Description:

Hanson Bridgett LLP is seeking a Risk and Compliance Counsel to support the firm's risk management functions. Working closely with the General Counsel, this role advises firm lawyers on conflicts of interest and related professional responsibility issues, assists with ethics and risk management projects, and plays an active role in addressing matters that implicate risk to the firm. This position is well‑suited for a lawyer with a litigation background who enjoys practical problem‑solving, counseling lawyers on a wide range of ethics topics, and working across practice groups in a collaborative, sophisticated AmLaw 200 law firm.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties
Conflicts Analysis & Advice

Advise firm lawyers on conflict of interest issues arising from new matters, existing representations, and lateral hires.
Analyze conflicts involving current and former clients, affiliates, and related parties, applying the California Rules of Professional Conduct across relevant jurisdictions.
Provide clear, practical guidance to help lawyers resolve conflicts efficiently while managing firm risk.

Litigation Support

Assist the General Counsel with the firm's response to subpoenas and document demands, including analyzing scope, coordinating document collection, and preparing responses.
Support the investigation, evaluation and management of claims and potential claims against the firm.
Prepare factual summaries, chronologies, and legal analyses related to disputes or claims involving the firm.

Waivers, Disclosures & Engagement Support

Draft and review conflict waivers, joint representation letters, and related disclosures.
Advise lawyers on the appropriateness and scope of waiver and disclosure language.
Assist with maintaining and improving firm engagement letter and waiver templates.
Review outside counsel guidelines and legal services agreements to ensure compliance with requirements.

Ethics & Risk Management Support

Work closely with the General Counsel on legal ethics, professional responsibility, and law firm risk management issues.
Assist with the implementation and monitoring of ethical screens and related compliance measures.
Assist with annual insurance renewals.
Stay current on developments in professional responsibility rules and ethics guidance and assist in communicating key updates to management and firm lawyers.

Collaboration & Projects

Partner with risk management staff and other administrative departments on projects and initiatives.
Support special projects undertaken by the General Counsel, including policy updates, training materials, and responses to client or insurer inquiries.
Contribute to ongoing improvements in conflicts and risk management processes appropriate for an AmLaw 200 law firm.

Required Skills, Abilities, and Qualifications

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
Active membership in good standing in California and 4-6 years of relevant experience, preferably including litigation, professional liability, or law firm risk management work.
Strong knowledge of conflicts of interest principles and the California Rules of Professional Conduct.
Excellent legal analysis, writing, and communication skills.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, handle sensitive matters discreetly, and work effectively with lawyers at all levels.
Experience with conflicts and intake systems preferred.

What We're Looking For:

Practical, business‑minded approach to risk management issues.
Comfortable working independently in a small, collaborative risk management team.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust with lawyers and firm management.
Interest in being a long‑term resource for the firm rather than a narrowly siloed intake role.

Hanson Bridgett offers a competitive salary and benefits package. The annual salary for this California-based role is anticipated to be in the range of $160,000 to $190,000 and represents the firm's good faith and reasonable estimate of possible compensation at the time of posting. Actual compensation is negotiable and will depend upon several factors, including but not limited to the candidate's years of experience, qualifications, and skill set.

To be considered for a position, please submit: