We are partnering with a prestigious D.C. law firm to hire a Risk & Compliance Attorney. This newly created position offers the opportunity to play a key role in the firm's risk management, client engagement, and compliance functions while partnering directly with attorneys and firm leadership on complex legal, ethical, and operational matters.
This position will serve as a trusted advisor on client engagement terms, Outside Counsel Guidelines, new business intake, conflicts, professional responsibility, and firm compliance initiatives. The position also plays an integral role in improving firm processes, advancing technology, and supporting strategic risk management initiatives across the organization.
This is a hybrid position requiring approximately two days per week in the Washington, DC office, with additional in-office attendance as business needs and meetings require.
Why does this role stand out?
Newly created position driven by firm growth
Opportunity to work directly with the Office of General Counsel and firm leadership
Highly visible role influencing firm-wide risk management and compliance initiatives
Significant responsibility for Outside Counsel Guidelines, engagement letters, and client agreements
Blend of legal analysis, operational leadership, and strategic process improvement
Opportunity to help modernize compliance workflows and leverage technology
Hybrid work environment with excellent long-term growth potential
Key Responsibilities
Review, negotiate, and interpret Outside Counsel Guidelines (OCGs), engagement letters, nondisclosure agreements, client agreements, and other contractual documents
Advise attorneys regarding client engagement terms, legal risk, professional responsibility, and compliance issues
Partner with attorneys and internal stakeholders to negotiate acceptable client terms while protecting the firm's interests
Review, draft, revise, and negotiate engagement letters, client correspondence, conflict waivers, and related legal documents
Assist attorneys in obtaining approvals for non-standard engagement terms and other matters requiring Office of General Counsel oversight
Support the firm's new business intake process, including conflicts analysis, conflict waivers, ethical screens, and quality assurance of intake procedures
Respond to attorney questions regarding risk management, compliance, professional responsibility, and firm policies
Coordinate with multiple departments to resolve client engagement and compliance issues
Support the firm's audit letter process and collaborate on continuous process improvement initiatives
Review vendor contracts and other non-client agreements for legal and compliance concerns
Assist with data privacy, cybersecurity, and information governance initiatives
Conduct legal research regarding regulatory developments and emerging compliance issues affecting the firm
Develop training materials and educational resources related to ethics, compliance, risk management, and new business intake
Evaluate and improve compliance workflows, intake procedures, and technology solutions
Lead or participate in strategic compliance and operational improvement initiatives
Participate in training, onboarding, and knowledge-sharing initiatives for Risk Management and Conflicts team members, and assist with interviewing staff as needed
Provide after-hours and weekend support, when necessary, for urgent confidential matters
Qualifications
Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school
Active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar (District of Columbia preferred)
Minimum 5+ years of attorney experience with a focus on compliance, conflicts, risk management, new business intake, or operational support
Experience negotiating contracts, reviewing legal documents, and assessing legal risk
Strong understanding of legal ethics, professional responsibility, and law firm risk management
Experience reviewing client engagement documents, Outside Counsel Guidelines, and related agreements
Excellent analytical, organizational, research, and problem-solving skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities while exercising sound judgment
Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and build relationships across all levels of an organization
Self-starter with a proactive mindset, creative problem-solving ability, and a passion for improving processes and leveraging technology
