Assistant General Counsel - Discovery and Records

A law firm is seeking an Assistant General Counsel - Discovery and Records to manage the legal affairs of the firm, with a particular focus on discovery and client file transfers. This role involves responding to subpoenas, overseeing discovery processes, managing file transfer requests, and collaborating with various departments to ensure compliance with legal procedures and internal policies. The candidate must possess strong litigation skills and the ability to work across multiple teams to deliver accurate and timely results.

Key Responsibilities

• Discovery Management
  • Handle discovery for internal firm matters, providing advice to the Office of the General Counsel, partners, associates, and business professionals.
  • Respond to subpoenas and discovery requests, preparing appropriate responses.
  • Meet and confer with requesting parties to define the scope of discovery.
  • Implement processes for discovery responses, collaborating with the General Counsel, Information Governance, and Litigation/eDiscovery departments.
  • Manage data preservation, collection, and review in conjunction with the Information Governance department.
  • Oversee the implementation of legal holds and draft/review preservation hold memos.
  • Manage the review and scope of information gathered for discovery and file transfer obligations.
  • Collaborate with the litigation/eDiscovery department on project management, resource review, and vendor cost management.
  • Assist with drafting and responding to discovery-related motions.
• File Transfers
  • Work with the Office of General Counsel and other departments to update firm policies on client file transfers.
  • Provide guidance to file review attorneys to ensure proper review and transfer of client files.
• Compliance and Policy Development
  • Assist with internal investigations and risk management processes related to discovery.
  • Establish policies and procedures for handling firm discovery and ensure alignment with internal legal procedures.
  • Stay updated on legal developments regarding discovery, risk management, and law firm operations.
• Litigation and Risk Management
  • Provide strategic legal guidance on litigation, pre-litigation, and loss prevention.
  • Identify litigation risks to the firm and assist in formulating effective responses.
  • Support the development and execution of risk management strategies.
• Internal Collaboration
  • Work closely with the Office of General Counsel and Information Governance on internal compliance and process updates.
  • Coordinate with firm management, partners, and outside counsel on discovery and litigation matters.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to drive accurate and timely results.
• Other Responsibilities
  • Support the Office of General Counsel in various legal tasks as requested.
  • Ensure confidentiality, ethics, and professionalism in all interactions and duties.
  • Assist with strategic initiatives and project management as needed.
  • Handle other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Education
  • Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Certifications
  • Active member in good standing with the relevant state Bar.
• Experience
  • Minimum of 5+ years of experience managing discovery, including eDiscovery projects, for complex litigation matters.
  • Prior experience in law firm risk management and project management is desired.
  • Experience with relational document review databases, such as Relativity, is preferred.
• Skills
  • Strong understanding of discovery procedures, litigation processes, and key discovery concepts.
  • Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite, iManage, and other firm applications.
  • Experience with data privacy regulations and privilege issues.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple responsibilities with diligence.
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
  • Ability to travel and work extended hours as needed.
  • High emotional intelligence, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality and ethical standards.
  • Strong legal research and analysis skills.
  • Practical problem-solving abilities and business-driven legal advice.

Location

• Job Location: Chicago, IL

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and flexible spending accounts (FSA) options.
• Firm-paid life insurance, AD&D, long-term disability (LTD), and short-term medical benefits.
• Backup care for children and adults, and parental support benefits.
• Pre-tax commuter benefits and health savings account (HSA) with applicable medical plan.
• Four weeks of vacation, two weeks of sick leave, and 10 paid holidays per year.