Senior Information Governance Specialist I

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 Senior Information Governance (IG) Specialist I plans, executes, and/or supports one or more IG projects and services relating to data protection, data access controls, data lifecycle management, electronic recordkeeping practices, information control compliance and secure client file transfers. Serves as a lead and a contributor on project teams; drafts and issues preservation orders and destruction orders; performs audits, data and business analysis, and fact-finding assignments; escalates exception requests requiring management review; makes recommendations regarding the disposition of legacy data; cloud technology compliance; security client file release; and delivers verbal and written summaries, presentations and email communications relating to information governance and risk management.

The individual in this position advises attorneys, paralegals and other legal staff and administrative personnel on information governance- and risk management-related policies, procedures and working practices. In addition to serving in an advisory capacity, the Sr. IG Specialist I assists firm management and attorneys by identifying and containing risks relating to the preservation and destruction/deletion of data and fosters a compliance culture throughout the firm. The individual maintains awareness of major changes affecting legal information governance and assists in the development of material to educate firm management and partners so they may better provide legal services and meet their ethical obligations to their clients.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Preservation and Destruction Orders

• Research matter and timekeeper history
• Draft preservation/destruction orders
• Ensure preservation of data and media devices, and tracks preserved artifacts of departed personnel
• Audit and lift preservation orders when needed

Data Access Controls

• Emailbox access requests
• User access/conflicts cross checks
• Exceptions and tracking
• Matter and document access requests

Data Protection

• Coordinates and executes periodic data protection reviews across multiple data repositories and departments
• Consults with Firm personnel regarding data protection controls
• Documents workflows for processes relating to data protection controls
• Provides training, informational, and educational materials on data protection to Firm personnel
• Defines and builds metrics and reporting to enhance understanding of the data protection program development and maturity
• Determines data classification of sensitive documents flagged by data protection tools and alerts.

Data Lifecycle Management

• Provides operational support for legacy data disposition projects relating to client and firm data
• Conducts data lifecycle and business analysis
• Proposes new and improved processes and workflows
• Ensures proper recordkeeping and access controls are in place for sensitive data

• Reviews and provides feedback on the configuration of firm applications used for the management of service request intake and tracking, preservation orders and destruction orders
• Documents business requirements related to preservation orders, destruction orders, and data access request processes
• Executes and documents test plans and results

Client File Transfers

• Draft attorney acknowledgement and timekeeper record of filing notices
• Collect, process, analyze, redact and protect electronic files for release
• Automate business processes where possible leveraging technology

Qualifications & Requirements

• 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.
• 3+ 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 paralegal or 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.
• Working knowledge of MS Exchange and/or Capax Archive Solution (CAS) experience preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications, (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Visio) required.
• Experience with implementing, governing, or using Microsoft O365 and Microsoft Purview Compliance Manager is also preferred.
• Knowledge of information governance principles, practices and technologies and legal holds, destruction orders, and attorney professional responsibility requirements relating to legal client files.

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.

• Los Angeles - $100,000 -$140,000
• Bay Area - $100,000 -$150,000

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.

The Firm will consider employment for qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records and criminal histories consistent with local laws.

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