The Vacancy

We are looking for a senior lawyer (10+ PQE) to join our Risk function in a strategic role focused on conflicts of interest and innovation.

Working closely with the head of conflicts, this role sits at the centre of the firm's Client and Matter opening processes, working closely with partners and senior stakeholders across the firm. You will advise on complex legal and commercial conflict issues, shape risk decisions on new mandates, and play a leading role in developing how we use technology to improve onboarding and risk management processes.

This is a high-impact position offering a unique combination of technical legal work, commercial decision-making and innovation delivery.

Key responsibilities

Innovation and legal technology

• Identify opportunities to streamline and improve conflicts workflows, reducing friction while maintaining appropriate controls
• Work across systems and teams to improve data flow, automation and usability in matter opening processes
• Contribute to wider innovation initiatives within the Risk function and across the firm

Engagement terms and client terms

• In conjunction with head of conflicts proactively manage the firm's adoption and use of engagement letters, conflict provisions, waivers and client terms
• Advise on non-standard client terms and outside counsel guidelines
• Support the adoption and development of standard templates and internal guidance

Conflicts

• In conjunction with head of conflicts and conflicts managers, lead the assessment and resolution of complex legal and commercial conflicts of interest, including cross-border matters
• Act as a senior escalation point for high-risk or sensitive mandates for the client onboarding team
• Oversee the design and implementation of information barriers (ethical walls)
• Support the firm's client and matter acceptance process, ensuring alignment with regulatory obligations and firm risk appetite

• Apply a consistent approach across multi-jurisdictional engagements and international offices

Stakeholder engagement

• Act as a trusted adviser to partners on conflicts, onboarding and risk strategy
• Work closely within Risk & Compliance, Finance, IT and Business Development teams
• Support the delivery of training and guidance on conflicts processes

Who you are

Essential

• Qualified lawyer with 10+ years' PQE, 4years+ in conflicts
• In-depth knowledge of professional conduct rules and regulatory frameworks (e.g. SRA and equivalents)
• Experience with client onboarding systems and conflicts platforms (Intapp)
• Demonstrable interest or experience in legal technology, AI or process improvement
• Track record of improving or implementing operational processes or systems
• Experience advising on engagement terms, waivers and client agreements
• Strong experience advising on complex and international conflicts of interest
• Strong commercial judgement with the ability to balance risk and business objectives

• Excellent communication skills and confidence working with senior stakeholders
• Experience of multi-jurisdictional or global operating environments

Who are we looking for?

• We don't have a type. We believe our differences are our strength; varied cultures, approaches and experience can only benefit us.

What do we offer?

• You can be yourself: It takes everyone to make us who we are. We're a culture of diverse perspectives, with each of us making unique contributions that make us better together.
• In the office or WFH?: We think the best balance is more time in the office than at home, so we operate a 60:40 rule.
• Beyond salary: We offer plenty of benefits; private medical insurance, health cash plan, dental insurance, life assurance, critical illness insurance, matched pension contributions up to 7%, holiday trading, plus many more. Visit: Reward & Benefits ¦ Fieldfisher.
• Nurturing your talent: Take a 'build a career' approach to your training. You'll be on a pathway but free to wander if you see something you'd like to study more closely.
• Funnel your interests: You have a life outside work, and we can help it to flourish. Join clubs, affinity networks, inclusive events, and pro bono/charity initiatives.

Inclusion at Fieldfisher

At Fieldfisher, inclusion is central to how we work. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, supported and able to succeed.

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process or once you join us, we will work with you to put the right support in place. Examples include extra time for assessments, accessible document formats, alternative interview formats, quiet rooms, or physical and technological accessibility support.

For information about the accessibility features of our Belfast office, please visit Fieldfisher Belfast Office Accessibility Information

What to do next:

• Click 'Apply Now', complete an online application and upload a CV.
• Successful applications will be invited to a 20-30-minute introductory call with a recruiter.
• Every role recruits differently. But we'll always let you know what to expect from the process, so you get no surprises.
• For hybrid opportunities, you'll be invited to visit our offices for a face-to-face meeting.
• We try to make sure the process takes around 2-3 weeks only, but we can't always promise that. We will work around everyone's availability. You can contact us at Brianna.Hartridge@fieldfisher.com.

We recruit on a rolling basis. Your application may be reviewed before the application deadline. We accept applications until we have filled the role.

The Firm

We are not a UK firm with offices in Europe. We are a European law firm at our core. While our HQ is London, we are spreading across Europe at pace. In addition to UK, China and Silicon Valley we have offices in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, and Spain.

With 1,800 people across 28 offices across 14 countries you might expect an impersonal office culture, but you will find a homely, family feel even in the largest offices.

Quality on both sides
Across all our offices and jurisdictions are market-leading practices in corporate/M&A, finance, real estate, energy and natural resources, technology and life sciences.

We count as clients large corporations including major technology firms, pharmaceutical and life sciences companies, energy suppliers, infrastructure companies, global banks and financial institutions.

We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and are actively working towards improving the diversity of our staff. Applications will be considered on merit and the applicant's suitability to meet the requirements of the role.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Health insurance

Pension contributions

Life assurance

Season ticket loans

Bike to work loans

Testimonial

Charlotte Round - Finance Partner, Manchester

"It is great being in a firm which "gets" cross-office working - to feel properly part of a national team and to work with colleagues in other specialisms who are unconstrained by geography."

Richard Dwight - DMS Team Leader at Fieldfisher

"I consider Fieldfisher to be a progressive firm with an understanding of social values. I'm pleased that staff is able to have input in the firm's direction and purpose as well as help to shape wider society. I'm encouraged to perform by being able to develop in a natural way, whilst being supported at every step.

Fieldfisher has managed to nurture a really positive and friendly culture. If they have drive and ambition, I would encourage anybody looking for a role here to grab the opportunity."

Rebecca Reardon - Executive Assistant

"Since joining Fieldfisher in 2016, I have progressed from an entry-level secretarial role to an experienced executive assistant. This was made possible by a supportive and inclusive working environment that allows staff to progress at a pace that is best suited to them which in turn makes for well-rounded, home-grown talent.

The firm strikes a great balance between providing the foundations for success and autonomy of your own growth and development. An insight I would give to potential applicants is that Fieldfisher offers the opportunity for a career and a sense of belonging to a community and not just a job."