Job Description
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is a world-leading global law firm, where our ambition is to help you achieve your goals.
Exceptional client service and the pursuit of excellence are at our core. We invest in and care about our client relationships, which is why so many are longstanding. We enjoy breaking new ground, as we have for over 170 years.
As a fully integrated transatlantic and transpacific firm, we are where you need us to be. Our footprint is extensive and committed across the world’s largest markets, key financial centres and major growth hubs.
At our best tackling complexity and navigating change, we work alongside you on demanding litigation, exacting regulatory work and complex public and private market transactions. We are recognised as leading in these areas.
We are immersed in the sectors and challenges that impact you. We are recognised as standing apart in energy, infrastructure and resources. And we’re focused on areas of growth that affect every business across the world.
All of this is achieved by supporting the growth of our people, who help us deliver on our ambition – which is to help you achieve yours.
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer: Your goals. Our ambition
The Opportunity
Primary Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership in Conflicts of Interest Management
• Lead the strategic direction and operational excellence of the NBI team (London), in collaboration with the Director of New Business Intake, West.
• Oversee and make high-level decisions on client/matter acceptance, ensuring alignment with the firm's strategic goals and risk management policies.
• Provide strategic oversight and resolution for complex legal and commercial conflict matters, ensuring timely and effective decision-making.
• Partner with the Chief New Business & Enterprise Risk Officer and Director of New Business Intake, West to recruit, develop, and retain top talent within the Conflicts Team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Ensure the rigorous review and negotiation of conflict provisions in engagement letters, client agreements, and tender terms, maintaining the firm's high standards of compliance and client service.
• Inspire and lead the Conflicts Team by setting clear strategic goals, fostering a culture of excellence, providing coaching and mentorship, and holding team members accountable for high performance and ethical standards.
Advisory - Strategic Client/Matter Acceptance
• Act as a key advisor to the CNB&ERO and firm's senior management on strategic decisions related to client and matter acceptance, providing insights and recommendations based on thorough analysis and risk assessment.
• Facilitate high-level discussions with senior management on complex conflict queries, ensuring informed and strategic decision-making.
• Lead the resolution of post-acceptance legal and commercial conflict issues, ensuring alignment with the firm's strategic objectives and risk management framework.
• Design and deliver advanced training programs for partners and lawyers on strategic management of legal and commercial conflicts of interest, enhancing the firm's overall risk management capabilities.
Strategic Development of New Business Intake
• Collaborate with the Heads of New Business Intake globally to drive the strategic development and implementation of innovative client and matter acceptance policies, precedents, and processes.
• Lead the design, development, and deployment of market-leading reporting and insights around new business acceptance, ensuring they meet the strategic needs of the firm and enhance operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with the Director of New Business Intake (West), Head of Conflicts (Asia & Australia), and the Conflicts Team in London in the design, development, and testing of new NBI software as required.
Qualification, Skills & Experience
• Senior-level lawyer (Executive Counsel or Special Counsel) with a proven track record in strategic leadership and conflict management.
• Demonstrates exceptional autonomy and confidence in engaging with senior stakeholders, including partners and executive management.
• Exhibits superior communication and mediation skills, with the ability to influence and drive strategic outcomes.
• Possesses strong judgment and decision-making capabilities on complex legal, strategic, and commercial issues.
• Thrives under pressure and consistently meets tight deadlines, delivering high-quality outcomes.
• Proven experience in leading high-performance teams and delivering exceptional legal and analytical services on a regional or global scale.
• Demonstrates exceptional cross-team collaboration in a complex global environment, with the ability to engage with policies and processes outside of core expertise (e.g. financial crime).
Competencies
Collaborates with Others
• Contributes to the training and development of the Financial Crime team, NBI, and the wider firm.
• Works effectively within a global team, managing workflow and sharing knowledge.
• Takes ownership of significant projects, leading and providing guidance to project team members.
• Develops innovative solutions by valuing diversity of thought, expertise, and experience.
• Brings positive energy to their work and inspires this in others.
• Demonstrates excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Possesses strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise effectively.
• Exhibits excellent service orientation skills.
Focuses on Clients
• Understands the importance of clients to the firm and acts with the firm’s clients in mind.
• Prioritises initiatives that positively impact client experience and their business.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of the firm and its clients’ commercial needs, balancing these with the firm’s regulatory obligations.
Innovates
• Understands the firm’s existing processes and contributes to their continuous improvement.
• Demonstrates initiative and a proactive approach to work.
• Identifies market trends and introduces relevant ideas.
Achieves Results
• Takes personal responsibility for delivering results and works independently with minimal guidance.
• Effectively manages conflicting demands while meeting deadlines.
• Maintains focus on long-term objectives and broader firm priorities.
Team
General Counsel and RiskWorking Pattern
Location
LondonContract type
Permanent ContractDiversity & Inclusion
We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone thrives. We see this as essential to our success, including our ability to innovate and achieve sustained high performance. This is a key part of our Values—Human, Bold, and Outstanding.