Conflicts Assistant

Job Description

We are Eversheds Sutherland, a global law firm, with 5,000+ colleagues in more than 30 countries. We’re full-service with deep niche and sector experience. Whatever challenge, wherever in the world, we’re equipped and ready to meet it. We live our values,we’re purposeful and purpose-led. So although the world is fast-moving and rapidly changing, we see it as a place where everyone can thrive. We’re ambitious for our clients, our communities - and for you. Whether you’re starting out on your career or wellestablished, whether you’re a lawyer or in business services. If you’re looking for what’s next, we are too.What to expectFor business professionals, our environment is highly collaborative with value being placed on diversity of ideas, skills and mindsets. Not least yours. It’s energetic, fast-moving and there’s always something new to get involved in. You will get exposureacross geographies and the firm as a whole. The future is a place of opportunity. Focusing on your success and for what’s next, will ensure you thrive too.Our teamThe Eversheds Sutherland Business Acceptance Team is based in Leeds and works within the Risk Team to support the business in meeting its legal and regulatory obligations. The department is split into two sub-teams, the Conflicts Team and the Client OpeningTeam.Role and key responsibilitiesThis role sits within the Conflicts Team where you’ll join a group of Conflict Assistants & Analysts providing a business critical function. You will be responsible for completing conflict checks on incoming instructions to ensure the business meets itsobligations under the Solicitors Regulation Authority Code of Conduct.You are required to complete conflict checks through our bespoke conflict checking system before analysing the data from our client and matter database to identify any potential conflict of interest. If a potential conflict is identified you will then needto liaise with stakeholders across the business to try and resolve the issue. This will include obtaining a full understanding of the scope of each instruction, advising Client Partners on the regulatory position and supporting them in making a commercialassessment on the new instruction.In addition, you will screen clients and counterparties against applicable sanctions lists to ensure any potential exposure is captured, assessed and escalated to the Sanctions Clearance Group for review.The role requires a mix of technical knowledge, commercial awareness and problem solving ability and provides a unique insight into the breadth of work of a global law firm. A structured trainingKey Responsibilities

• Conducting conflict checks and analysing potential conflicts of interest using the Firm’s conflict checking system, Intapp. This involves the detailed interrogation of data.
• Analysing potential legal conflicts and confidentiality issues in accordance with applicable regulation and common law.
• Identifying wider commercial issues at the client acceptance and conflict checking stage.
• Working with partners and fee earners to find a practical solution to any commercial issues that arise.
• Offering partners and fee earners advice and support throughout the conflict checking process.
• Developing knowledge of the SRA Code of Conduct rules relating to conflicts of interest and the duties of confidentiality and disclosure.
• Developing a good understanding of the American Bar Association Model Rules of Professional Conduct
• Developing a working relationship with the legal teams and practice groups to determine best practices.
• Assisting with the implementation and maintenance of information barriers to help protect highly confidential and sensitive client information.

Skills and experienceWe are looking for:

• Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to conduct thorough research using the internet and databases.
• Ability to work independently and with others as part of a team along with remaining calm and professional at times of increased workload and pressure.
• Excellent IT skills across the MS suite of programmes and willingness to learn new computer packages, software and document management systems.
• Language skills (particularly German, Spanish, French, Arabic, Mandarin or Cantonese) are desirable but not essential.
• Candidates should ideally be educated to degree level but non-graduates with previous conflicts or compliance experience will also be considered.
• Knowledge of Solicitors Regulation Authority Code of Conduct provisions on conflicts of interest, confidentiality and disclosure is desirable but not essential.

Key Behaviour

• Hard working and well organised.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Remains calm and professional at times of increased workload and pressure.
• Responds positively to change, feedback and new challenges.
• Applies logical thinking and demonstrates ability to prioritise.
• Approachable, open and honest, promoting a strong sense of team and a co-operative working environment.
• Ability to summarise information from a variety of sources in order to make considered recommendations.

What’s in it for youAt Eversheds Sutherland, we provide benefits focused on looking after you: your development, your performance, your financial future and your health, as well as providing the opportunity to make a contribution to the world.

• We’re fair, transparent and equitable
• We share in the success of the firm, reward alignment to our values, going above and beyond and your individual performance
• We support flexible ways of working through our remote working policy and commitment to flexible, agile and hybrid ways of working
• We support your health and performance through our dental, healthcare and wellness support
• We support everything you are and all you bring through our powerful commitment to diversity and inclusion