Risk & Compliance Lawyer

New York, NY
Exempt

The New York office of a premier global law firm is seeking a Risk & Compliance Lawyer.  The Risk & Compliance Department is comprised primarily of lawyers and exists to manage the firm’s risk exposure (including identification and management of conflicts of interest) and to provide advice to the partners about a range of ethics & compliance issues.

Reporting to the US Risk & Compliance Manager, the individual will work with the U.S. regional Risk & Compliance team (based in the New York office) and work as part of a broader global team (headquartered in London) to implement internal risk processes, particularly in the area of conflicts of interest, and other compliance requirements arising from relevant jurisdictional regulations (e.g. the New York Rules of Professional Conduct).

Key Responsibilities:

Part of a team providing advice on risk issues and conflicts analysis covering the operations of the firm in all jurisdictions. The role holder will:

• Identify and analyze conflicts of interest (and associated confidentiality) questions arising from potential and existing matters.
• Answer questions from partners, associates and staff at all levels across the firm regarding relevant US law, regulations and firm policies pertaining to conflicts of interest, ethics and regulatory compliance.
• Advise on and assist with the implementation of solutions to resolve conflicts including drafting waiver letters and erecting ethical screens/information barriers.
• Assist with the development, administration, monitoring and maintenance of firm risk and compliance policies and procedures.
• Deliver risk training in the US to meet local needs and as part of firm wide programs.
• Undertake due diligence and reputational risk assessment on new clients.
• Conduct other conflicts and compliance research, projects and auditing, as necessary.

Qualifications:

• Admitted to practice law in the US.
• At least two (2) years of experience working within a conflicts department.
• Requires a comprehensive knowledge of applicable ethical rules and guidelines (e.g., NY and DC Rules of Professional Conduct) and related compliance issues applicable to international law firms.
• Eagerness to keep abreast of changes to relevant legislation and guidance and to become an expert in the laws and procedures relevant to the firm’s practice as a whole, such as the conflicts rules applicable in various EU countries, as well as anti-money laundering, anti-bribery and corruption rules.
• A high level of IT skills is essential and must include familiarity with applications such as Word, Outlook and Excel. Web-based and general research skills essential.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to grasp relevant issues quickly and to understand complex conflicts and regulatory issues, within a commercial context, balanced with an understanding of when it is appropriate to escalate.
• A willingness to take ownership of difficult and unfamiliar issues by displaying initiative, resourcefulness, confidence, presence and a diplomatic manner.
• Excellent drafting and communication skills (written and oral), close attention to detail and a meticulous approach to maintaining concise, up-to-date and accurate records of matters dealt with and advice provided.
• Strong organizational skills. Used to working to very high standards of accuracy and efficiency, but balanced with a practical, commercial and common sense approach.
• Fast thinker, quick learner and able to work effectively under time pressure. Must be able to prioritize competing work demands and multi-task.
• Strong team player – reliable, flexible, helpful and willing to work beyond and outside regular hours as needed to serve the needs of a global firm.
• Excellent interpersonal and client service skills and a positive “can-do” approach.
• Ability to effectively work and liaise confidently and competently with all levels of staff to assist with the resolution of issues.