Professional Responsibility Counsel

Job Title: Professional Responsibility Counsel

Job Location: Washington, DC

Job Overview

A prominent law firm in Washington, DC, seeks a Professional Responsibility Counsel (PRC) to join its legal team. This position involves close collaboration with the firm's co-general Counsel to manage professional responsibility matters, including new business intake, conflicts of interest, and compliance with ethical standards. The PRC will play a key role in ensuring adherence to the American Bar Association's Model Rules of Professional Conduct, as well as applicable state rules and firm policies.

Duties

• Business Intake & Professional Responsibility: Review and approve new business intakes and ensure compliance with the firm’s policies and client engagement terms.
• Conflict Screening: Evaluate conflict screening reports to identify potential ethical or business issues and propose resolution strategies.
• Conflict Waivers: Support responsible attorneys in resolving conflicts and draft/review conflict waivers as necessary.
• Engagement Letters: Assist attorneys in drafting and obtaining engagement letters for client matters.
• New Hire Conflict Analysis: Analyze the prior work history of potential hires for potential conflicts and provide solutions.
• Outside Counsel Review: Assess outside counsel guidelines and RFPs to ensure compliance with professional responsibility standards.
• Subpoena Response: Assist with written responses and document production related to subpoenas received by the firm.
• Additional Responsibilities: Perform other duties as assigned by the co-General Counsel, as necessary.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in law practice or a professional responsibility-focused position (preferably within a large law firm or litigation environment).
• Authorization to practice law in DC.
• Strong understanding of professional responsibility, including the American Bar Association’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct and state-specific variations.

Education

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.

Certifications

• Licensed to practice law in DC.

Skills

• In-depth knowledge of professional responsibility rules and ethical standards.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and resolve potential conflicts.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration with attorneys and staff.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.

Job Location

• Washington, DC

This large DC firm is known as a place that offers a broad and sophisticated practice, while also being very family friendly. Although salaries are slightly less than competitor firms as associates become more senior, this is reflected in the lower billable hour requirement, which seems to be welcomed by associates that seem to value a more balanced work and personal life. We hear that associates are treated with respect, the culture is exceptionally diverse and progressive, and pro bono work is valued beyond mere lip service.