Job Description

We are currently recruiting for an

In-House Lawyer - Conflicts

to work a pattern including Saturday and Sunday each week. We would consider candidates looking to work four or five days per week for this position.



The purpose of this role is to be a trusted adviser to the business, providing high quality, proactive business-focused support and solutions to colleagues on a variety of commercial and complex regulatory issues, focused mainly on conflicts of interest and other business acceptance matters. It requires an individual with the ability to develop strong working relationships in order to be a "go to" and accessible person for queries and concerns from around the world from stakeholders of all levels from business teams and fee-earning, including practice group heads and senior management.



In-House Lawyers are given a high level of autonomy and expected to take responsibility for identifying solutions and driving them forward. In addition, they will participate in strategic projects and will be part of the horizon-scanning team, inputting into the strategic direction of the firm's regulation.

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

Analysing and resolving (or, where appropriate, facilitating resolution of) professional, legal, regulatory and commercial issues relating to business acceptance and client engagement which are referred by business acceptance analysts and by partners and all other levels of lawyer and support staff including business/commercial conflict issues, professional and legal conflicts issues, anti-money laundering client ID issues, reputational and suitability issues, client confidentiality issues and handling client engagement letter queries. Exercising judgment as to when to refer issues (of the type listed in 1 above) to the Partner and the Head of the Business Acceptance Unit and facilitating the resolution of any such issues referred. Responding, and managing the team's responses, to queries addressed to the members of the BAU relating to business acceptance and client engagement including, in particular, in relation to the areas listed in 1 above. Monitoring changes in practice, professional rules, regulations and the law as affects business acceptance and client engagement globally so that these can be reflected in the business acceptance and client engagement process and policies. Monitoring changes and developments in practice, professional rules, regulations and the law as relate to client ID and KYC obligations under anti-money laundering requirements. Assisting in the creation and maintenance of precedents and know how resources for use within the business acceptance and client engagement team and the development of appropriate business acceptance and client engagement know how (e.g. briefings) for use throughout the firm. Assisting in the development of the analyst team's regulatory expertise and work type experience. Mentoring, supervising and assisting in the management of the Business Acceptance Unit's Analyst and Administrative staff. Assisting in the creation, ongoing development and implementation of the firm's global business acceptance and client engagement policies, processes and systems. For example those relating to client confidentiality and information barriers, matter inception, new client acceptance, conflicts and conflict checking, internal matter records databases (for conflicts management purposes), other external database resources used for business acceptance purposes, use, and development, of functionality within the firm's existing systems for business acceptance purposes, the business acceptance watchlist (listing sensitive areas being actively monitored) and the content, collection and storage of engagement letters. Screening, and advising on, the terms of pitch documents and engagement/relationship letters and ensuring that any relevant terms are noted and taken into account in the course of the business acceptance process. Intervention (where required, at the point of business acceptance) to issue directions on specific formalities required for business acceptance purposes e.g. levels of virtual file security and any need for formal information barriers. Assistance in monitoring information barriers including setting up information barriers, information barrier clearances on walled matters and responding to queries on the firm's procedures. Assisting in the design, implementation and delivery of training presentations and other development programmes for lawyers and support departments regarding risk management and, in particular, business acceptance and client engagement.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Experience in relation to conflicts of interest within a law firm environment is essential. Qualified lawyer. A strong academic background. International experience with a leading top tier firm is highly advantageous with a strong background in multi-jurisdictional transactions or dispute resolution of particular interest. Interest in, and potential for, developing mentoring skills. Commercially minded and possessing a strong legal skill set. Ability to analyse facts and scenarios thoroughly (and yet quickly) and proactively to put forward resolutions to legal and commercial problems. Excellent task management skills and a proven ability to manage multiple tasks under time pressure. Enthusiastic, self-motivated and pro-active.
Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any adjustments as required.



We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.



We recognise that our people are our most valuable asset, which is reflected in the wide range of benefits that are available to our employees. Some of these benefits include: our occupational pension scheme, group income protection cover, private medical insurance, mental health resources and free apps, health and wellbeing services encompassing an onsite gym, wellbeing centre and GP service, emergency back-up care support, parental and special leave, holiday entitlement increasing with length of service, holiday trading, season ticket loans and online discounts and lifestyle management services.



Our approach to hybrid working seeks to combine and maximise the benefits of effective remote working with the benefits of being in the office. Our current hybrid working arrangements require office based working for a minimum of 60% of your time (

i.e.

three days per week for a full time role) in accordance with our hybrid working policy.

Additional information - External

A&O Shearman is a global industry-leading law firm, with nearly 50 offices in 28 countries worldwide. Our fluency in English law, US law, and the laws of the world's most dynamic markets, enables us to provide unmatched insight and seamless delivery to clients. We work on challenging and important deals and disputes that have the potential to shape the future.



We offer exceptional opportunities for our people; opportunities to work for the world's leading businesses; to transform the status quo, and to deliver your best work, helping you and your career to thrive, while delivering unparalleled outcomes for our clients.



Whether you're helping clients solve complex challenges, transforming the ways we manage our business, or ensuring the smooth-running of our operations, this is an environment where you can belong and excel. We provide first-rate training and development, we are committed to an inclusive environment, and we provide support and ways of working that help you optimise your wellbeing.



What truly defines a career with us? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. And together, we will redefine success.