Lateral Support Specialist
Description
Position Summary:
The Lateral Support Specialist will work under the direction of the Conflicts Manager and also work closely with the Conflicts and Intake Attorneys, Attorney Onboarding Manager and the department Director. The position plays a vital role in the onboarding process for new lateral attorneys.
This specialized role coordinates the administrative aspects of the lateral attorney onboarding process, ensuring compliance with Firm policies while providing exceptional support to incoming attorneys and the broader lateral onboarding team.
The ideal candidate combines strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to train and guide other support staff through the lateral onboarding process. This position will also participate in processing daily conflicts checks for existing firm attorney as the workload requires.
Key Responsibilities:
Conflicts and Intake Processing
Prepare and submit comprehensive conflicts check and client/matter intake requests for potential lateral hires using the firm's conflicts management system (Intapp)
Gather required information from lateral candidates regarding current and previous clients, matters, and business interests
Track conflicts check status and coordinate with the Conflicts Department to resolve identified issues
Maintain accurate documentation of all conflicts processes for compliance and audit purposes
Process lateral attorney intake forms, ensuring completeness and accuracy of all required information
Create and maintain lateral candidate files according to firm standards and retention policies
Client Engagement Administration
Draft engagement letters, and client transfer letters, for lateral attorney clients following firm templates and requirements
Coordinate and track client transition communications, including transfer letters, in partnership with the lateral attorney and other onboarding team members
Coordinate and track any needed waiver letters and assist with ethical wall implementation when required by conflicts analysis
Serve as a key administrative support point of contact for lateral attorneys during the onboarding process
Create and maintain onboarding checklists customized to each lateral attorney's clients, practice area and needs
Provide regular status updates to the lateral attorneys and management on lateral onboarding progress
Training and Process Improvement
Train other legal support specialists in lateral attorney onboarding procedures and best practices
Develop and update standard operating procedures for lateral attorney administrative support
Conduct training sessions on conflicts processing, client intake, and engagement letter drafting
Mentor new administrative staff on lateral integration support techniques
Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement efficiency enhancements
Maintain current knowledge of firm administrative systems and communicate updates to support team
Compliance and Documentation
Assist with audits of lateral attorney files and onboarding documentation
Monitor compliance with firm standards for client engagement and conflicts management
Ensure proper documentation of client transitions in accordance with ethical requirements
Job Requirements:
Bachelor's degree, preferred
5+ years of experience in a legal administrative support role, preferably in a large law firm environment
Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
Strong written communication skills with ability to draft professional correspondence
Experience with Microsoft Office suite as well as specialized legal software including Elite 3e, NetDocs and Intapp
Proactive problem-solver with a solutions-oriented mindset
Patient and effective communicator with strong interpersonal skills
Adaptable team player who thrives in a fast-paced environment
Professional demeanor and commitment to service excellence
Self-motivated with ability to work independently and as part of a team
Commitment to continuous learning and process improvement
Why Join Bradley?
We offer more than just a job — we provide a place to build your career. Bradley offers:
Competitive salaries, commensurate with experience.
Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and retirement.
Professional development support, including CLE tracking and training programs.
A collaborative, inclusive, and supportive culture.