Discovery Attorney Manager

WilmerHale is a leading, full-service international law firm with 1,000 lawyers located throughout 12 offices in the United States, Europe and Asia. Our lawyers work at the intersection of government, technology and business, and we remain committed to our guiding principles of providing quality, excellent legal and client services; developing diversity among our lawyers and staff and cultivating an environment that promotes an ambitious spirit, collaboration and collegiality by drawing on the extraordinary talents and dynamic experience of our lawyers. Our goal is to reflect the diversity of our clients and the communities in which we practice.

Shares responsibility for management of day-to-day operations of Discovery Attorneys within the WilmerHale Discovery Solutions group.

Manages Discovery Attorneys through use of 1v1 meetings, timely and constructive feedback and coaching. Actively participates in performance management responsibilities for the group.

Coaches and mentors Discovery Attorneys to provide strategic and tactical legal eDiscovery advice and counseling to other firm attorneys working on client matters. Serves as an in-house expert in many aspects of eDiscovery, particularly with respect to document review, review management, and related review workflow technologies.

Manages workloads of Discovery Attorneys to ensure balance and consistent productivity levels of all team members.

Collaborates with and assists WHDS Directors and other WHDS Managers in implementing firm and departmental operational excellence and strategic growth initiatives involving the Discovery Attorneys.

Proactively supports client service by engaging in the firm's service excellence and matter management initiatives. Ensures Discovery Attorneys are providing quality service to internal members/departments of the firm, as well as to external clients and vendors, by displaying professionalism via electronic and print correspondence, over the telephone, on video and in-person and by encouraging an atmosphere that rewards a "can-do" attitude.

About the Role

• Manages the day-to-day function and performance of the Discovery Attorney group. Provides individual feedback and coaching to support service delivery expectations, including through regular, frequent 1v1 meetings with Discovery Attorneys. Together with other WHDS Managers, provides ongoing guidance and direction to Discovery Attorney group.
• Enables and supports an environment of exceptional service by Discovery Attorney team members, which includes definition and demonstration of processes, measurement of adherence to these processes, and attainment of defined objectives. Suggests process improvements.
• Serves as a trusted resource and escalation point for Discovery Attorneys.
• In collaboration with other WHDS Managers, identifies performance concerns to ensure they are addressed quickly. In coordination with other WHDS Managers and Legal Personnel, manages personnel issues to ensure compliance with Firm policies.
• Assists with the development of personnel-related policies; implements and communicates firm policies and procedures to Discovery Attorneys.
• Generates, analyzes, and actions reports on a weekly basis relating to Discovery Attorney work including, for example: hours; matter-based staffing; utilization; realization; historical trends; quality; and productivity. Works with other WHDS Managers and other firm personnel to develop, adapt, and troubleshoot reports.
• Actively participates in annual evaluation process for Discovery Attorneys (in coordination with other WHDS Managers and Legal Personnel); coordinates with WHDS Directors and Legal Personnel on collection and preparation of evaluations, determination of performance ratings, and establishing compensation/bonus amounts. Participates in the delivery of evaluations to Discovery Attorneys.
• Assists in managing staffing requests for the Discovery Attorney team. Works with the Practice Management team and/or firm attorneys to understand client team needs and identify any special assignment requirements. Coordinates workloads of Discovery Attorneys to ensure balance across office and consistent productivity of the team.
• Maintains frequent contact with client team contact attorneys and Practice Management team to exchange relevant information and to keep attorneys informed of issues that may impact support and workflow. Proactively communicates with highly active and/or sensitive matter teams to ensure consistent service delivery.
• Partners with other WHDS Managers to ensure Discovery Attorney staffing levels meet overall firm needs. Makes recommendations to WHDS Directors regarding ongoing hiring needs. Collaborates with other WHDS Managers and Legal Recruiting in administering the Discovery Attorney recruitment process.
• Engages with stakeholders in the Dayton legal community to increase awareness of the firm and its work, identify and implement opportunities to assist in delivering pro bono services, and enhance recruiting efforts.
• Interfaces with WHDS leadership to discuss local office successes / issues.
• Understands and demonstrates how to utilize platform features and apply sophisticated eDiscovery techniques and review workflows within common eDiscovery technology platforms, such as DISCO and Relativity.
• Collaborates with other WHDS Managers and the Professional Development & Training team on technical and professional development training needs for Discovery Attorneys. Assists WHDS Directors and other Managers with development and delivery of training to WHDS team members.
• Collaborates with other WHDS Managers in developing and monitoring annual operating budget for the Discovery Attorney group.
• As needed, coordinates with Dayton-based administrative personnel to address ongoing space and general support needs for office.
• Upon request, provides substantive legal support and advice to case teams and external clients.
• Supports the firm’s Information Security program by understanding and following the Technology General Usage Policy, following all related procedures and completing all required information security training in a complete and timely manner.
• Works on other projects and strategic initiatives as directed.

• Ability to perform all the duties set forth above.
• Excellent management skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. Consistent expectation setting and responsiveness.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact effectively, in various contexts, in person and virtually, with people at all levels, both inside and outside of WilmerHale.
• Ability to think creatively and resolve problems effectively and diplomatically.
• Ability to stay calm and work collaboratively under pressure.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills, demonstrating superior attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise and train others effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to use PC-based and on-line technology relevant to the job. Familiarity with electronic document review and retrieval applications, such as DISCO and Relativity. Familiarity with legal research and eDiscovery industry resources.
• Flexibility to work extended and often unpredictable hours, including weekends and holidays.

Education:

• J.D. or equivalent from an ABA-accredited institution and membership in good standing of the Ohio bar.

• 4 years' experience working on document collections, reviews, and productions or equivalent experience.
• 2 years Prior experience in a supervisory or management role working with attorneys in eDiscovery context preferred.

For additional information about our benefits, please click here.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees in the position. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills for positions. The firm reserves the right at all times, in its sole discretion, to add or subtract duties and responsibilities, as it deems necessary.

WilmerHale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or ancestry, age, disability or veteran status, or other protected status.

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