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- Tasks: Lead strategic direction in managing conflicts of interest and oversee client acceptance processes.
- Company: Join Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, a global leader in legal services with over 100 years of excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role in London with opportunities for professional growth and a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team tackling complex legal challenges while fostering innovation and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Senior-level lawyer with strong leadership skills and experience in conflict management required.
- Other info: We value diversity and inclusion, creating a respectful environment for all.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
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At Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, 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 many are incredibly longstanding. And we enjoy breaking new ground, as we have for over 100 years.
We are where you need us to be. We are in the world\’s largest markets, key financial centres and major growth hubs. Our international footprint is extensive and committed.
We are at our best tackling complexity and navigating change. We work alongside you on demanding contentious matters, exacting regulatory work and complex public and private market transactions. We are recognised as leading in these areas.
We are immersed in the sectors and challenges that impact you. We are recognised as standing apart in energy, ESG, infrastructure and resources. And we\’re focused on areas of growth that affect every business across the world, including technology and digitalisation.
All of this is achieved by supporting the growth of our people, who help us deliver on our ambition – which is to help you achieve yours.
Your goals. Our ambition.
The Opportunity
Managing the firm’s strategy and approach to regulatory and commercial risks associated with the conflicts of interest. The role forms an integral part of the firm’s new business strategy and alignments, dealing with partners and senior management, advise on and resolve complex legal, strategic and commercial alignment issues.
Key Internal Relationships:
- Executive Partner, Practices
- Executive Partner, EMEA, UK & US
- Global General Counsel
- Global Managing Partners
- Director of New Business Intake (West)
- Head of Conflicts (Asia & Australia)
- Head of New Business Intake Operations (Australia)
- Head of Financial Crime, Asia & Australia
- Head of Enterprise Risk & Assurance (UK)
- Head of Financial Crime Advisory
- Global New Business Intake team
- Conflicts Partners
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 programs 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.
Qualifications, skills and 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 working and collaboration in a complex global environment with the ability to engage with complex policies and processes outside of core expertise (i.e., financial crime).
Competencies
Collaborates with others
- Contributes to the training and development of the Financial Crime team, NBI, and the wider Firm.
- Works well within a global team in managing workflow and sharing know-how.
- Takes ownership of significant projects, leads, and provides guidance to project team members.
- Develops innovative solutions by valuing diversity of thought, expertise, and experience.
- Brings positive energy to the way they work and inspires this in others.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise.
- 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 will positively impact the client experience and their business.
- Has a wider understanding of the Firm and its clients\’ commercial needs and is able to balance these appropriately with the Firms\’ wider regulatory obligations.
Innovates
- Understands the Firm\’s existing processes and is able to suggest and contribute to their improvement.
- Ability to use initiative and be proactive.
- Seeks out market trends and introduces relevant ideas.
Achieves results
- Takes personal responsibility for getting things done and is able to work independently with minimal guidance.
- Ability to cope with conflicting demands and meeting deadlines.
- Remains focused on long-term objectives and broad firm issues.
Team
General Counsel and Risk
Working Pattern
Full time
Location
London
Contract type
Permanent Contract
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.
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Head of Conflicts, Europe & US employer: Herbert Smith Freehills
Contact Detail:
Herbert Smith Freehills Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Conflicts, Europe & US
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the legal and regulatory fields, especially those who have experience in conflict management. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the role and the firm.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and challenges in conflict management and regulatory compliance. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying ahead in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your strategic leadership and decision-making skills. Highlight instances where you've successfully navigated complex conflicts or led high-performance teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer’s recent cases and their approach to conflict management. Being knowledgeable about their work will allow you to tailor your discussions and show how your values align with theirs.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Conflicts, Europe & US
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in conflict management and strategic leadership. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to handle complex legal and commercial issues, as well as your experience working with senior stakeholders.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and the firm. Discuss how your skills align with their values of exceptional client service and innovation. Be sure to mention your experience in leading high-performance teams and your approach to managing conflicts of interest.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Given the importance of communication in this role, ensure that your application reflects your superior communication and mediation skills. Use clear and concise language, and consider including examples of how you've influenced strategic outcomes in previous roles.
Highlight Your Leadership Experience: Emphasise your experience in leading teams and projects. Provide examples of how you've inspired and developed talent within your teams, and how you've contributed to a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
How to prepare for a job interview at Herbert Smith Freehills
✨Understand the Firm's Values
Before your interview, make sure you understand Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer’s core values: Human, Bold, and Outstanding. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and provide examples of how you've embodied these principles in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Leadership Skills
As a candidate for the Head of Conflicts position, it's crucial to demonstrate your strategic leadership capabilities. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams through complex conflict management scenarios and how you’ve influenced senior stakeholders in past roles.
✨Prepare for Complex Legal Discussions
Given the nature of the role, expect to engage in discussions about complex legal and commercial conflicts. Brush up on relevant case studies or recent developments in conflict management and be ready to share your insights and recommendations during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Collaborative Approach
Collaboration is key in this role, so be ready to discuss how you've worked effectively within cross-functional teams. Share examples of how you've contributed to team success and fostered a culture of excellence and continuous improvement in your previous positions.
