What's Happening?
DLA Piper, a multinational law firm, is actively seeking an Outside Counsel Guidelines Attorney for a full-time position in San Francisco, California. The role, which offers a hybrid work schedule, involves critical risk management functions related to engagement
terms and Outside Counsel Guidelines (OCGs). The attorney will report to the Executive Director, New Business Intake and Procurement, and will be responsible for reviewing OCGs, identifying terms requiring negotiation, and coordinating feedback from various internal stakeholders such as Finance, Information Governance, and Data Privacy. This position is central to ensuring consistency with existing engagement terms and managing the firm's legal and business interests while maintaining client relationships. The firm emphasizes a collaborative and supportive environment, aiming to provide meaningful work and career growth opportunities for its employees. The compensation for this role ranges from $129,808 to $206,399 annually, depending on the candidate's geographic market location and other qualifications.
Why It's Important?
This hiring initiative by DLA Piper underscores the increasing complexity and importance of risk management within large legal firms, particularly concerning client engagement terms and compliance. The role of an Outside Counsel Guidelines Attorney is crucial for safeguarding the firm's legal and business interests, preventing potential disputes, and ensuring adherence to contractual obligations. The emphasis on a hybrid work model also reflects a broader trend in the legal industry towards greater flexibility, which can attract a wider pool of talent. For the legal sector, the meticulous management of OCGs is vital for maintaining client trust and operational efficiency. The compensation range highlights the high value placed on specialized legal expertise in risk and compliance, indicating a competitive market for such professionals. This position also signifies the firm's commitment to proactive risk mitigation and robust client relationship management in a dynamic legal landscape.
What's Next?
DLA Piper will proceed with the recruitment process, evaluating candidates with a JD and at least two years of experience in a law firm or in-house legal department, preferably with experience as an Intake Attorney or in a comparable role. The selected attorney will be expected to develop and maintain an OCG playbook, track negotiation progress, and proactively identify emerging areas of risk in engagement documents. The firm will continue to integrate this role into its broader risk management framework, ensuring that all engagement terms are consistent and aligned with firm policies. The successful candidate will also support disengagement efforts and contribute to additional projects as needed, further solidifying the firm's compliance and risk posture. The hybrid work arrangement will allow the firm to leverage talent from various locations while maintaining a strong presence in its U.S. offices.
Beyond the Headlines
The creation of specialized roles like the Outside Counsel Guidelines Attorney reflects a deeper evolution in the legal profession, moving beyond traditional legal practice to encompass sophisticated risk and compliance functions. This trend is driven by an increasingly regulated environment and the need for law firms to manage complex client relationships and contractual agreements with greater precision. The role's focus on identifying and mitigating risks associated with engagement terms highlights the ethical and professional responsibilities of law firms to protect both their own interests and those of their clients. Furthermore, the integration of technology, such as Intapp Terms, into the workflow for managing OCGs points to the ongoing digital transformation within the legal industry, where technological proficiency is becoming as crucial as legal acumen. This specialization also suggests a shift towards more structured and process-driven approaches to legal service delivery, ensuring consistency and reducing potential liabilities.
