Address
Form of work Conflicts | Melbourne Metropolitan
Closing date: 13/04/2023
About the role
K&L Gates currently have an opportunity for a Manager to join our Melbourne office and lead a team of passionate and experienced Conflicts Risk Assessment Lawyers and support staff.
The Conflicts department is responsible for handling new business intake requests and associated conflict checks, due-diligence and compliance work for the firm. This includes overseeing the timely analysis and processing of conflicts and file opening requests, as well as identifying, analysing and resolving any potential conflicts related to new business or lateral hires.
This is a full time permanent managerial role with a global law firm that embraces change and innovation and provides staff with rewarding and fulfilling careers. We embrace flexibility and the team works from home regularly to maintain a healthy work/life balance, however, when you are in the office, you will be based in a great location in Melbourne's CBD, you will enjoy amazing views from your own office, have access to a range of modern amenities and be part of a friendly and collaborative culture.
What does the role involve?
Reporting to an Associate Director based in the US, this varied and unique role provides exposure to a variety of responsibilities that will involve regular interactions with colleagues locally and all around the world. On a daily basis you will:
Lead and manage a small team (three Conflict Risk Assessment Lawyers and three support staff) including overseeing recruitment, on-boarding, training and development, retention and staff motivation.
Participate in your own share of conflict searches and provide accurate and timely reports to requestors.
Assess submitted conflict searches completed by team members for accuracy and completeness to ensure proper analysis of results and consistent recommendations are applied.
When required, contact partners and lawyers to clarify details and information to ensure conflicts can be properly and accurately assessed.
Explain departmental processes and train new and existing staff in conflict and new business intake procedures.
Prepare conflict resolution controls, including but not limited to, consent and waiver letters, joint representation, spousal consent and ethical screen memoranda's as required.
Monitor workflow and performance of team members including identifying firm priorities and ensuring workloads are distributed to team members appropriately.
Answer general and specific questions on conflict checks, resolution procedures and file openings.
Ensure confidentiality and privacy of departmental information is maintained at all times.
Provide innovative solutions to improve processes, reduce errors and increase efficiencies within the team.
Review, draft and provide advice on client engagement agreements, conflict waivers, external publications and outside counsel guidelines.
Proactively engage with the HR on people issues as required.
Vet all new business intake requests to ensure compliance with the firm's business direction.
What are we looking for?
To be successful in this role, you will exhibit a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality while maintaining a good rapport with the firm’s partners, lawyers and staff.
The essential requirements of the role include:
Holding (or have the ability to obtain) a current practicing certificate in Victoria.
Previous experience in a conflicts/risk management/compliance role.
Knowledge and understanding of the rules of professional conduct relating to conflicts of interest.
At least two years' experience in leading and managing a team of professionals.
Strong research skills and a high level of attention to detail.
The ability to consistently exercise discretion and independent judgment.
Highly capable in creating, editing, proofreading and finalizing all written communications including e-mails, memoranda, documents, etc.
The ability to build internal networks quickly.
Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate concisely, influence and build a strong rapport with various stakeholders.
We are seeking an exceptional manager who wants to become a part of our firm on all levels, to help us expand, challenge our limits, and push us to grow into the future. If you are motivated by job challenges and personal growth, then K&L Gates could be the right place for you.
About Us
K&L Gates is a fully integrated global law firm with forty eight offices spanning five continents. The firm’s Australian operations provide vast knowledge of the Australian legal marketplace across a wide spectrum of industries. With lawyers located in four established offices in Australia’s leading financial and commercial centres and possessing substantial experience, K&L Gates acts for industry leaders, major corporations, capital markets participants, major financial institutions, and governments on ground-breaking legal transactions, both domestically and internationally.
We are focused on innovation, collaboration, and are constantly striving for excellence in our client service and culture. By working at K&L Gates, you will thrive in a dynamic legal landscape where we invest in your career path and talent development. With a global presence and lawyers with top-tier skills in a multitude of practice areas, K&L Gates is truly a one-of-a-kind firm at which to grow your career.
Do you like what you see?
Please apply via our Careers page at www.klgates.com
For more information please contact Tania Brierley, Recruitment Consultant at tania.brierley@klgates.com
For more information about K&L Gates please see our website www.klgates.com
K&L Gates is an equal opportunity employer and promotes the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of those with a disability. We welcome applications from people who have an indigenous and/or culturally and linguistically diverse background.
