Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is a world-leading global law firm, where our ambition is to help you achieve your goals.
Exceptional client service and the pursuit of excellence are at our core. We invest in and care about our client relationships, which is why so many are longstanding. We enjoy breaking new ground, as we have for over 170 years.
As a fully integrated transatlantic and transpacific firm, we are where you need us to be. Our footprint is extensive and committed across the world’s largest markets, key financial centres and major growth hubs.
At our best tackling complexity and navigating change, we work alongside you on demanding litigation, exacting regulatory work and complex public and private market transactions. We are recognised as leading in these areas.
We are immersed in the sectors and challenges that impact you. We are recognised as standing apart in energy, infrastructure and resources. And we’re focused on areas of growth that affect every business across the world.
All of this is achieved by supporting the growth of our people, who help us deliver on our ambition – which is to help you achieve yours.
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer: Your goals. Our ambition
The Opportunity
Role Context
The NB&ER team has overall responsibility for ensuring all the policies and processes involved in taking on new clients and matters are adhered to, and work is accepted in accordance with the firm's risk management procedures. These include carrying out conflict checks for the Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer and associate offices globally, client approval, matter inception, financial crime and anti-money laundering checks, tracking of client terms and retainers, monitoring information barriers.
The Conflicts Team consists of legally qualified team members in London, Sydney and the US. The teams provide joint services, including partner advisory services, globally.
Key Responsibilities
Managing conflict checks on every new matter globally to identify (through analysis) and resolve (through consultation) both legal and commercial conflicts of interest.
Review every new client and matter opportunity through analysis of internal and external information sources and advise partners globally in relation to conflicts and information barrier management.
Understand and identify wider risks including reputational, sanctions, financial crime and commercial conflict issues through Matter Risk Assessment.
Advising partners and lawyers regarding conflict check results, processes and policies.
Liaise with the Financial Crime team on the Matter Risk Assessment.
Ensuring the London team have a close working relationship with the Sydney team and liaising with them to ensure a smooth handover.
Actively contributing to the building of an effective and mutually supportive conflicts team globally.
Influence the design and optimisation of conflicts and information barrier management technology and projects.
Key Qualifications / Skills / Experience
Law degree/LPC
Work experience in a professional services environment in this field for at least a year (we will however consider candidates with less experience provided they can demonstrate the required competencies)
Understanding of the legal and professional regime applying to conflicts of interest and confidential information.
An understanding of US conflicts rules is an additional advantage.
Strong research and analytical skills
Excellent commercial awareness
Ability to prioritise workloads
Attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to work autonomously, escalate and prioritise multiple tasks
Clear verbal, written and face to face communication skills with staff at every level
Knowledge of Microsoft programs and research resources
Ability to work well under pressure and to deadlines
Key Competencies
Personal Conduct
Positively impacts those around them, makes quality decisions and develops themselves both personally and professionally
Anticipates potential problems and identifies a range of possible solutions
Critical Thinking
Builds Authentic Relationships
Takes time to get to know people beyond their role
Treats people with respect and in a fair and consistent way
Conducts themselves in a way that reflects positively on the firm’s brand, both inside and outside the firm
Collaborates with others
Works within teams and across boundaries to share knowledge and achieve results
Identifies and builds relationships required to achieve the best outcomes for the firm
Generously shares their time, knowledge, expertise and talent to support others’ success
Enhances the Client Experience
Achieves Results
Maintains focus and drive to achieve quality outcomes
Focuses their time and efforts on issues that will have the greatest impact on agreed objectives
Anticipates responses and plans their approach accordingly
Maintains perspective and optimism when faced with difficulties and setbacks
Team
General Counsel and Risk
Full time
Location
London
Contract type
Permanent Contract
Diversity & Inclusion
We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone thrives. We see this as essential to our success, including our ability to innovate and achieve sustained high performance. This is a key part of our Values—Human, Bold, and Outstanding.
