New Business Conflicts Clearance Attorney

The New Business Conflicts Clearance Attorney plays a critical role in ensuring the firm's adherence to ethical standards and compliance with applicable conflict of interest rules. This position involves a comprehensive approach to managing and resolving conflicts of interest and related compliance issues, conducting new client research, and facilitating the firm’s business intake processes. The ideal candidate will possess a nuanced understanding of legal ethics, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a commitment to excellence.

Essential Functions

• Facilitate the firm’s new business intake process, ensuring a thorough and efficient evaluation of potential clients and matters.
• Conduct detailed conflicts of interest analyses for new business engagements utilizing both internal and external databases.
• Draft and implement conflicts waivers and ethical walls as necessary to resolve potential conflicts of interest.
• Advise attorneys and staff on ethical obligations and compliance with the SRA Code of Conduct, fostering an environment of ethical awareness and compliance.
• Provide guidance and training to attorneys and staff on the firm’s conflicts and business intake policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills to facilitate effective work relationships with others.
• Manages Firm resources responsibly.
• Complies with and understands Firm operations, policies, and procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Job-Related Competencies

• Demonstrated knowledge of the rules of professional responsibility.
• High professional integrity, judgement and discretion.
• Excellent analytical skills with the proven ability to interpret complex fact patterns and make informed decisions swiftly.
• Demonstrates close attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize, manage competing deadlines and operate under pressure.
• Strong stakeholder management, including confidence working with senior partners.
• Proactive mindset with commitment to continuous improvement and accuracy.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Proficiency in PC and Windows applications, with a willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and operating systems.
• Ability to handle sensitive matters and maintain confidentiality
• Flexibility to travel.
• Flexibility to adjust hours and work the hours necessary to meet operating and business needs

Education and Experience

• Qualified solicitor in England & Wales (or equivalent with strong UK regulatory experience).
• Strong practical knowledge of SRA Code of Conduct and UK/US conflicts rules.
• Experience with conflicts search systems (ie. Intapp) and matter intake workflows.

Remuneration

We pay generous rates. We provide our lawyers with a highly competitive benefits package. The package includes:

• Discretionary year-end bonus
• Technology allowance
• 22 days holiday and 3 personal days
• Enhanced maternity/paternity and parental leave
• Private medical insurance
• Permanent health insurance
• Travel insurance
• Life assurance
• Interest free season ticket loan
• Gym allowance.

Mentoring and Hybrid Working

Associates who join Skadden laterally participate in our mentor program, Skadden Integration+, which specifically focuses on the unique needs experienced attorneys face during professional transitions.

These efforts, along with our professional development and other Skadden benefits, including a hybrid work model and living proximate to the office, underscores Skadden's long-standing commitment to investing in its people and culture.

Training and Development

The Skadden training programme has evolved over the years as the firm has grown and assists our lawyers in their development by providing them with the necessary skills to take on as much responsibility as they are ready for. The programme includes:

• Twice weekly meetings of the group to discuss developments and share know-how.
• Training seminars and workshops for all levels covering legal topics relevant to the firm's practice areas and skills. These are presented by partners, associates, external specialists, KCs and other professionals.
• Live video-links to seminars presented across Skadden's network of offices.

Pro bono

Pro bono is a core aspect of Skadden culture, and the firm dedicates approximately 3-5% of its total billable hours to pro bono matters. Our lawyers have an opportunity to get involved in a range of pro bono matters under the supervision of charities, on topics including family, welfare benefits, housing, and immigration, as well as corporate pro bono opportunities.

Equal Opportunities

Skadden is an Equal Opportunities Employer. It does not discriminate against applicants or employees in relation to any protected characteristic including, but not limited to, race, colour, religion or belief, nationality, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, transgender status, pregnancy, childbirth, adoption or disability.

Ahead of making your application, if you have any adjustments which you would like to make us aware of, please contact Dex Balana at Dexanne.Balana@skadden.com directly.