Assistant General Counsel Discovery and Records

A law firm is seeking an Assistant General Counsel – Discovery and Records to work closely with the Office of the General Counsel. The primary focus is on managing legal matters related to client file transfers, subpoenas, and discovery. The role requires strong collaboration skills to drive accurate and time-sensitive results internally and externally. This position is responsible for discovery processes, legal holds, and ensuring compliance with internal policies while providing strategic legal guidance on firm risk management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Discovery Management:
  • Manage discovery processes for internal firm matters, including responses to subpoenas and discovery requests.
  • Advise the Office of the General Counsel, partners, associates, and business professionals on internal discovery and compliance processes.
  • Prepare responses to discovery requests and subpoenas and assist with internal investigations.
  • Meet and confer with requesting parties regarding discovery response scope.
  • Assist with discovery motion practice, including drafting briefs.
• File Transfer and Legal Hold Management:
  • Oversee client file transfers, ensuring compliance with firm policies and procedures.
  • Implement legal preservation holds in collaboration with the Office of the General Counsel and the Information Governance department.
  • Manage data preservation, collection, and review protocols.
  • Coordinate with outside counsel as needed during the discovery process.
• Collaboration and Project Management:
  • Collaborate with the firm’s litigation/eDiscovery department on project management, resource review, and vendor cost management.
  • Work with the Information Governance department to update and implement client file transfer policies and processes.
  • Assist with file review processes, ensuring appropriate review and transfer of client files.
  • Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure accurate, timely results.
• Risk Management and Legal Strategy:
  • Provide strategic legal guidance on litigation, pre-litigation, and risk management matters.
  • Identify litigation risks to the firm, report them to the Office of the General Counsel, and formulate responses.
  • Support the development and implementation of risk management strategies and plans.
• General Counsel Support:
  • Provide support to other lawyers in the Office of the General Counsel as needed.
  • Stay current on legal developments regarding discovery, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
  • Ensure firm policies and practices align with legal and regulatory requirements.

Required Education and Certifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Active member in good standing of the jurisdiction where employed.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Litigation and Discovery Expertise:
  • Minimum 5+ years of experience managing discovery, including eDiscovery projects, in complex litigation matters.
  • Strong understanding of discovery concepts, procedural rules, and litigation practices.
  • Experience with relational document review databases (e.g., Relativity).
• Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, iManage, and other firm applications.
  • Knowledge of data privacy regulations and principles.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships at all management levels.
  • Ability to communicate diplomatically in both individual and group environments.
• Problem-Solving and Strategic Thinking:
  • Creative, practical problem-solving approach informed by the firm’s strategic and business needs.
  • Ability to analyze business needs and determine priorities in line with legal objectives.
• Ethics and Confidentiality:
  • High emotional intelligence, professional integrity, and commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
  • Strong professional ethics and dedication to providing business-driven legal advice.

Additional Requirements:

• Prior experience in law firm risk management and project management is preferred.
• Strong understanding of legal ethics and privilege issues.
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends, as required.
• Willingness to travel as needed.

Benefits Offered:

The firm provides a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health and Wellness:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Health savings account (with applicable medical plan) and flexible spending accounts.
• Financial and Retirement Benefits:
  • Pre-tax commuter benefits, life insurance, AD&D, long-term care coverage, and firm-paid short-term medical benefits.
  • 401(k) plan with employer contributions.
• Time Off and Parental Support:
  • Four weeks of vacation, two weeks of sick leave, and 10 paid holidays annually.
  • Backup care for children and adults, parental support benefits, and long-term disability coverage.

Creative lawyering in a laid back environment is big draw for associates at this Amlaw firm. This California-based firm is highly regarded as one of the most innovative firms in the market. The firm is best known for its technology work and life sciences clients, and is generally recognized as the top legal provider for emerging companies. The California culture of the firm fosters a collaborative and social workplace, while the sophisticated training and meaningful attorney mentorship help develop associates into world class lawyers.