Director of Conflicts Analysis and Resolution

Please note that Jackson Walker is not currently accepting search firm submissions in connection with this opening.

Director of Conflicts Analysis and Resolution

Department: Office of the General Counsel

Reports To: General Counsel

Location: This role can sit in any of Jackson Walker's office locations. (Dallas / Austin / Houston / San Antonio / Fort Worth)

FLSA: Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Conflicts Analysis and Resolution leads Jackson Walker’s firmwide conflicts program, ensuring the timely identification, analysis, and resolution of conflicts of interest across all client matters, lateral hires, and internal operations. This role plays a critical part in safeguarding the firm’s ethical compliance, mitigating risk, and supporting efficient business intake processes. The Director manages the conflicts team, collaborates closely with attorneys, Recruiting, Business Intake, and firm leadership, and develops policies and practices that strengthen the firm’s overall risk-management framework.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Conflicts Analysis & Clearance

• Oversee the end-to-end conflicts review workflow for new clients, new matters, and firmwide business intake.
• Evaluate conflict reports, perform legal and factual analysis, and provide clear recommendations to attorneys and leadership regarding potential conflicts and resolution paths.
• Analyze complex conflict scenarios requiring interpretation of ethical rules, case law, waivers, and screening requirements.
• Facilitate discussions between attorneys when conflict issues arise and support timely, practical resolution.
• Draft or support drafting of conflict waivers and screening notices as needed.

Lateral Hiring

• Lead conflicts analysis for all lateral attorney candidates and groups.
• Review conflict reports prepared by analysts and ensure accurate, thorough evaluation of incoming matters and prior representations.
• In consultation with the General Counsel, determine whether waivers, consents, ethical walls, or withdrawals are needed.
• Advise Recruiting and Practice Group Leaders on conflict-related onboarding considerations.

Risk & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with professional responsibility rules, firm policies, applicable laws, and regulatory requirements related to conflicts of interest and ethical screens.
• Partner with the General Counsel to design, refine, and implement conflicts policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Monitor changes in ethics rules and industry standards and update internal protocols accordingly.
• Maintain expert-level knowledge of the applicable Rules of Professional Conduct, including multijurisdictional considerations.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead, coach, and develop the conflicts team, promoting accuracy, responsiveness, risk awareness, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Business Intake, Recruiting, Practice Group Leaders, IT, and other operational teams to ensure seamless conflict clearance processes.
• Develop and deliver training to attorneys and staff on conflicts awareness, ethical compliance, and best practices.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships across offices to support a consistent and efficient conflicts program.

Systems & Reporting

• Oversee conflicts software platforms, ensuring data integrity, functionality, and optimal use of technology.
• Partner with IT and vendors to evaluate enhancements, implement system upgrades, streamline workflows, and adopt emerging tools.
• Generate reports and dashboards that provide insights into conflicts trends, clearance times, risk indicators, and team performance.
• Support the firm in strategic planning by identifying conflict-related risks and opportunities for process improvement.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree required; J.D. preferred with license to practice law in the United States and in good standing with the Texas Bar.
• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in conflicts, risk management, professional responsibility, or compliance within a law firm or professional services environment.
• Deep understanding of conflicts of interest rules, legal ethics, and professional responsibility frameworks.
• Proven leadership experience in managing teams and driving decisions in high-pressure, time-sensitive environments.
• Strong analytical and communication skills with the ability to synthesize complex information and advise senior leadership.
• Experience with conflicts software systems, legal research tools, and business intake processes.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across departments and offices.

WORK CONDITIONS:

This position operates in a typical professional office environment with standard equipment. The role requires professionalism, discretion, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. It is our intention that all qualified applicants are given equal opportunity and that employment decisions be based on job-related factors.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact us at BusinessProfessionalRecruiting@jw.com