Conflicts Counsel
Akerman LLP is seeking a Conflicts Counsel with 3+ years of experience to join the firm’s General Counsel’s Office as a key advisor on client onboarding, engagement risk, and lateral integration. In addition to clearing conflicts for new matters, this Conflicts Counsel position will be responsible for critical processes including new client engagement letter review, Outside Counsel Guidelines, and lateral conflict clearance. This role serves as a trusted resource for partners and firm administration, partnering closely with firm leadership, practice groups, and the recruiting team to support strategic growth while maintaining the firm’s risk management standards.
Key Responsibilities: Client Engagement Letters & Risk Management
- Oversee the firm’s end-to-end client engagement letter process
- Review engagement terms for compliance with firm policies and risk standards
- Identify legal and commercial risks and draft proposed revisions
- Coordinate internal review and approvals
Outside Counsel Guidelines (OCGs)
- Lead the review and negotiation of client OCGs
- Coordinate input across internal stakeholders
- Draft exceptions and revisions aligned with firm policies
- Manage client communications regarding OCG modifications
Advisory & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Serve as a primary point of contact for partners and administrative teams on client engagement and waiver matters
- Partner closely with recruiting and practice leadership on lateral onboarding strategy
- Provide additional support on conflicts clearance processes and other assignments, as needed
Qualifications:
- J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school and active bar membership
- 3+ years of experience practicing law at a mid-to-large law firm or in a comparable legal environment
- Working knowledge of professional responsibility and conflicts of interest principles
- Strong analytical, drafting, and communication skills
- Ability to manage time-sensitive matters with sound judgment and discretion
- Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Availability to handle urgent matters outside standard business hours, as needed
- Prior experience in conflicts, ethics, or professional responsibility highly preferred
- Prior experience within a law firm General Counsel’s office or risk function highly preferred
Compensation & Benefits: $150,000 – $175,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to base salary, Akerman offers an annual discretionary bonus, paid time off, comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, 401k Profit Sharing Plan (employee‑only contribution plan), and a parking or pre‑tax commuter benefit, depending on location.
Location: Flexible across all Akerman offices
Work Arrangement: Hybrid and remote options available
About the Firm Founded in 1920, Akerman is recognized as one of the country’s premier law firms, with more than 700 lawyers in 24 offices throughout the United States. To learn more about our firm, please visit us at www.akerman.com.
Firm Recognitions
- Top 100 U.S. Law Firms ( The American Lawyer )
- Among the Most Innovative Law Firms ( Financial Times )
- Ranked among 100 Most Prestigious U.S. Law Firms ( Vault )
- Listed in “Best Law Firms” with 143 Tier One rankings nationally and in key business centers throughout the U.S., including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Orlando, and Washington D.C., among others ( Best Lawyers)
- Ranked among Top U.S. Law Firms for Client Service in the “ BTI Client Service A-Team” report ( BTI Consulting)
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
We are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment where all individuals can reach their full potential, no matter their race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation or genetic makeup.
Note to Search Firms
We are not accepting search firm submissions for this position. Please contact danielle.shannon@akerman.com for additional information.
