Conflicts Analyst (Law Firm - PA)

Location: Yardley, PA (Greater Philadelphia)
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

About Fields Howell

Fields Howell is a premier boutique law firm specializing in insurance coverage and defense. Established in 2004 with offices in Atlanta, Miami, and Chattanooga, we've earned a Band 1 ranking by Chambers USA in Georgia and built a reputation for client-driven service and deep industry expertise (fieldshowell.com).

Position Summary

The Conflict Specialist will be solely responsible for the firm’s intake conflict analysis process, serving as the primary gatekeeper for all new matters and clients entering the firm. This position demands an independent, highly organized professional with the judgment and experience to handle complex conflict-of-interest analysis, particularly within Fields Howell’s insurance-focused practice. Given the nature of the firm's work—often involving multiple parties, and layered insurance structures, this role is central to risk mitigation and compliance. The Conflict Specialist will work closely with the firm’s attorneys acting as a strategic advisor on conflict management.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in periodic training of attorneys and staff on conflict-of-interest protocols, particularly for insurance litigation.
• Continuously update conflict procedures in line with best practices and changes in the legal ethics landscape.
• Maintain accurate and updated records of conflict reviews and waivers in compliance with firm and industry requirements.
• Monitor and manage conflict resolution processes, including setting up ethical walls where appropriate.
• Draft or assist in preparing waiver letters and disclosures when potential conflicts are identified.
• Collaborate with partners, associates, and the intake team to gather detailed background information for accurate conflict analysis.
• Prepare written conflict reports summarizing findings and provide recommendations to attorneys on conflict clearance.
• Analyze search results to identify actual and potential conflicts involving insurers, insured parties, claimants, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Conduct thorough conflict-of-interest searches for all incoming files and matters using the firm’s conflicts database.
• Take on full ownership of the conflict function as the incumbent transitions out.
• Open all cleared incoming files using the firm’s SurePoint database.
• Work alongside attorneys administrative team to enhance firm intake policies and intake efficiencies.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree (paralegal certificate acceptable). Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 2–6 years’ experience in conflicts at a professional services firm—preferably at a law firm.
• Strong working knowledge of ABA Rules of Professional Conduct and related ethics standards.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• High attention to detail, organization, and ability to handle competing deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, with good judgment under pressure.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and effectively, under pressure, with minimal direct supervision.
• Ability to exercise the appropriate amount of discretion in escalating and communicating issues.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• Database expertise – conflict software, reporting logic
• Ethical grounding – rules, waivers, engagement agreements
• Lateral intake experience – onboarding processes?
• Communication skills – drafting, advising, coordination
• Operational readiness – managing peaks, rotations

Preferred:

• Experience with lateral hire processes and onboarding matters
• Familiarity with conflict search software (e.g., InterAction, LegalKEY)
• Legal or paralegal background; JD is a plus

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Free parking
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Law office: 2 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Atlanta, GA 30318 (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Yardley, PA 19067