JOB TITLE: Conflict Counsel FLSA STATUS: Exempt LOCATION: Flexible (hybrid work environment) REPORTS TO: Compliance Counsel
POSITION SUMMARY: The Conflict Counsel is a full-time, non-exempt staff attorney position that can be based in any of our office locations. This position serves as a critical gatekeeper for the firm’s ethical and professional integrity. This role focuses exclusively on the legal analysis and resolution of potential conflicts of interest arising from the new business intake process. Rather than practicing in a traditional litigation or transactional practice group, this position operates within the firm’s General Counsel Team. This role will apply a sophisticated understanding of various versions of the Rules of Professional Conduct to evaluate complex legal relationships, draft waivers, and ensure that every new matter the firm accepts is ethically sound and commercially viable.
Compensation: At Spencer Fane, we carefully consider a wide range of factors when determining compensation, including your background and experience. These considerations can cause your compensation to vary. We expect the annual salary for this role to start between $100,000 and $137,000, and the salary will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and office location. We encourage all interested candidates to apply.
Benefits: Medical, Vision, Dental, Life, 401k, Disability.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Review and analyze new business conflict reports, including contacting attorneys as needed and reviewing firm databases to verify information contained in the report. Prepare summaries of potential conflicts identified for requesting attorneys and recommend appropriate responsive actions.
- Assist requesting attorneys in communicating with responsible attorneys to determine the nature of potential conflicts and whether such conflicts may be waived.
- Assist in drafting and reviewing draft conflict waiver requests (letters or e-mails), conflict disclosures, waiver requests, and proposed waiver letters that will be transmitted by the requesting or responsible attorney to the prospective or existing client.
- Advise members of the General Counsel Team as necessary during the conflict resolution process for appropriate approvals or decisions.
- Completely and accurately document conflict resolution and record any such information within the appropriate client and matter file.
- Communicate with firm attorneys to obtain further information about current or former representation for purposes of analyzing conflicts.
- Research and implement best practices regarding conflict-checking processes and compliance with ethical rules.
- Advise firm personnel regarding applicable Rules of Professional Conduct and firm policies.
- Assist in crafting client communications regarding conflicts and other matters subject to the applicable Rules of Professional Conduct.
- Develop, review, and update communication materials related to new business intake and the conflict-checking process.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Education: Law degree from an accredited law school required
- Bar License: Must be in good standing to practice in the state where your assigned office is located
EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:
- Experience: A minimum of one (1) year of legal research experience is required. A minimum of three (3) years of experience working in a legal environment (law firm or in-house legal department), or in a professional responsibility role, is preferred.
- Technical Skills: Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, Teams); experience with InTapp Open is highly preferred. Ability to research specific jurisdictions as they relate to conflict-of-interest issues.
- Organizational & Time Management Skills: Ability to handle multiple assignments while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Judgment, Initiative & Prioritization: Ability to interpret and apply the applicable Rules of Professional Conduct . Applies sound judgment, initiative, and advanced prioritization skills to complete assigned tasks accurately and on time, following established procedures. Ability to thoroughly research a potential conflict and utilize deductive reasoning and analytical skills to assimilate the information gathered to draw appropriate conclusions.
- Communication & Collaboration: Clear and professional verbal and written communication skills; ability to work effectively and build strong relationships with attorneys, paralegals, clients, and administrative staff. Ability to deliver difficult to hear information to high-stakes stakeholders with clarity and professional reasoning.
- Confidentiality & Professionalism: Demonstrates discretion, professionalism, and respect for confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Primarily performed in a remote or office environment with frequent interaction across attorneys, paralegals, and administrative teams.
- Travel to other office locations or external administrative sites may be occasionally required. Travel will be required for initial training.
- Work hours are generally standard business hours; occasional evenings or weekends may be required to meet deadlines or support urgent matters.
- Fast-paced, collaborative environment requiring adaptability, strong attention to detail, and effective prioritization.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Regularly required to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods while performing administrative and supervisory duties.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 10 lbs for filing, document handling, or office materials.
- Ability to perform repetitive motions, including typing, filing, and scanning.
- Occasional bending, reaching, and handling of office equipment.
- Adequate visual and auditory ability to accurately review legal documents, read computer screens, printed materials, and communicate effectively.
DISCLAIMER The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified.
