Information Governance Manager (Operations)

About Kirkland & Ellis

At Kirkland & Ellis, we are united in our ambition and drive to move forward. We share core values that help us achieve excellence: collaboration, talent empowerment, service, inclusion, respect and gratitude. Our people are our greatest asset, and we invest in the brightest talent and encourage a diversity of perspectives and strengths to create dynamic teams that operate at the pinnacle of their field. Our talented professionals show up every day knowing they will engage in meaningful work, continuous learning and professional development.
 
As one of the world’s leading law firms, we serve a broad range of clients with market-leading practices in private equity, M&A and other complex corporate transactions; investment fund formation and alternative asset management; restructurings; high-stakes commercial and intellectual property litigation; and government, regulatory and internal investigations. We handle the most complicated and sophisticated legal matters because we don’t just meet industry standards, we create them. We bring innovation and entrepreneurialism to every engagement and, as a result, have long-standing client relationships with leading global corporations and financial sponsors. With 6,500 employees (including 3,500 lawyers) operating from 20 offices across the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we are one of the largest law firms in the world and a top financial performer.

Essential Job Functions

The Information Governance (IG) Operations Manager develops plans, sets goals, provides direction, and executes IG services, projects, and initiatives with an overall goal to decrease risks and costs associated with information governance.

The individual in this position oversees core processes including daily work intake, assignment, quality review, and delivery of work product for the departure process and the legal and administrative file management domains. The individual also advises Kirkland personnel on information governance best practices as they relate to preservation of client and Firm proprietary information as well as the release of personal files. This individual works closely with the Data Protection Operations team to coordinate the release of client files.

Responsibilities also include the analysis and design of automated information governance systems and processes; business requirements definition, storage and protection of electronic data, and information governance workflow and procedure development.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Information Governance Operations

• Manages work assignments of IG team members principally responsible for the departure process and the legal and administrative file management domains.
• Leads initiatives to drive changes in working practices and law firm culture to accelerate the adoption of electronic recordkeeping practices.
• Sets performance expectations of IG team members, evaluates performance, and provides feedback on an ongoing basis.
• Coordinates analysis of files stored in firm approved records repositories.
• Provides guidance to firm personnel at all levels on the firm’s records management policy and information governance processes. 
• Provides operational support for legacy data projects relating to client and firm data.
• Executes plans and reports progress towards goals relating to file space management and the onsite storage of files.
• Drafts, reviews and/or presents proposals, project plans, status reports, metrics, and other information in a format and style appropriate for the intended audience.
• Communicates the IG vision and IG guiding principles in a variety of forums (1:1, administrative meetings, practice group meetings, partner meetings, etc.).
• Communicates directly with senior management and members of the Office of the General Counsel and other partners; states areas of concern, addresses questions, and/or resolves outstanding issues with the appropriate parties.

Departing Personnel

• Oversees the departure process including daily work intake, assignment, quality review, and delivery of work product to ensure that departing personnel complete their required departure tasks.
• Maintains complete and accurate records of all communications and other documents relating to the IG responsibilities of departing personnel.
• Recommends changes to improve the effectiveness of the departing personnel process.
• Advises departing personnel and proposes solutions for complex and/or technical information governance questions.
• Ensures appropriate treatment of risks and escalation of risk issues inherent in the departure process.

File Release and Intake

• Directs IG functional leads, attorneys, information technology staff, and/or external parties in the review and secure transfer of files into the firm and to external parties.
• Assists with the development and implementation of administrative records retention schedules. Coordinates records retention review of legal and firm administrative matters.

Data Protection and Data Privacy

• Assists with the development of data protection and data privacy policies and procedures.
• Assists management and attorneys in identifying and containing risks relating to data protection and data privacy.
• Assists management with responses to partner requests and other internal and external requests relating to data protection and data privacy.

Data and Records Lifecycle Management

• Researches and assists with the implementation of new and existing records retention periods.
• Proposes new and improved workflows for client and administrative records retention review.
• Ensures proper information security controls are in place for client and firm data.

• Maintains current and accurate recordkeeping of user and management requests and approvals, and business justifications for approved user exceptions.

Qualifications & Requirements

• This is an entry level manager position. Candidates must have 3 or more years’ experience coordinating or supervising the work of others. This experience must include the intake and assignment of work, the review and approval of work product, delivering performance feedback, setting goals and objectives, and reporting metrics.
• Candidates with an educational background from a wide variety of disciplines including information technology, legal, compliance, information management, and/or records management will be considered. An undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year institution is required.
• 7+ years’ experience in a role relating to risk management, information governance, records management, information technology, data protection, and/or e-Discovery.
• Preference will be given to candidates with law firm information governance experience.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver clear, concise, and factually accurate written and oral communications appropriate for the intended audience.
• Proficiency in Document Management Systems (DMS), with preference given to candidates with a working knowledge of iManage Work in a legal setting, including matter workspace and document security.
• Prior experience using and/or administering iManage WorkSite, MS SharePoint, and/or LegalKEY Recordkeeping is a plus.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft applications, (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Visio).
• Advanced knowledge of information governance principles, practices, and technologies.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The individual in this role operates in a professional office environment and a remote office environment. Must be available to work outside of standard work hours, as needed to meet business demands.

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in Kirkland & Ellis LLP.  To complete an application and submit your resume, please click "Apply Now."

Compensation:

The base salary range below represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position. This range may differ based on your experience and skill set, geographic location, and cost of living considerations. At Kirkland & Ellis, we consider compensation more than just a base salary. We also offer an exceptional range of flexible benefits, personal support and tailored learning and development opportunities all designed to help you realize your full potential both in life and at work.

• New York City - $150,000 -$194,000

Equal Employment Opportunity

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Closing Statement

The www.kirkland.com job postings and recruiting mailbox are for candidates only. If you are a recruiter, search firm or employment agency, and do not have a signed contract with Kirkland & Ellis LLP ("K&E") and have not been asked specifically to submit candidates, you will not be compensated in any way for your referral of a candidate even if K&E hires the candidate. Direct contact with K&E employees in an attempt to present candidates is inappropriate and will be a factor in determining any future professional relationship with the Firm. #LI-Hybrid # LI-DR1