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JOB TITLE: Lateral Conflict Counsel FLSA STATUS: Exempt LOCATION: Flexible (hybrid work environment) REPORTS TO: Compliance Counsel

POSITION SUMMARY: The Lateral 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. This position will prioritize evaluating conflicts for lateral attorneys joining the firm. 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 the 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. This role partners closely with the Operations Integrations Team responsible for mergers and acquisitions.

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 $110,000 and $144,000, 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 lateral and contract attorney prior work history. Prepare summaries of potential conflicts identified to discuss with firm personnel and lateral attorneys.
• Assist in clearing lateral attorney candidates by communicating with the candidate and responsible attorneys.
• Completely and accurately document conflict resolutions for lateral attorneys and record any such information within the appropriate client and matter file.
• Work with firm personnel and responsible attorneys to implement ethical walls for incoming laterals or contract attorneys when deemed appropriate.
• 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 raft 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 three (3) years of legal research experience is required. A minimum of one (1) year of new business intake and ethical conflict review experience is required. A minimum of five (5) years of experience working in a legal environment (law firm or in-house legal department), or in a professional responsibility role, is highly preferred.
• Technical Skills: Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, Teams); experience with InTapp Open 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: Deep understanding of the Rules of Professional Responsibility . 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 recruits and high-stakes stakeholders with clarity and professional reasoning.
• Confidentiality & Professionalism: Demonstrates discretion, professionalism, and respect for confidentiality when handling sensitive information.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None. However, this position may provide technical guidance and peer-level mentorship to junior team members.

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.
• 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.