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 role focuses on managing legal affairs related to client file transfers, discovery, and internal firm matters. This includes responding to subpoenas and discovery requests, overseeing data preservation protocols, and collaborating with internal teams to ensure legal compliance. The ideal candidate will have strong litigation practice expertise, experience with discovery management, and the ability to provide strategic legal guidance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage Legal Affairs:
  • Oversee client file transfers and discovery related to firm matters.
  • Respond to subpoenas and discovery requests, ensuring legal counsel review of firm records.
  • Implement and monitor preservation holds for the firm.
  • Advise the Office of the General Counsel, partners, associates, and business professionals on discovery and compliance processes.
• Discovery Management:
  • Prepare responses to discovery requests, subpoenas, and assist with internal investigations.
  • Meet and confer with requesting parties regarding the scope of discovery responses.
  • Collaborate with the Information Governance department on data preservation, collection, and review protocols.
  • Manage the implementation and resolution of legal holds, including drafting/review of preservation hold memos.
  • Oversee the review of information gathered from firm files for use in discovery, responses to subpoenas, and file transfers.
• Collaboration and Process Improvement:
  • Work closely with the Litigation/eDiscovery department on project management, vendor costs, and review of processes.
  • Collaborate with the Information Governance department and the Office of General Counsel to update policies, procedures, and practices related to client file transfers.
  • Provide guidance and oversight to file review attorneys for appropriate client file transfers.
  • Coordinate with outside counsel on discovery processes as necessary.
• Litigation Support:
  • Assist with discovery motion practice, including drafting briefs.
  • Support the Office of General Counsel in ensuring legal processes are followed.
  • Provide strategic legal guidance on litigation, pre-litigation, risk management, and compliance matters.
  • Identify and report litigation risks, formulating effective responses.
• General Legal and Risk Management:
  • Assist in the development and implementation of strategic risk management plans.
  • Provide legal support to other attorneys in the Office of the General Counsel.
  • Stay updated on legal developments regarding discovery and law firm risk management.
• Internal and External Communication:
  • Communicate effectively with firm management, partners, outside counsel, and administrative departments.
  • Ensure internal client service and satisfaction in all areas of responsibility.

Job Requirements:

• Education:
  • Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Certifications:
  • Active member in good standing of the applicable jurisdiction's Bar.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 5+ years managing discovery, including eDiscovery projects, in complex litigation matters.
  • Strong litigation practice experience and familiarity with relational document review databases (e.g., Relativity).
• Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, iManage, and other relevant firm applications.
  • Experience with relational document review databases such as Relativity.
• Preferred Experience:
  • Prior experience with law firm risk management and project management.
  • Familiarity with legal ethics, privilege issues, and data privacy regulations.
• Soft Skills:
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships across all levels of management.
  • Creative and practical problem-solving abilities.
  • High emotional intelligence, cultural sensitivity, and commitment to confidentiality and ethical standards.
  • Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple responsibilities with diligence.

Benefits:

• Full range of elective benefits, including:
  • Medical, dental, vision, and health savings accounts.
  • Life insurance, AD&D, long-term care, and backup care for children/adults.
  • Pre-tax commuter benefits.
• Firm-paid life insurance, AD&D, LTD, and short-term medical benefits.
• Generous vacation (four weeks), sick leave (two weeks), and 10 paid holidays per year.

Job Location:

• Los Angeles, CA

Work Hours and Travel:

• Ability to work extended and/or weekend hours as required.
• Ability to travel as needed.