UK Job Description
Description
This is a non-traditional legal position. Conflicts & Risk Management Lawyers work within the Business Intake Group. The primary responsibility of this position is the accurate and timely analysis and resolution of legal and ethical conflicts of interest. The role requires the individual to evaluate new business using internal databases and external research to determine if a conflict of interest exists. In the event of a conflict, the Conflicts & Risk Management Lawyer will facilitate the resolution of the conflict. The position requires a strong knowledge of professional ethics with willingness to learn ethical rules of multiple jurisdictions (if not already known) as well as strong research and writing skills. While the above description oultines the main role, t the candidate must be willing to learn multiple job functions within the Business Intake function which includes outside counsel guideline review, anti money laundering and client background checks and other tasks within that function. There is no billable hour requirement.
The Firm
Reed Smith is a global law firm with more than 1,700 lawyers in 30 offices throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the United States.
Operating as one global partnership, we represent leading international businesses from FTSE 100 corporations to mid-market and emerging enterprises; advising clients on cross border transactions, international commercial disputes and regulation. We specialise in industries including financial services, life sciences, health care, energy and natural resources, entertainment and media, shipping and real estate.
We all share a common culture, with core values supporting the firm’s commitment to add value, achieve excellence, and promote professional development. London is our largest office with approximately 700 people, including over 350 fee earners across the full range of commercial practice areas. Consistent with the firm’s strategy, the office has grown significantly over the past five years. Key to this growth has been our ability to successfully integrate new hires into our business and give them a platform to flourish. We place a huge significance on listening to our people and incorporating their ideas wherever possible.
Responsibilities
- Analyze conflict reports, draft detailed analyses, and facilitate resolution or avoidance of conflicts of interest based on the specific requirements of the matter at issue
- Draft conflict waivers, engagement letters and other related documents or memos
- Perform electronic research as needed on legal issues, corporate affiliations, SEC filings, public records, sanctions and more
- Use internal and external databases to collect relevant information
- Construct Ethical Walls as required
- Analyze conflicts of interest for lateral hires
- Work with and provide assistance to the Director of Business Intake in matters related to Business Intake and Conflicts of Interest
- As required, supplement the Conflict Specialists in performing conflict searches
- Assist in the evaluation of new technologies for the Business Intake Group
- Recognize and understand potential inconsistent data in the database and advise accordingly
- Answer questions with regard to the new business and lateral hire processes
- Assist internal clients with questions regarding conflicts of interest
- Assist in maintaining updated procedures for the Business Intake Group
- Devise emergency procedures to be followed when faced with equipment failure and downtimes
- Assist with off hours and weekend coverage as needed (with time off in lieu for such cover).
Job duties and responsibilit i es included are not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. Reed Smith reserves the right to revise or modify job duties and responsibilities at any time.
Requirements
Education: Law Degree or Law Conversion course.
Experience: Experience in business intake compliance function is preferred. Candidates who have worked as a qualified lawyer and do not have business intake experience also considered.
Skills: The candidate must have good written and spoken communication skills and must display a professional manner with clients, and the firm’s lawyers and other staff members.
Strong analytical skills are needed to collect, compile and analyze large amounts of data. The candidate must be able to organize and prioritize the workload and use own judgment in decision making on how to adequately and efficiently meet all deadlines. An ability to understand and follow specific and detailed instructions is needed. Must be able to make productive use of working hours and exhibit strong time management skills. Knowledge of PC and Windows applications is required. Knowledge of the Intapp Risk applications is a plus.
At Reed Smith, we welcome direct applications either in response to one of our advertised vacancies or on a speculative basis. Please click on the “Apply Now” button to submit your details and we will be in touch.
No search firms/agencies please.
Reed Smith's success depends heavily on the effective utilization of qualified people, regardless of their race, ancestry, religion, colour, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, veteran's status, or any characteristic protected by law. As a firm, we adhere to and promote equal employment opportunity for all.
We are committed to making all stages of our recruitment process accessible to candidates with disabilities or long-term health conditions. If you have a disability or a long-term health condition and require adjustments to be made for you within the recruitment process, please contact a member of the Recruitment team. For more information on our approach to diversity and inclusion please visit our website . 
