Morrison Foerster LLP, an Am Law 50 law firm with 18 offices worldwide, has an opening for a Conflicts Counsel in our San Francisco, New York or Washington, D.C. office. 

The Opportunity 

The Conflicts Counsel provides ongoing assistance to Firm attorneys and staff in resolving conflict of interest issues that arise in the course of client and lateral intake and matter opening and management.  This individual also provides backup to peers within the department and participates in firmwide risk management training and development. 

• Act as formally designated In–House Counsel to Firm; conduct privileged discussions with and advise General Counsel, partners, associates and staff on conflict issues and resolution.
• Assist in identifying and resolving conflicts of interest that arise in new matter intake and matter management, and in onboarding lateral attorneys and staff.  Apply and integrate conflicts adherence expertise with the principles of Firm risk management guidelines.
• Draft conflicts waiver language for insertion in waiver and engagement letters, and in Outside Counsel Guidelines.  Review and approve conflict of interest reports resolved by the conflicts resolution analysts.  Review and advise on ethical wall questions and issues.
• Apply advanced techniques to analyze complex conflicts issues in a systematic, communicable and timely manner.  Demonstrate detailed knowledge of business needs and ongoing Firm objectives.
• Work closely with partners, firm staff and department staff on the resolution of specific conflicts problems.  Anticipate obstacles and develop strategies to resolve them.  Provide professional interpretation and direction.
• Provide assistance and back-up support across all Department teams and staff, as necessary and upon request.
• Advise and train the conflicts analysts on the identification and resolution of conflicts issues.  Ensure department objectives are aligned with Firm goals.  Apply in-depth understanding of current and long-term client needs.
• Collaborate with leadership and team members on the continuing development of the Firm’s conflicts policies and procedures.  Define approaches to achieving objectives and implementing risk management strategies.
• Assist in firmwide conflicts training.  Apply leadership skills and advanced management techniques to maximize risk management training and technology.

Ideal Candidate       

• J.D. and admission to practice in good standing in a U.S. jurisdiction required. 
• Four years of practical law firm experience, with Supervisory experience preferred.
• Familiarity with standard business software.  Familiarity with IntApp Conflicts preferred.
• Familiarity with rules governing conflicts of interest and the conflict resolution process required, and familiarity with compliance, lateral onboarding, sanctions, and/or AML preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to quality and continuous improvement.

Who We Are

At Morrison Foerster, our culture is defined by our deeds. We’re passionate about what we do. We’re equally passionate about how we do it. We resist hierarchies and operate within a model of respect — for our colleagues, their ideas, and the differences that make us stronger. We encourage you to learn more about who we are, and what we do.

Should you find you’re ready to do the best work of your life, we encourage you to let us know!

Where required by law, salary ranges are stated below. Additional compensation may include a discretionary bonus, overtime as applicable, health/welfare benefits, retirement contributions, paid holidays, and PTO. The range displayed is specifically for positions performed in those cities/states and may vary based on factors including but not limited to the following: local market data and ranges; an applicant's skills and prior relevant experience; and certain degrees, licensing, and certifications.

New York, San Francisco salary range: $180k to $300k