Conflicts Attorney

Position(s) Applying for: Conflicts Attorney Steptoe LLP, a Washington, DC-based Am Law 100 law firm, is seeking a Conflicts Attorney to join its team. This position is available in our Washington, DC office or remotely, with equal consideration for qualified candidates in locations where the firm can support remote work arrangements. The Conflicts Attorney serves as a key member of the Conflicts and Intake Compliance team, working collaboratively to proactively identify, research, and resolve potential conflicts of interest. This role supports the firmwide conflicts and new business intake process and the lateral hire conflicts clearance process by handling complex conflict analysis and recommending or implementing appropriate resolutions to ensure effective conflict management throughout the client and matter intake lifecycle. The Conflicts Attorney works closely with lawyers across all offices—including international locations—in a high‑volume, fast‑paced environment. This role may provide additional support for client outside counsel guideline reviews as needed. Must be able to communicate clearly with all team members and stakeholders. Steptoe offers a full range of benefits for employees and their eligible dependents. Benefits currently include: medical, dental, vision, life, disability, dependent care, health care flexible spending accounts, 401K Plan, Profit‑Sharing, Holidays, Paid Time Off and a robust Wellness Program. Responsibilities Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the ABA Rules of Professional Conduct, including working knowledge of the D.C. Rules, and apply accurately when reviewing and clearing conflict of interest issues. Conduct legal research related to conflict‑of‑interest issues and stay informed about current developments in conflict rules, cases, opinions. Identify, review and analyze conflicts issues, facilitate appropriate resolutions and elevate complex issues when necessary. Review, modify and approve client engagement letters. Draft conflicts waivers and disclosures, ensuring alignment with Steptoe's policies, procedures, and risk‑management requirements. Monitor and respond promptly to email inquiries with particular attention to conflicts and intake review requests, conflicts reports, clearance questions, engagement letter review and informal search interpretation requests. Prepare clear, concise communications, identifying all potential issues in conflict reports to facilitate efficient matter clearance. Prepare and distribute ethical‑screen memorandum and implement screens within the ethical wall database. Assist in developing written process documentation, best practices and standardized procedures to support consistent departmental operations for the conflict attorney team. Maintain a strong understanding of current departmental policies and act as a resource regarding the new business intake processes. Adhere to strict confidentiality requirements, exercise sound judgement and utilize discretion when handling sensitive information, ensuring compliance with ethical and business obligations. Navigate conflicts database and develop a thorough working knowledge of the Intapp platform and other technologies used within the Conflicts and Intake Compliance Department. Qualifications Juris Doctor (J.D.) and admission to local bar (active and in good standing); admission to DC bar preferred. Working knowledge of the DC Rules of Professional Conduct. At least two years of experience in a conflict attorney role at a law firm is required. Legal writing and research experience that aligns with the skills and responsibilities outlined in this position is required. Ability to turn around work under high pressure, independently manage production of work with short deadlines, and meet overall timeliness demands for the new business opening process. Consistent attention to detail with ability to follow instructions and apply solution‑oriented approaches. Excellent independent judgment. Facility with computer systems in use at law firms including business intake systems and research systems such as Moody's, Bureau van Dijk (Orbis, Compliance Catalyst, World Compliance), LexisNexis and others. Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills. Willingness to work flexible hours and respond to urgent requests outside regular business hours. Success Factors Attention to detail: complete complex projects and tasks accurately and timely. Efficiency: ability to work and problem‑solve quickly and manage time accordingly. Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: recognize problems or situations that are new or without clear precedent; evaluate alternatives and find solutions using a systematic, multi‑step approach; develop improvements and innovations to enhance performance. Customer service: work diligently to provide highest level of service; consistently seeks to improve service levels. Work ethic: ensures that all work is completed on a timely basis, maintains attendance and punctuality at a high level, available for work outside of normal business hours as needed. Interpersonal skills: ability to interact professionally with partners and staff at all levels of the organization as well as clients. Teamwork: ability to work well with others on projects, initiatives, and tasks that require their input and cooperation. Work Environment Non‑Smoking environment. Available to work during regular business hours Monday through Friday. Must be able to work beyond regular business hours and be available on call. Must be able to work under tight deadlines and skillfully manage high‑pressure demands. Steptoe LLP is an equal opportunity employer EOE/Disability/Veteran. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, or any basis proscribed by applicable statutes. #J-18808-Ljbffr Steptoe LLP