Compliance Attorney

New York, NY

Summary

The Compliance Attorney is responsible for assisting the Director, Ethics and Compliance specifically assigned functions within the Ethics and Compliance Department. The Compliance Attorney will support the Firm’s risk management function, acting as a resource and managing certain functions within the conflicts of interest process. Specifically, the Compliance Attorney will assist with drafting and obtaining engagement letters and waivers, and establishing with the Director, Ethics and Compliance, and the Senior Manager, Compliance and Conflicts Operations, formal ethical screens as needed. The Compliance Attorney in conjunction with the Conflicts Attorneys will be responsible for reviewing all conflict questionnaires for incoming hires.

Responsibilities and/or Essential Functions

• Take initiative to identify, address and evaluate potential compliance-related issues as well as appropriate steps for resolution
• Escalate appropriate sensitivity issues to the Director, Ethics and Compliance
• Evaluate potential conflicts of interest and identify appropriate steps for resolution
• Liaise with partners with respect to obtaining engagement letters and necessary conflict waivers
• Assist attorneys in preparing the necessary screening memoranda and consents
• Assist attorneys with analyzing Outside Counsel Guidelines and engagement letters to ensure compliance with agreed upon terms
• Develop expertise on conflicts rules and approaches in specific practice areas and possess and maintain knowledge of conflicts rules
• Assist with the review of Outside Counsel Guidelines Review Process and liaise with Business Development on the RFP Process and provide analysis and summary to the Director, Ethics and Compliance and follow-up with Relationship Partners throughout the review process
• Analyze output of global sanctions and enforcement lists and make decisions with Director, Ethics and Compliance, and firm management on appropriate action
• Work closely with Conflicts Attorneys to review all incoming conflict questionnaires and reports for summer and incoming associates as well as lateral hires
• Assist attorneys with constructing informational barriers and work closely with the Senior Manager, Compliance & Conflicts Operations to ensure the establishment of appropriate barriers and supporting documentation
• Assist Director, Ethics & Compliance, with policies and procedures updates periodically to reflect developments in law; developing in-house training programs (new partners, departments, staff); and discreet conflict and compliance research or projects
• Work closely with the Senior Manager, Compliance & Conflicts Operations to ensure proper classification of documentation (i.e., engagement letters, consents)
• Keep abreast of current legal and other developments that may affect the Firm’s conflicts of interest procedures
• Any additional responsibilities as needed or assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Legal writing and research experience related to the skills or duties described
• Ability to consistently exercise discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters of significance.
• Demonstrate consistency in exhibiting mature judgment and handling confidential information appropriately.
• Effective communicator with strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team with both lawyers and non-lawyers.
• Pro-active self-starter.
• Ability to see the big picture without losing sight of the details.
• Works well under pressure and deadlines.

Education/Certifications

• J.D. Required with Banking, Finance, Restructuring (Bankruptcy) or Corporate experience in a major law firm.
• 5+ years’ experience within BFR (Bankruptcy) or Corporate experience in a major law firm. Experience with compliance, conflicts or risk management a plus.
• Must have an active bar membership and be in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction. Preferably New York State Bar.