Conflicts Specialist

ABOUT GOWLING WLG

At Gowling WLG, our commitment to excellence begins with our people. As an international law firm with offices in Canada, the U.K., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, we’re proud to recruit and retain top talent who bring energy, insight, and a singular focus on delivering exceptional experiences – for our clients and each other.

We’re intentional about building a workplace that’s both high-performing and supportive, ensuring that everyone is empowered to do their best work and reach their full potential. Our culture is grounded in our shared values: Raise the Bar, Embrace Differences, and Thrive Together. These values shape how we collaborate, lead, and succeed – across teams, time zones, and career paths.

Whether you’re pursuing a role in law or business services, explore what’s possible and make your mark with Gowling WLG.

PROFILE

Gowling WLG is looking for a Conflict Specialist to join our Firm for a 12 month contract.

As a member of Gowling WLG’s Conflicts Assessment and Matter Analysis Team (CAMAT), the Conflicts Specialist assesses and assists with the resolution of conflicts of interest in relation to the Firm’s global work. The Conflicts Specialist will also help with the construction and management of ethical screens.

This position can be based in any of our offices. This role works from 11:00am to 7:00pm EST, 11:00am to 7:00pm PST or 10 am to 6 pm MST to provide support for our offices across Canada.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Constructing ethical screens to manage conflicts and confidentiality concerns;
• Perform conflict searches for all Canadian offices of Gowling WLG (Canada), of varying levels of complexity and across diverse sectors, practices, and geographies, using the New Business Intake (NBI)/Intapp system, and application of appropriate case law (McKercher v. CNR), Legal Profession Rules/Codes of Conduct and firm procedures to consider commercial, contractual, confidential information, legal or other forms of possible conflict of interest for each new business intake request;
• Conduct a detailed analysis using advanced technology to assess new clients and matters and casual searches against the Firm’s client and matter databases, identifying possible conflicts of interest, applying sound judgment to ensure effective review of conflicts and knowing when to escalate issues, providing recommendations to resolve them and ensuring clear documentation of conflicts resolutions;
• Identify potential issues raised by European files, and draft referrals to the Gowling WLG (UK) CAMAT. Negotiate with Birmingham on straightforward non-complex conflicts issues and provide support to the two conflicts lawyers on more complex issues;
• Respond to the professionals and assistants on the results, in a timely manner;
• Assist with testing and provide continuous feedback in revising and improving the NBI process of client onboarding and conflicts assessment, including regulatory compliance, whenever required.
• Developing and maintaining substantive knowledge of and familiarity with the legal ethics, and professional responsibility rules applicable in the Firm’s geographic jurisdictions and procedures, policies, and practices relating to conflicts and other ethical issues.
• Assisting professional staff and other members of the conflicts team in identifying, evaluating, and resolving ethical conflict and business conflict issues relating to conflicts checks for lateral hires and new business matters.
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• The successful candidate will have at least a community college diploma, plus a minimum of three years of experience working in the legal sector;
• Experience in a customer service role, information management and/or research would be an asset. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be accepted;
• Strong interest in technology and advanced computer literacy; experience with MS Office, accounting software and database applications; willingness to learn new applications including Intapp, InProtech, iManage, SPM, Aderant, Harvey and Kira;
• Advanced research and problem solving skills with the ability to conduct conflict of interest searches and exercise good judgment to resolve related issues;
• Accuracy of work product and strong attention to detail;
• Ability to be flexible, adaptable, and show initiative while working in a high-volume/pressure and deadline-driven environment;
• Capacity to work independently, as well as in a virtual team environment, and to ensure consistency and consensus in response;
• Advanced time management and organization skills with the ability to multi-task among detail-oriented tasks and prioritize conflicting demands;
• Strong communication, interpersonal and customer service skills;
• Strong negotiation and teamwork skills to interact/collaborate with various groups, including partners and management;
• Understanding of the ethical, professional and legal dimensions of our roles and responsibilities, including the significance of our confidentiality commitments.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Bilingualism in French, both written and verbal, may be required in some offices.

BENEFITS/PERKS

Gowling WLG’s total rewards program is designed to foster a culture where high performance and personal well-being go hand-in-hand. We support your career and life with:

• 100% employer-paid health, dental, and mental health coverage

• Benefits coverage for Firm members and their dependents from day one

• Hybrid work flexibility

• Employee & Family Assistance Program, guided CBT, and Primary Virtual Care

• Recognition awards, appreciation events, and a supportive, collaborative work culture

• Perks and preferred pricing programs, referral bonuses, and more

The starting range for this role is $60,000 to $80,000. Starting salary will be determined based on an applicant’s individual skills, competencies and unique qualifications. Gowling WLG employees have the potential to exceed this range based on tenure and performance.

This position is currently vacant and is open to both internal and external candidates. Gowling WLG is recruiting for this role to support ongoing firm needs and team operations.

This employer may use tools within our applicant tracking system that include artificial intelligence–supported features, such as automated candidate matching. These tools do not make hiring decisions; all screening, assessments, and selections are reviewed and completed by human recruiters and hiring managers.

Gowling WLG is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you are in need of accommodation or support at any time during the recruitment process, please let us know.