Director Geopolitical Risk Analyst Jobs in Ridgewood, NJ

Cleary Gottlieb is a pioneer in globalizing the legal profession. We have 14 offices in major financial centers around the world, but we operate as a single, integrated global partnership and not as a U.S. firm with a network of overseas locations. The firm employs approximately 1,100 lawyers from more than 50 countries.

Since 1946 our lawyers and staff have worked across practices, industries, jurisdictions, and continents to provide clients with simple, actionable approaches to their most complex legal and business challenges, whether domestic or international. We support every client relationship with intellectual agility, commercial acumen, and a human touch.

The Risk team provides global support by advising senior management, partners, legal teams, and office staff on legal matters affecting the Firm, with a particular focus on client onboarding and ensuring that new business aligns with the Firm's procedures – especially in relation to conflicts of interest. The role encompasses the development and maintenance of policies in key areas, the implementation of internal risk processes, and the delivery of relevant training. The successful candidate will advise on day-to-day conflict queries, conduct initial analysis of Conflict Check Requests, and manage reports relating to new business, lateral hires, pitches and RFPs, publications, and trade reports. The position calls for a proactive approach to resolving urgent issues while delivering clear, commercially focused advice.

• Conduct initial analysis of reports for Conflict Check Requests relating to new business, lateral hires, trade reports, and similar matters.
• Perform thorough research on companies, organizations, and individuals – including ownership structures – using a combination of internal databases, external resources, and public records.
• Support the client and matter onboarding process by performing risk checks on new clients and mandates, addressing conflicts, confidentiality (both legal and commercial), client due diligence, jurisdictional concerns, and reputational risk.
• Conduct ad-hoc research and analysis as required.
• Assist with the maintenance and updating of client and matter information within internal databases.
• Demonstrate a strong customer-service mindset and a collaborative, team-oriented approach while remaining able to work independently.
• Support the Risk department on special projects relating to the Firm's professional responsibility, compliance, and conflict-management initiatives.
• Be available for occasional overtime, including evenings, weekends, and certain holidays, when necessary.

• Minimum of one year of experience in a professional or legal office environment.
• Experience in client onboarding, preferably gained within an international law firm or professional services environment, together with a solid understanding of conflict-resolution rules, geopolitical considerations, and governance issues. Familiarity with (or a willingness to learn) professional bar rules and other regulations relevant to the Firm's operations.
• Experience with IntApp Open or other conflicts-management tools is an advantage but not essential.
• Strong understanding of corporate structures, including companies, trusts, and partnerships.
• Exceptional organizational and planning skills, with keen attention to detail and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and projects to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively within a diverse team in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with personnel at all levels to gather the information needed on new clients and matters.
• Ability to break down complex issues into manageable components and to ask pertinent questions to ensure full understanding before proceeding.
• A proactive approach to personal development, actively seeking feedback to improve performance and pursuing opportunities to broaden knowledge and expertise.
• An enthusiastic team player who is willing to assist with repetitive or administrative tasks when needed and takes pride in contributing to the team's overall success.

*The estimated base salary range for this position is $72,500 to $80,000 at the time of posting. The actual salary offered will depend on a variety of job-related factors, including skills, education, training, credentials, experience, scope and complexity of role responsibilities, geographic location, and performance. This role is non-exempt, meaning it is overtime pay eligible.

Cleary provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health care benefits. More information can be found here: Benefits

We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination based on any category protected by law. Cleary provides reasonable accommodations to enable otherwise qualified employees to perform the essential functions of their position, provided the accommodation does not pose an undue hardship to the Firm.

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