Senior Information Governance Specialist II

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 Sr. Information Governance (IG) Specialist II plans, leads, executes and/or automates IG projects and services relating to one or more of the following core IG functions:

• Access entitlement review management & execution
• Data/File storage analysis and reporting
• Client data chargeback process management and governance
• Client engagement terms relating to information governance, compliance and security
• Internal collection, processing, review and production of email and other files
• File storage space optimization for paper and electronic files
• Data protection activities including secure file and media destruction, legal holds, destruction orders, and file retention review processes
• Exception analysis and approvals for default data access, data protection and data retention system controls
• Maintaining complete and accurate records of IG-related processes and decisions

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION

Data and Records Lifecycle Management

• Primary IG resource for operational oversight of client-required and regulatory driven entitlement reviews and all related process enhancement/automation activities.
• Manages and actions partner input generated resulting from entitlement reviews.
• Serves as subject matter expert on electronic data storage protocols, governance technology, and monthly reporting for client data chargeback activities.
• Participates in collaborative, cross departmental teams working towards system automation and enhancements related to electronic data storage and client data storage chargeback activities.
• Leads the fulfillment of file storage and retrieval requests spanning multiple clients, matters and file repositories.
• Produces written reports on complex client and administrative file research across file repositories, and reports results of file research.
• Serves as a subject matter expert on IG projects, cross-office and cross-functional teams.
• Analyzes data and makes recommendations to management.
• Prepares and delivers executive-level communications to Firm personnel, clients, and other external parties.
• Advises legal and administrative personnel on the application of IG policies and procedures in unique or unusual circumstances.
• Advises attorneys on the application of IG standard processes in unusual and/or client-specific circumstances.

Information Governance Operations

• Advises and assists partners to obtain decisions and/or guidance regarding the management, transfer and/or destruction of paper and electronic files.
• Departing personnel file processing, matter reassignment and pro bono matter transition
• Works collaboratively with legal administrative personnel to assess issues relating to file management and IG policies.
• Analyzes and advises attorneys on unique requests and circumstances, and appropriately escalates as needed for resolution
• Exhibits model behavior and teaches others to deliver white glove service to Kirkland personnel and clients, often under tight deadlines and after standard work hours
• Prepares test plans of automated IG systems for others to execute
• Leads discussions and facilitates decisions related to IG-related business requirements for software applications
• Identifies and proposes solutions to mitigate risks relating to data and file controls and safeguards
• Serves as an advisor to legal staff and other Firm personnel and foster a compliance culture
• Finalizes drafts and delivers educational materials to attorneys so they may better provide legal services and meet their ethical and contractual obligations to their clients

Information Governance Project Management

• Proposes, reviews and publishes IG process workflows, business requirements, training material, procedures, checklists, and other instructional material.
• Trains personnel on new and evolving IG policies, procedures and working practices.
• Oversees the intake, analysis, assignment, and resolution of requests for a variety of IG services.
• Ensures all critical deadlines are met, with ample time provided for review by attorneys and management
• Facilitates and skillfully summarizes input gathered from multiple administrative departments and legal teams
• Provides advanced subject matter information relating to new and evolving IG policies, procedures and/or technology controls for managing client data.
• Proposes and implements appropriate and feasible data safeguards and controls for client and firm data.
• Sets measurable risk reduction goals and leads IG staff to accomplish goals with tight timeframes
• Consistently delivers exceptional client service and error-free work product while managing multiple priorities
• Delivers comprehensive project plans, process workflows, standard procedures, and instructional documentation relating to IG processes

Qualifications & Requirements

Experience and Qualifications

• Four-year degree relating to information technology, IT security, law, compliance, business administration, and/or information management.
• 3+ years’ experience in a role relating to risk management, information governance, records management, information technology, data protection, and/or e-Discovery is required.
• Self-motivated, creative, and detail-oriented individual with an expert-level knowledge and/or certification of legal information governance processes and technologies.
• Presents complex technical and business information in a variety of formats and explains IG policies and procedures to those with no prior knowledge of the Firm’s systems and policies.
• Advanced interpersonal, communication and critical thinking skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft’s software suite is required.
• Priority will be given to candidates with experience using Intapp Walls/Open and iManage WorkSite/Work 10 in a law firm setting.
• Working knowledge of M365, M365 Purview for Compliance, or LegalKEY Recordkeeping preferred.

How to Apply

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

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