Cleary Gottlieb is a pioneer in globalizing the legal profession. We have 16 offices in major financial centers around the world, but we operate as a single, integrated global partnership and not a U.S. firm with a network of overseas locations. The firm employs approximately 1,100 lawyers from more than 50 countries.

Since 1946 our lawyers and staff have worked across practices, industries, jurisdictions and continents to provide clients with simple, actionable approaches to their most complex legal and business challenges, whether domestic or international. We support every client relationship with intellectual agility, commercial acumen and a human touch.

The Conflicts Attorney is a valued member of the Firm’s Risk team and provides support to the Firm’s sixteen offices globally. The Conflicts Attorney is primarily responsible for reviewing conflict check reports prepared by risk analysts in connection with the business intake and new hire processes, preparing analyses identifying legal and possible business conflicts, and managing the resolution of any such conflicts. The Conflicts Attorney will work directly with partners and counsel on a daily basis, as well as other members of Firm leadership.  

• Review conflict reports prepared in connection with the global business intake process. Identify potential legal and business conflicts of interest issues, and provide detailed analysis and advice directly to partners, and collaborate with members of the firm to resolve conflict issues.
• Draft conflict waivers, facilitate requests and coordinate tracking waivers in firm systems.
• Review conflict reports prepared in connection with the new hire process; provide detailed analysis and advice directly to firm partners as well as advising new hires on conflict issues.
• Erect and maintain ethical walls and other legal screens.
• Provide guidance to team of non-lawyer analysts in support of the business intake process, including best practices on corporate family research, and other aspects of the preparation of conflict check reports.
• Assist in drafting standard engagement letters and editing letters drafted by others.
• Answer queries from attorneys and professional staff across the firm, concerning business intake policies and procedures, conflicts of interest, and other firm policies.
• Work on ad hoc projects that arise from time to time.
• Be available for urgent matters, including evenings and weekends.

• J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to practice in good standing New York.
• 2-5 years total experience in a highly regarded commercial law firm dealing with conflicts.
• Experience analyzing and advising on U.S. conflicts rules, preferably the New York Rules of Professional Conduct and related guidance, a plus.
• Knowledge of InTapp conflict checking and business intake systems a plus.
• Excellent communication and strong interpersonal skills, both verbal and written. Must be able to draft complex information succinctly, thoroughly and in plain English, as well as communicate such analysis verbally.
• Ability to work efficiently, give clear and commercial advice and understand the significance of matters in the wider context of the firm’s business.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills, with a focus on attention to detail and the highest standards of accuracy and efficiency.
• Ability to manage a workload comprising of day to day queries as well as longer-term projects that may arise from time to time.
• Ability to effectively liaise with all levels of both legal and professional staff to assist with the resolution of issues and be able to inspire confidence from senior people.
• Should be resourceful, possess initiative and be able to work autonomously with a high personal motivation, while also being an effective member of a global team.
• Must be a fast thinker and quick learner able to work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines. Must be able to prioritize, multi task, show confidence and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

The estimated base salary range for this position is $150,000 to $200,000 at the time of posting. The actual salary offered will depend on a variety of job-related factors, including skills, education, training, credentials, experience, scope and complexity of role responsibilities, geographic location, and performance. This role is exempt meaning it is not overtime pay eligible.

At Cleary Gottlieb, all members of our community deserve respect as individuals and appreciation for the contributions they make to our community. We champion diversity, equity, and inclusion, and creating equal opportunities to develop and succeed.