Conflicts Attorney – Client Terms
Advising on Client Engagement Terms, Risk & Commercial Strategy
At Ashurst Perkins Coie US LLP, effective client engagement requires thoughtful legal judgment, commercial awareness, and strong risk management. We’re seeking a Conflicts Attorney – Client Terms to advise firm lawyers and internal stakeholders on engagement letters, outside counsel guidelines, and other client terms, helping the firm reach practical, mutually acceptable agreements while protecting its legal, ethical, and business interests.
The ideal candidate is an experienced attorney with strong contract negotiation and risk management skills who can navigate complex client requirements, collaborate across a global organization, and balance legal considerations with commercial priorities and client relationships.
This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship now or in the future.
What You'll Do
- Review and analyze client engagement terms, including outside counsel guidelines, engagement letters, NDAs, codes of conduct, and related agreements.
- Advise firm attorneys on the legal, commercial, operational, and risk implications of proposed client terms.
- Lead or support negotiations with clients and firm attorneys, recommending practical revisions that protect the firm while addressing client priorities.
- Identify material legal, regulatory, compliance, and business risks and partner with subject matter experts, management, and General Counsel on appropriate solutions.
- Review proposed changes to the firm’s standard engagement terms and advise on exceptions and deviations.
- Serve as a risk and compliance resource for client, vendor, and banking questionnaires and business development submissions, including RFPs.
- Provide guidance to Conflicts Attorneys and Analysts on complex or unusual client terms.
- Develop and improve negotiation strategies, procedures, workflows, and documentation practices related to client engagement terms.
- Ensure finalized terms, exceptions, and commitments are accurately documented and maintained in an auditable manner.
- Monitor relevant legal and regulatory developments and recommend updates to policies, processes, and engagement practices.
- Lead or support special projects, including initiatives involving risk, compliance, contract management, or related technology.
What You'll Bring
- J.D. with an active license in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
- 5+ years of legal practice experience in a law firm or professional services environment; large law firm experience preferred.
- 2+ years of experience in compliance, risk management, in-house counsel, or contract-focused legal work.
- Demonstrated experience reviewing and negotiating client-drafted contracts or law firm engagement terms.
- Strong legal, commercial, analytical, and problem-solving judgment.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with attorneys, clients, and senior stakeholders.
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Ability to work independently, navigate ambiguity, and make sound decisions with limited supervision.
- Strong attention to detail and discretion when handling sensitive and confidential matters.
- Working knowledge of AI, technology, data management, business organizations, and financing concepts.
- Applicants must be licensed and in good standing to practice law in the state of the office out of which they will be based and the state in which they reside.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior Conflicts Attorney or equivalent experience.
- Experience with Intapp Terms or similar contract/engagement management technology.
- Experience negotiating municipal, state, or federal government contracts.
- Experience with global compliance requirements, including AML/KYC, sanctions, and export controls.
- Experience leading projects involving contract management, risk and compliance technology, or process implementation.
Why Join Ashurst Perkins Coie?
Join a collaborative, global team at the intersection of legal, risk, compliance, and client service. This role offers the opportunity to shape how the firm manages client engagement terms, partner with senior attorneys and business leaders, and help develop practical strategies that protect the firm while supporting strong, sustainable client relationships.
This position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, 401(k) plan, medical, dental, and vision insurance, accrued paid time off plan starting at 20 days annually, personal medical and parental leave, up to ten paid holidays, and family care benefits. More information regarding benefits and programs may be found here.
Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records that reside in Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco counties will be considered for employment in accordance with the applicable Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act.
This position may be filled in the following locations. The listed compensation range reflects the typical pay for this role, though it is rare for new hires to receive an offer at the top of the range. Actual compensation may vary depending on experience, skills, market conditions, and internal equity.
San Francisco Bay Area compensation range: $201,820 to $322,710 annually
Colorado compensation range: $158,120 to $252,830 annually
Illinois compensation range: $166,870 to $266,830 annually
Los Angeles compensation range: $184,140 to $294,440 annually
New York Compensation range: $183,470 to $293,370 annually
San Diego compensation range: $181,800 to $290,700 annually
Washington state compensation range: $166,790 to $266,700 annually
Washington, D.C., compensation range: $180,130 to $288,040 annually
Applications will be accepted through Friday, October 30th.
This position offers flexibility in working hours to provide coverage for international offices across different time zones.
- Early start: Begin work a few hours before the standard business day starts in the Eastern Time zone to overlap with international offices operating earlier.
- Late finish: Work a few hours beyond the standard business day in the Pacific Time zone to overlap with international offices operating later.
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