experience
Think about specific instances where you've recruited, developed, or retained talent. Share your strategies for fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement within your teams.
✨Prepare for Complex Scenarios
Anticipate questions about complex legal and commercial conflict issues. Be ready to discuss how you would approach these scenarios, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and risk management frameworks.
