Conflicts & New Business Analyst

About Us

Finnegan is more than just a law firm – we are a powerhouse of innovation and strategy growth.  We pride ourselves on providing top-tier intellectual property services globally.  Our success is rooted in our emphasis on relationships with our clients and each other.  We care about every individual, and it is why many professionals have spent their entire careers at Finnegan.

Role Overview

The Conflicts & New Business Analyst will utilize knowledge of conflicts detection methods and internal/external resources to research and gather conflicts, financial and/or other relevant data on potential clients/case work/new hires/marketing and promotional requests.

Responsibilities

• Monitors and responds to conflict-checking emails, requests for new client and new matter for existing client (new business) approval, requests to clear candidates and other requests for information
• Administers the conflicts review process for candidates and the intake of new business:
• Executes searches and conducts research using firm databases and other resources on all company names submitted for employment and new business purposes as well as any associated names, adverse parties, subsidiaries, or affiliated entities identified through research to determine the nature of potential conflicts
• Analyzes and interprets database and research results (including using judgment to distinguish relevant search results from those that are irrelevant) in order to identify potential issues in employment or new business that may affect compliance with firm policies and the relevant Model Rules of Professional Conduct of the American Bar Association.  Performs due diligence and credit checks on prospective new clients.  Follows up with appropriate financial services personnel and/or other stakeholders if stop-open flag is discovered during new matter approval research; determines whether the firm can proceed with new matter approval process; reports findings to stakeholders along with recommendations for proceeding with new matter approval process if applicable.
• Generates accurate and succinct conflicts report and supporting documentation based on initial analysis of research results, summarizes its content, makes preliminary judgments, communicates results and recommendations to appropriate decision makers, and resolves potential conflicts with attorneys representing current clients
• Proactive collaborates with responsible attorneys, recruiters and others on identified potential conflicts to obtain any additional information as needed and determines the preferred course of resolution.  Facilitates issue resolution by providing attorneys, recruiters and others on recommendations on the steps necessary to resolve any identified potential conflicts
• Understands client disclosure obligations and limitations and determines the extent to which waivers are required to resolve certain conflicts.  In consultation with Loss Prevention Counsel, recommends and initiates courses of action to nullify or mitigate firm’s vulnerability including proposing, drafting and tracking completed documents that will enable attorneys to better manage their interactions with potential and actual clients such as:
• Engagement letters (including specialized waiver language specific to individual engagements) to ensure that the firm does not agree to client requirements that are inconsistent with the policies and procedures of the firm.
• Ethical Wall Memos to address conflicts of interest (generally regarding a conflict or potential conflicts between two or more clients, or a conflict between a client or proposed clients and a new hire or existing firm member), including discussing screen with involved parties to ensure purpose of the memo is understood and working with involved attorneys until all are satisfied with the memo.
• Accommodation Letters to state that the firm does not have an attorney-client relationship to non-client co-assignees and states that the firm only represents the client on the matter, and as an accommodation to the co-assignee.
• Waiver Letters for the execution by firm clients and candidate clients(s) in the event of waivable conflicts or in the event of actual conflicts in which client consent is received
• Joint Representation Agreements that specifically disclose the risks of joint representation, explain the circumstances under which the firm would be willing to represent both parties simultaneously if, after full consideration of the consequences, both clients wish the firm to do so, and obtain consent from both clients.
• Maintains and monitors firm’s adherence to protocol for clearance of new business, including educating all levels of attorneys and staff regarding timely and accurate disclosure of prospective and cleared work view firm wide conflicts checks
• Maintains firm’s Ethical Wall databases and works with Loss Prevention Counsel on other internal monitors and alerts to help sustain and uphold adherence to ethical requirements and standards for new business and new hire acceptance
• Collaborates with other firm members to ensure that all potential speaking engagements and outside communications (blog posts, articles, etc.) do not present viewpoints that conflict with firm business
• Performs projects and/or tasks efficiently, including troubleshooting and identifying effective resolutions to ensure successful project completion, organizing and maintain projects, and reporting status information regarding progress of each project

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Previous experience in conflicts checking preferred
• Strong data entry and word processing skills
• Strong analytical and organizational skills; strict attention to detail is required
• Intermediate experience in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word and Excel); strong knowledge of the Internet/Intranet
• Ability to conduct research using the Internet and other electronic resources
• Ability to understand and interpret conflicts and other reports and summarize their contents
• Excellent written and oral communication skills (including spelling and grammar); professional interaction with all levels of personnel and vendors
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Flexible attitude and the ability to deal well with changing assignments and priorities

The base annual pay range for this role is between $60,000 - $65,000. The base pay to be offered will vary and depend on skills and qualifications, experience, location and will also take into account internal equity. A full range of medical, financial and/or other benefits dependent on the position will also be offered.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: 

Finnegan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The firm is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment, as defined by applicable state and federal laws, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws. For candidates needing reasonable accommodations or assistance with the application process, please contact Human Resources at 202.216.5400.

Our privacy policy for applicants can be found here

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