Assistant General Counsel - Discovery and Records

A law firm is seeking an Assistant General Counsel - Discovery and Records to join their team in Reston, VA. This position will work closely with the Office of the General Counsel to manage client file transfers and discovery related to firm matters. Responsibilities include responding to subpoenas, discovery requests, and file transfer requests, as well as implementing preservation holds. The role requires strong collaboration skills to build relationships internally and externally and drive accurate, time-sensitive results.

Key Responsibilities:

• Discovery Management:
  • Manage discovery processes for internal firm matters, including advising on internal discovery and compliance.
  • Prepare and manage responses to discovery requests and subpoenas.
  • Assist with internal investigations related to firm matters.
  • Meet and confer with requesting parties regarding the scope of discovery responses.
• Preservation and Legal Holds:
  • Implement and manage preservation holds, including drafting, reviewing, and revising preservation hold memos in collaboration with the Office of the General Counsel and Information Governance department.
• Collaboration and Coordination:
  • Collaborate with the Information Governance department to manage data preservation, collection, and review protocols.
  • Oversee the scoping and review of information gathered from firm files for use in discovery, responses to subpoenas, and file transfer obligations.
  • Work with the Litigation/eDiscovery department on project management, vendor costs, and resource review.
• Policy and Procedure Development:
  • Update and refine firm policies and procedures related to client file transfers and discovery.
  • Work with firm management and administrative departments to establish best practices for discovery.
• Guidance and Oversight:
  • Provide guidance and oversight to file review attorneys to ensure accurate review and transfer of client files.
  • Coordinate with outside counsel on the discovery process as needed.
  • Assist with discovery motion practice, including drafting briefs.
• Strategic Legal Guidance:
  • Provide strategic legal guidance on litigation, pre-litigation, and risk management matters.
  • Identify litigation risks, report them to the Office of the General Counsel, and formulate effective responses.
  • Support the development and implementation of strategic plans and risk management projects.
• Internal Stakeholder Support:
  • Ensure internal stakeholders align with legal processes and procedures.
  • Keep current on developments in law and regulations regarding discovery and risk management.
  • Support other lawyers in the Office of the General Counsel as requested.
• Additional Duties:
  • Perform all other duties as assigned or required.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, iManage, and other firm applications after orientation.
  • Ability to work extended hours, weekends, and travel as required.

Job Requirements:

• Education and Certification:
  • Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school.
  • Active member in good standing of the jurisdiction's Bar.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience managing discovery, including eDiscovery projects, for complex litigation matters.
  • Experience with relational document review databases such as Relativity.
  • Prior experience in law firm risk management and project management is desired.
  • Experience with legal ethics and privilege issues preferred.
• Skills and Competencies:
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, iManage, and other firm applications.
  • Strong knowledge of discovery concepts, procedural rules, and litigation practices.
  • General understanding of data privacy regulations and principles.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present information clearly and concisely.
  • Strong legal research and analysis abilities, with comprehensive writing skills.
  • High emotional intelligence, cultural sensitivity, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work well under pressure and handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
  • Strong problem-solving skills with a strategic and practical approach.
  • Team-oriented with excellent counseling, organizational, and analytical skills.
  • Commitment to confidentiality, personal integrity, and ethics.

Benefits Offered:

• Full range of elective benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Health savings account (with applicable medical plan).
• Flexible spending accounts (healthcare and dependent care).
• Life insurance, AD&D, long-term care coverage.
• Backup care for children and adults, and other parental support benefits.
• Firm-paid life insurance, AD&D, LTD, and short-term medical benefits.
• 4 weeks of vacation, 2 weeks of sick leave, and 10 paid holidays annually.
• Pre-tax commuter benefits.

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.