Washington, DC - Conflicts Attorney I

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About Us

Winston & Strawn is a leading global law firm committed to excellence, diversity, and professional growth. Our collaborative culture and commitment to high‑quality legal services provide a dynamic environment for legal professionals to advance their careers.

Position Summary

As a Conflicts Attorney I, you will be a key member of the Conflicts Department, supporting new business and conflict intake, lateral hiring, firm growth initiatives, and risk management programs. You will identify, analyze, and resolve ethical conflicts, ensuring compliance with professional conduct rules and firm policies. You will collaborate with attorneys and staff across the firm to facilitate timely and accurate conflict clearance and contribute to best practices within the department.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Review and process new business and lateral hire requests, conducting thorough searches on the firm’s databases and researching entities using internal and third‑party resources.
• Analyze search results in accordance with applicable ethical rules and firm policies; prepare detailed conflict reports and propose effective resolutions.
• Draft and review engagement letters, waivers, and ethical wall memoranda.
• Conduct legal research on rules of professional conduct, case law, and jurisdictional issues related to conflicts clearance, lateral hiring, ethical walls, and related issues.
• Advise firm lawyers on conflicts of interest issues.
• Collaborate with firm lawyers, Assistant General Counsel, Conflicts team members, and other firm personnel to resolve conflict and business issues.
• Maintain and update the firm’s conflicts database with precise and current information on clients and matters, ensuring thorough documentation of conflict resolutions and any waivers obtained.
• Provide training and support to Conflicts Department colleagues, fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Respond to urgent conflict matters outside of normal department business hours and participate in after‑hour on‑call as required.
• Assist with software implementation, testing, and special projects as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school and an active license to practice law in the U.S. required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in a large international law firm Conflicts environment or as an associate at a large law firm required.
• Role available as either hybrid or fully remote.

Competencies

• Substantive knowledge of ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct and other relevant jurisdictional rules.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel; ability to adapt to new software and applications.
• Experience with Intapp conflicts checking and new business intake software.
• Strong critical thinking, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent professional interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment and make effective decisions.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively.
• Ability to maintain a high‑level work product in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.
• Commitment to providing high‑quality, customer‑focused service.

Benefits

Winston offers comprehensive benefits that provide a full spectrum of coverage and support for our full‑time employees and their families. Additional information about benefits and rewards can be found on the firm’s website.

Salary

Illinois applicants only: The target annual salary range for this role is $109,000–$142,000. Los Angeles & Washington, DC applicants only: $114,000–$148,000. New York applicants only: $119,000–$155,000. Bay Area applicants only: $129,000–$168,000.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.