About Us

Blank Rome is an Am Law 100 firm with 16 offices and nearly 750 attorneys who provide comprehensive legal and advocacy services to clients operating in the United States and around the world. Our professionals have built a reputation for their leading knowledge and experience across a spectrum of industries and are recognized for their commitment to pro bono work in their communities. Since our inception in 1946, Blank Rome’s culture has been dedicated to providing top-level service to all of our clients and has been rooted in the strength of our diversity and inclusion initiatives. Our commitment to our core values and dedication to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment, allows the firm to attract and retain the brightest in the industry.

Job Overview

The Conflicts Manager oversees a team of Conflict Attorneys and Conflict Analysts in connection with running conflict reports and reviewing, analyzing, identifying and resolving potential conflicts of interest. The Conflicts Manager is also responsible for drafting and reviewing waivers, drafting and reviewing non-standard engagement letters, reviewing outside counsel guidelines, identifying the need for and overseeing implementation of ethical walls, as well as supervising the Conflict Attorney team in doing same. The Conflicts Manager is responsible for drafting and maintaining training and reference materials, identifying areas of improvement and ways to increase efficiencies, and other projects as needed, as well as providing periodic training of attorneys and staff at the Firm in the areas of conflicts, risk management, ethics and compliance.

This role has a remote working arrangement. Potential candidates must reside within one of the 10 states in which we have a physical office. In this role, you will report to the Director of Risk and Compliance.

Essential Functions

• Manage and oversee a team of Conflict Analysts and Conflict Attorneys in the performance of their daily duties relating to conflict searching, identification and resolution.
• Review and analyze conflict of interest reports, identify potential conflicts of interest, and assist Partners and Associates in resolving them.
• Review and analyze lateral materials and conflict of interest reports and identify potential conflicts of interest; assist Partners and Firm Management in resolving same.
• Discuss conflict of interest and loss prevention issues with Partners, Associates, New Business Intake Analysts, and staff; assist same with identifying and resolving potential conflicts of interest.
• Work with General Counsel to address conflict issues relating to new clients and matters, lateral candidates, or other matters requiring attention.
• Exercise discretion and professional independent judgment with respect to the identification and resolution of potential conflicts of interest.
• Draft and review conflict waivers and engagement letter language to ensure that they adequately address conflict concerns, general risk management issues and comply with Firm policies.
• Review outside counsel guidelines to identify deviations from the Firm’s engagement policies; work with relevant attorneys to appropriately address deviations.
• Identify the need for ethical walls to screen individuals from particular clients and matters; manage and maintain the Firm’s processes for implementing walls.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the American Bar Association (ABA) Model Rules of Professional Conduct as adopted in each state in which Blank Rome maintains offices, and jurisdictional differences in all states and practice areas in which Blank Rome conducts business.
• Perform legal research as needed to identify and resolve potential conflicts of interest.
• Supervise and manage the work of Conflicts Analysts and Conflict Attorneys; train them on conflict identification, conflict processes and procedures, system use, workflow, firm processes and procedures and more.
• Update firm policies and procedures relating to conflicts, risk management, compliance and other areas as needed.
• Continually monitor the needs of the Conflicts Department and make staffing recommendations as needed. Onboard and train new conflicts staff.
• Participate in the interviewing, hiring and annual performance evaluation process of members of the Conflicts team.
• Manage and maintain the integrity of the conflicts database.
• Assist with special projects relating to risk management and compliance as they may arise.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.
• Work additional hours as needed to fulfill job requirements.

The above essential functions represent the general nature and level of responsibilities for this position and is not intended to be an all-inclusive list. The firm may modify and amend any job description at any time in its sole discretion.

Skills/Qualifications

• 6+ years of law firm experience, preferably in risk management or corporate compliance.
• 2+ years in a management or supervisory role.
• Law degree from an accredited law school.
• Active bar licensure in at least one state and in good standing.
• Experience in conflicts identification and clearance at a large law firm.
• Strong, functional knowledge of the Rules of Professional Conduct.
• Experience with researching jurisdiction-specific rules as they relate to conflicts of interest.
• Experience with iManage or other document management/document retention software used by major law firms.
• Experience performing legal research and corporate family/affiliate research (Hoovers, Dun & Bradstreet, Lexis/Westlaw, etc.).
• Experience with Intapp Open, Walls, Terms and Elite or other computerized conflicts systems.
• Experience in managing a team.
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written) with the ability to develop positive working relationships (in-person and virtually).
• Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with effective organizational skills.
• Proven problem solving, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Unquestioned integrity and professionalism.
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Teams) and Adobe.
• Proficient in web-based conference call/web-sharing applications.
• Must have and maintain internet access and ability to work remotely after hours as needed.

General Expectations

• Promote positive work habits, including effective and timely communication, teamwork, and demonstrating respect for colleagues.
• Contribute to providing the highest quality of service to internal and external clients.
• Take appropriate initiative and ownership of job responsibilities while ensuring the assignments/job duties are performed successfully and on time.
• Understand and abide by firm policies and embrace firm values.
• Ability to maintain regular attendance and work regularly scheduled hours.
• Ability to sit for long periods of time, type, and handle light lifting (files, copy paper, etc.) in a professional office environment.
• Comply with safe work practices including compliance with the firm’s COVID-19 policies and safety measures.

Compensation

The salary range for this role in New York or California is $160,000 - $170,000. Positions outside of New York or California will be subject to salary ranges specific to the market for that particular geographic location. Actual salaries will vary depending upon various factors, including relevant experience and skillset. The salary range listed is just one component of Blank Rome’s total compensation package for employees. Other monetary rewards include annual discretionary bonuses based on performance and profit-sharing contributions based on eligibility and firm profitability.

In addition, Blank Rome provides a comprehensive suite of benefits to promote health and financial security, including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as life, accident, and disability insurance plans. The firm also provides the opportunity to participate in 401(k) retirement benefits, commuter benefits, and well-being programs.

EEO Statement

Blank Rome is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information, marital or family status, or any other status protected by law.

Our core values of respect for the individual, the community, and the law are clearly demonstrated in our ability to recruit and develop a diverse group of exceptionally talented attorneys and professional staff who enable us to best serve our clients and our communities.