Conflicts Specialist

About Gowling WLG

Gowling WLG is a global law firm operating across Canada, the U.K., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, committed to excellence and fostering a workplace where talent thrives. The firm values raising standards, embracing diversity, and collaborative success, enabling all employees to perform optimally and reach their career goals.

Role Profile

The firm is seeking a Conflicts Specialist for a 12-month contract based in Calgary, Alberta, working onsite. This role is part of the Conflicts Assessment and Matter Analysis Team (CAMAT) and focuses on identifying and resolving conflicts of interest involving the firm's global matters, including managing ethical screens to protect confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Create and manage ethical screens to address conflicts and confidentiality concerns.
• Conduct comprehensive conflict of interest searches using the New Business Intake (NBI)/Intapp system for all Canadian offices, applying relevant case law, ethical guidelines, and firm policies to assess risks involved with new business requests.
• Perform detailed conflict analyses using advanced tools to identify potential issues in client and matter databases, make informed decisions on escalation, and recommend conflict resolutions with proper documentation.
• Identify and address possible conflicts arising from European files, collaborating and negotiating with the U.K. CAMAT team, especially on straightforward issues, and supporting conflict lawyers with complex cases.
• Provide timely and clear feedback to professionals and assistants regarding conflict search outcomes.
• Contribute to refining and testing the NBI client onboarding and conflicts assessment process for regulatory compliance.
• Maintain current knowledge of legal ethics, professional responsibility rules relevant to the firm's jurisdictions, and policies related to conflict management.
• Support the conflicts team in evaluating ethical and business conflicts related to lateral hires and new business matters.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary diploma from a community college or equivalent education with at least three years of relevant legal sector experience.
• Background in customer service, information management, or research considered advantageous.
• Strong proficiency and enthusiasm for technology with experience in MS Office and various software such as Intapp, InProtech, iManage, SPM, Aderant, Harvey, and Kira, and willingness to adopt new applications.
• Expertise in research and problem-solving related to conflicts of interest with good judgment for resolution.
• High accuracy, attention to detail, and capacity to handle workloads in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within virtual teams to achieve consensus.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills to multitask and prioritize effectively.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and customer service capabilities.
• Understanding of legal and ethical responsibilities including confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality rigorously.
• Bilingual French proficiency in reading and writing may be required in some offices.

Perks and Benefits

• Fully employer-paid health, dental, and mental health insurance along with an annual lifestyle spending allowance.
• Immediate benefits coverage for employees and their dependents from the first day.
• Over 15 vacation days and options for hybrid work.
• Parental leave top-up for 26 weeks after 12 months of full-time employment.
• Employer-matched group retirement savings plans.
• Financial protection through various disability, life, accident, and critical illness insurance plans.
• Access to Employee & Family Assistance programs including guided Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and a network of trained Mental Health First Aid responders.
• Recognition initiatives, social events, and a supportive team culture.
• Additional perks such as preferred pricing programs and referral bonuses.

Compensation and Other Information

The initial salary range offered is between 60000 to 80000 CAD per year, with starting pay based on individual qualifications and potential for growth through tenure and performance. This position is currently open to both internal and external applicants. The firm emphasizes diversity and inclusion and provides accommodations during the recruitment process upon request. The role works standard hours aligned with Canadian office support schedules: 9am-5pm EST, 11am-7pm PST, or 10am-6pm MST.