In-house counsel responsible for a broad spectrum of law firm compliance processes and policies and related ethics rules, including: conflict clearance; business intake workflows; vendor agreements and other commercial contracts; engagement letters, outside counsel guidelines, and waivers; ethical screens; information security and privacy; and records retention and destruction.

In-house counsel and director of new business intake with 16 years’ progressively responsible experience in law firm administration, overseeing multiple risk management processes globally.Review monthly budget and variances for 100+ member vertical in the Office of the General Counsel.Lead 20+ member team responsible for new business intake and compliance, including hiring, training, substantive oversight, performance management and transition issues.

Managed nine direct reports in four offices responsible for client engagement agreements, ethics walls, lobbying compliance, client/vendor questionnaires, firm D&O and moonlighting policies, and compliance-related knowledge management initiatives.Principal attorney on development/implementation of updated ethics wall security and new business intake software. Worked with firm managing committees, administrative departments, and other stakeholders to develop software, policies and… Show more Managed nine direct reports in four offices responsible for client engagement agreements, ethics walls, lobbying compliance, client/vendor questionnaires, firm D&O and moonlighting policies, and compliance-related knowledge management initiatives.Principal attorney on development/implementation of updated ethics wall security and new business intake software. Worked with firm managing committees, administrative departments, and other stakeholders to develop software, policies and workflow. Designed process for client engagement term and outside counsel policy review and enforcement.Trained Office of the General Counsel attorneys on analyzing client engagement terms, outside counsel guidelines, supplier codes of conduct, and similar terms. Advised OGC attorney and relationship partners on firm-approved approaches and outcomes for negotiating same.Drafted, updated, and monitored compliance with firm policies. Show less

Reviewed and negotiated complex terms of engagement with clients relating to conflicts, records retention, data security, copyright, dispute resolution, contract terms, and other compliance-related topics.Created lobbying compliance program, coordinating with Technology, Billing, timekeepers and outside counsel to implement administrative procedures for lobbyists and staff, and developed and presented training on these systems (including identifying lobbying activity) for compliance… Show more Reviewed and negotiated complex terms of engagement with clients relating to conflicts, records retention, data security, copyright, dispute resolution, contract terms, and other compliance-related topics.Created lobbying compliance program, coordinating with Technology, Billing, timekeepers and outside counsel to implement administrative procedures for lobbyists and staff, and developed and presented training on these systems (including identifying lobbying activity) for compliance with multiple jurisdictions’ requirements.
Principal attorney on development/implementation of first-generation ethics wall security software. Worked with internal stakeholders and on vendor's advisory board to develop software, policies and workflow. Designed process for ethics wall management and enforcement.Structured overhaul of database of more than 40,000 risk documents, organizing and coding information, creating naming conventions and filing procedures, and managing contract attorneys reviewing documentation.Worked with Business Development department responding to RFPs, balancing strategic communication with legal accuracy. Monitored and advised on client restrictions regarding publicity and media relations.Trained personnel worldwide, including on-the-ground support for the Dusseldorf office opening, extended international assignments in London and Manchester, England, and seven-office tour for rollout of new conflicts software. Advised partners and staff regarding conflicts, ethics, and compliance questions questions and bespoke waiver language. Show less

Assisted Senior Conflicts Attorney with operations of the Conflicts Department and facilitation and supervision of actions required to protect the firm’s interest from a loss prevention and business-relations perspective.Responsible for drafting, implementing, and maintaining ethics walls firm-wide.Responded to attorney and staff requests for assistance and guidance on the interpretation of potential conflicts of interest and jurisdictional rules and regulations.

Analyzed conflicts reports for lateral hires and new matters worldwide to determine those matters that required action, and consulted with other attorneys, Ethics Committee members, and Conflicts staff to ensure appropriate resolution of issues.

Reviewed and logged client material in preparation for complex financial litigation and government investigations for relevance and application of work-product and attorney-client privileges. Responsible for quality control of 50 attorneys' work; managed quotas and deadlines for production.

Worked with clients developing public relations strategies for law and professional service firms: identifying newsworthy legal trends and pitching stories. Secured coverage for clients in the New York Times, BusinessWeek, Forbes, and CFO, among others. Co-authored The Importance of Crisis Communications; article on the basics of a sound crisis communication plan in the event of a terrorist attack in the shipping industry. Published in Maritime Risk International, February 2005.