Firm Attorney

The Firm Attorney in the Office of the General Counsel plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the firm’s legal interests by overseeing the review and negotiation of outside counsel guidelines (OCGs) and managing client inquiries and audits. This position will work closely with the Associate General Counsel and serve as a vital resource across the firm, collaborating with multiple departments to ensure compliance and risk mitigation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as the designated in-house counsel to the firm, providing legal advice to the Office of the General Counsel, lawyers, and business professionals regarding OCGs and related processes.

• Review, negotiate, and finalize OCGs and firm engagement letters, presenting legal and strategic recommendations to relevant stakeholders, including the Office of the General Counsel and partners, while adeptly escalating issues as necessary.

• Identify, articulate, and document the firm’s stance on various OCG provisions. Collaborate with the Office of the General Counsel and various departments to formulate consistent responses and positions, develop precedent and track relevant language and provisions.

• Partner with the Conflicts & Legal Ethics department to streamline OCG review processes, ensuring timely finalization and execution. Maintain organized records of executed OCGs and engagement letters that are easily accessible to firm management and appropriate personnel.

• Collaborate with partners, the Conflicts & Legal Ethics department, and other departments to monitor and ensure compliance with all agreed-upon OCG provisions.

• Respond to client audits and reviews of the firm’s operations and policies. 

• Conduct thorough analyses of complex ethical, legal, regulatory, and commercial issues affecting the firm, its lawyers, and business professionals, advising on potential risks and necessary mitigating actions.

• Perform other relevant responsibilities as assigned by the Office of the General Counsel to support the firm’s overall mission.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and a Bachelor’s degree.

• Active member in good standing with the New York Bar.

• At least 3-4 years of relevant experience in the Office of the General Counsel at a law firm, focusing on OCGs and client audits.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate ideas, reports, and legal analyses.

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to prioritize tasks aligned with the firm’s strategic objectives.

• Proven project management capabilities, demonstrating strategic thinking and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

• A robust sense of accountability, self-motivation, and the ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities effectively.

• Excellent judgment and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive matters, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.

• Strong consultancy and diplomatic skills for managing relationships across various internal departments.

• A demonstrated eagerness to learn about new legal areas and changes in law, particularly concerning rules of professional conduct and risk management related to law firms.

• Familiarity with data security laws is advantageous, along with proficiency in legal research and document management systems.

• The ideal candidate will be proactive, detail-oriented, and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment while fostering strong collaborative relationships across the firm.

Salary Information

NY Only: The estimated base salary range for this position is $175,000 to $200,000 at the time of posting.

The actual salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. This role is exempt meaning it is not overtime pay eligible.

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