Overview
Milbank LLP is seeking an experienced, technically adept, and problem-solving oriented individual for the newly established global leadership role of Assistant General Counsel (Conflicts and Compliance) in the Firm's Office of General Counsel.
The Assistant General Counsel (Conflicts and Compliance) will develop, implement, and oversee the process, issues and risks associated with the onboarding new clients, matters, and lateral partner and attorney hires.
This individual will also manage the Firm's Conflicts Department comprised of a global team of conflicts attorneys and analysts.
This is a hybrid role located in either Milbank's NYC or D.C. office.
Responsibilities
• Responsible for the overall operation of the Conflicts Department, including the conflicts of interest process and protocols, as well as the management and professional development of the Firm's global team of conflicts attorneys, conflicts analysts, and conflicts-related staff.
• Collaborate with the Office of General Counsel to devise and execute the overall strategic plan and processes for the Conflicts Department globally and serve as an advisor to the Firm's attorneys on risk management issues and legal and ethical requirements, whether arising under the rules of professional responsibility, disciplinary rules, and other rules or regulations.
• Act as the primary contact within the Office of General Counsel for conflicts-related queries, concerns, and analysis, including confirming the status of specific requests, and identifying, analyzing, and resolving complex conflicts issues.
• Implement efficient approaches to identifying, analyzing, and resolving potential ethical, legal, business, and / or reputational issues related to new clients, new matters, and lateral hire candidates and escalate as appropriate.
• Maintain and/or develop the Firm's global conflicts policies, templates, and procedures and to ensure that systems and processes (including research tools and protocols) are effective.
• Support the clearance and business intake function by reviewing, drafting, and editing conflicts-related documents (i.e., waivers, consents, screening memoranda, engagement letters, and Outside Counsel Policies).
• Assist with the final review of new matter requests submitted by Firm attorneys.
• Oversee the collection, tracking and maintenance of documentation to comply with risk management requirements related to intake and recordkeeping on new engagements and lateral hires.
• Keep apprised of updates to applicable conflicts regulations, professional standards and development of market practice, case law and ethics opinions in all jurisdictions in which the Firm operates and provide recommendations on how such updates or decisions affect the Firm or compliance requirements and controls.
Position Description
Position Description 2
• Collaborate with the Office of General Counsel to ensure conflicts expertise is shared with and embedded within the fee earning and business support teams through the development and delivery of tailored training.
• Prepare regular reports on the results of internal auditing of compliance with the Firm's conflicts policies with a focus on (i) identifying and addressing any compliance concerns; and (ii) making recommendations to key stakeholders on areas requiring attention.
• Assist the Office of General Counsel with the review of outside counsel guidelines, particularly with respect to issues involving new matter clearance and conflicts of interest.
• Collaborate with operational team to assess and quality check the work of the conflicts attorneys and analysts.
• Monitor and prepare regular reports on the adequacy of the Conflicts Department size and makeup.
• Monitor daily and monthly business metrics to maximize the conflict and analyst team productivity and efficiency.
• Lead projects and initiatives designed to streamline workflow and resolve issues.
Compensation: -The anticipated base salary range offered for this role will be between $300K to $350K and represents the firm's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible base compensation.
Actual base compensation will be dependent upon several factors, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant experience, performance, qualifications, degrees, and location, well as the needs of the firm.
Qualifications Juris Doctor degree and active New York or D.C. law license in good standing is required.
US qualified lawyer with a minimum of 8 years of experience of advising global law firms on conflicts of interest and legal ethics.
Knowledge and understanding of the practice areas of the Firm and experience of identifying and resolving conflicts of interest in connection with various types of finance, restructuring, corporate, bankruptcy, capital markets and litigation matters.
Deep understanding of the US ethical, legal and risk management rules and how they apply in the Firm's multijurisdictional practice.
A strong working knowledge of the SRA rules and rules governing professional conduct of lawyers in Germany and Asia is preferred.
Expertise in corporate research; ability to research complex institutional relationships and corporate structures and analyze in the context of applicable conflicts rules, policies, and contractual obligations.
Ability to prioritize issues, balance needs and provide a solution-orientated approach to client service.
Knowledge of best practices and developments in the conflicts and compliance sector and development of and current technologies.
Experience of leading and managing a global team (including in a remote environment) and ability to delegate work effectively and support effective feedback.
Ability to work with conflict checking and workflow software and applications with specific in depth and working knowledge of Intapp Intake, Conflicts and Walls.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with Partners about conflicts issues.
Team player adaptable to fast-paced and changing environment.
Strong cross-cultural awareness, sensitivity, and high level of confidentiality.