At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Conflicts Team, making strategic decisions on client acceptance and resolving complex legal issues.
- Company: Dynamic law firm focused on excellence and innovation in conflict management.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to drive strategic initiatives in a global team.
- Why this job: Shape the future of conflict management while working with top legal minds.
- 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 in London employer: Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
As the Head of Conflicts at our London office, you will join a dynamic and collaborative work culture that prioritises strategic leadership and operational excellence. We are committed to fostering employee growth through mentorship and advanced training programmes, ensuring that our team remains at the forefront of conflict management in the legal sector. With a focus on innovation and high performance, we offer a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working alongside top talent in a supportive environment.
Contact Details:
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Conflicts in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the industry, attend events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can open doors that applications alone can’t.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company inside out, understand their values, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. We want you to shine and show them why you're the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We recommend mentioning something specific from your conversation to make it personal and memorable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Conflicts in London
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 Head of Conflicts, we’re looking for someone who can inspire and lead a team. Use your application to demonstrate your past experiences in leading high-performance teams and how you’ve fostered a culture of excellence.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Make sure your points are easy to understand and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that convey your message effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
✨Know Your Conflicts Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the firm's approach to conflicts of interest management. Familiarise yourself with their policies and recent cases they've handled. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to discuss how your experience aligns with their strategic goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a candidate for Head of Conflicts, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in high-pressure situations, particularly in conflict resolution. Highlight your ability to inspire and mentor others, as this is key to fostering a culture of excellence.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect to engage in high-level discussions about client and matter acceptance. Brush up on your analytical skills and be ready to provide insights based on risk assessments. Think of scenarios where you've had to make tough decisions and how those experiences can inform your approach in this role.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Innovation
The role requires strong cross-team collaboration. Be prepared to discuss how you've worked effectively with diverse teams in the past. Additionally, think about innovative solutions you've implemented in previous roles that could enhance the firm's processes and client experience.
