Conflicts Researcher Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

BakerHostetler is seeking a Manager of Conflicts and New Business Intake to join its Intake Services department. The Manager of Conflicts and New Business Intake is responsible for the overall management of the Conflicts Researcher and Analyst teams and the daily operations of the Firm's New Business Intake process. This role oversees department performance, employee development, service quality, and process improvement initiatives to support the Firm's ethical and business requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Under the direction of the Senior Manager of Conflicts and New Business Intake, General Counsel, and the New Business Committee, ensure that the activities of the Conflicts Researchers and Analysts align with Firm policies, service standards, and industry best practices.
• Direct the Conflicts Researcher Supervisor and Conflicts Analyst Supervisor in managing team performance, employee development, workflow priorities, and day-to-day operations.
• Develop, monitor, and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs), operational metrics, service level metrics, and workload trends to evaluate department performance, identify risks, recommend resource allocation strategies, and support data-driven decision-making.
• Consult with the Senior Manager of Conflicts and New Business Intake, Firm attorneys, General Counsel, and the New Business Committee regarding complex conflicts issues and business intake matters.
• Provide guidance on escalated conflicts and intake issues and ensure appropriate resolution and escalation of matters involving legal, ethical, or business risk.
• Develop strong working relationships with attorneys, legal support staff, and administrative departments to support efficient intake and conflicts resolution.
• Work closely with the Senior Manager of Conflicts and New Business Intake and other Firm administrators to coordinate systems, workflows, and department objectives.
• Oversee conflicts research, conflicts analysis, and new business intake processes and ensure resources are appropriately allocated to meet department needs.
• Collaborate with other Intake Services managers to establish and maintain quality assurance standards and promote consistency across department functions.
• Lead the identification, development, and implementation of innovative processes, technologies, and workflow enhancements designed to improve efficiency, accuracy, scalability, and client service within the conflicts and new business intake functions.
• Collaborate with the Senior Manager of Conflicts and New Business Intake to create training materials, reference guides, and best practice resources that promote consistency, quality, and operational excellence.
• Manage staffing needs, including hiring, performance management, employee development, and succession planning activities.
• Establish department training priorities and support the development of programs related to conflicts, intake procedures, Firm policies, professional responsibility requirements, and department technology.
• Maintain high standards of client service and quality control.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of seven years of law firm conflicts, new business intake, risk management, or related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of three years of management or supervisory experience is required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of conflicts searching and analysis, new business intake processes, and applicable professional responsibility requirements.
• Experience managing operations, workflow priorities, employee development, and service delivery in a fast-paced environment.
• Prior experience with Intapp or other automated conflicts software and legal research tools preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint. Proven aptitude to learn new software applications. Strong research skills.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and be detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Strong analytical and communication skills both oral and written.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills with ability to prioritize multiple tasks and projects to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work overtime when needed. Work occasionally requires more than 40 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position.
• Ability to manage a team across a range of skill levels and geographies, internal and external, to provide high levels of service to end user.
• Ability to lead and build consensus among peers and staff.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with strict deadlines.
• Ability to exercise discretion with confidential and sensitive information.
• Must be able to perform essential duties of the position with time constraints and interruptions.
• A strong client service approach and team orientation.
• Demonstrate good judgment, tact, and flexibility under pressure in a mixed-matrix environment with many stakeholders and potentially competing priorities.

About Us:

BakerHostetler is recognized as one of the leading law firms in the country. With more than 1,000 attorneys located in 18 offices from coast to coast, BakerHostetler is a great place to work for those who seek professional and personal growth in a collaborative environment. We deliver the highest quality counsel to our clients, who include many of the nation’s largest and most well-known companies. BakerHostetler’s values have remained unchanged since our founding more than 100 years ago: dedication to the law, commitment to the highest standard of client service, continuous development of our people and active participation in the communities in which we work and live.

Benefits:

Offering competitive pay and benefits, while providing a collegial and respectful work environment, is part of our commitment to fostering a workplace that values employees.

Our comprehensive and competitive benefit program includes:

• Competitive salaries and a performance bonus program
• Group health, dental, and vision insurance
• Multiple plan options and various benefit levels
• Same-sex domestic partner coverage
• Pre-tax premiums
• Coverage begins on date of hire
• Group term life/AD&D and voluntary supplemental group universal life insurance
• Voluntary accident insurance – self and family
• Short-term disability benefits
• Long-term disability benefits
• Pre-tax benefit programs – dependent care, health care reimbursement and transit/qualified parking (in most cities)
• Retirement program – voluntary 401(k) plan

The expected annual salary for this position ranges from $115,000-$165,000.  The salary offered will be determined by a wide range of factors including but not limited to experience level, education/training, and relevant skills.

Application Process
Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter in an application on our website. 

Baker & Hostetler LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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