Description:

The Opportunity:
We are hiring a Knowledge Strategy Lawyer (KSL) who will be responsible for supporting the development of strategic knowledge management initiatives for assigned practice group(s) (“PGs”) and will help further develop and implement projects to meet the PGs knowledge needs. This includes identifying attorney knowledge management needs and working to improve the PGs' access to substantive resources, appropriate technological solutions and other workflow improvements, responsively. The KSL will create, develop and maintain various know-how (research materials, standard forms, model documents, matter profiles, other data compilations and precedents, among others), and, guided by attorney feedback and in cooperation with attorneys and other stakeholders and deploy innovative technology tools to improve legal services delivery. With the support of other stakeholders, the KSL will develop and encourage attorney adoption of best practices to increase efficiency and effectiveness of their workflow. (Hybrid Role)

Responsibilities:
Knowledge Strategy
  • Works with Knowledge Partner(s) and other attorneys in the PGs, Knowledge Strategy Counsel and others in the KM group to assess the relevant knowledge needs and to develop and implement a plan to meet those needs.
  • Partners closely with relevant parties within the Firm to gather attorney feedback, otherwise assess attorney workflow, identify knowledge management and practice solutions needs and implement appropriate solutions and best practices to increase effectiveness and efficiency within the PGs.

Knowledge Bank & Knowhow Management
  • Develops and maintains designated practice sites and other know-how repositories, curating content that is aligned with the practice needs and continuously kept up-to-date.
  • Works with attorneys to identify, collect and organize valuable reference materials on internal sites and databases.
  • Creates or oversees the drafting and updating of model forms, practice notes, checklists, best practices and how-to guides, market data points and other substantive content for the PGs.
  • Verifies data accuracy within KM systems and ensures consistent application of KM taxonomies. Monitors suitability of, and compliance with data collection workflows, including regular evaluation of effectiveness of data collection processes. Works with other stakeholders to implement new workflows and technology solutions that improve data capture.
  • Develops thorough awareness of the scope of knowledge management resources available in the PGs and educates and directs attorneys about the best way to leverage the resources available to them.
  • Meets regularly with attorneys in the PGs to obtain insights relevant to improving knowledge management strategy and resources.

Thought Leadership
  • Researches, monitors, and informs the PGs of legal and market developments and trends in practice.
  • Prepares and/or circulates periodic current awareness newsletters as requested by the PGs.

Practice Innovation
  • Works with attorneys, the KM group and the Innovation and Emerging Technology group (“IET”) to leverage existing and emerging technologies to address identified attorney needs.
  • Works with IET, other technology groups and the KM group to evaluate new and innovative products and services, including supporting pilots and proof of concept programs, based on the PGs needs. Implements workflows to leverage new technologies and revises them as appropriate, based on attorney experience.
  • Advises the Knowledge Management Partner(s) and other attorneys on improved processes and new technologies and provides insight into how their usage can benefit the PGs.
  • Provides feedback to Knowledge Systems, IET, other internal technology groups and external developers to assist with the creation and refinement of new and existing practice tools to improve workflow in the PGs.

Business Development
Works with practice members, Business Development and Marketing groups to identify opportunities where knowledge management may assist in business development.

Training/Awareness & Mentorship
  • Works with attorneys and the Firm's training groups from a knowledge management perspective to create, deliver and/or socialize a wide range of training programs and materials (such as workshop sessions, seminars, CLEs or other group trainings, individualized trainings or written guidance materials) that meet the training needs of the PGs. The KSL works with other training departments ensuring attorneys are aware of and can easily access relevant training and support materials. The KSL also works with the PDM, the Legal Technology group, the Technology Learning & Development group and other stakeholders to assess training materials and advise on incorporating best KM practices or tailoring generic trainings for the needs of the PGs.
  • Trains attorneys in and promotes use of the PGs' KM resources.
  • Mentors associates by advising and demonstrating best practices in the use of knowledge management resources, assists attorneys in finding relevant knowledge management material upon request, and helps attorneys develop increasing independence and competence in finding and using knowledge management and practice solutions. Establishes relationships with attorneys to promote awareness of, and solicit participation in KM initiatives.

Collaboration
  • Solicits feedback from KM partners and attorneys to prioritize knowledge management and practice solutions needs. Collaborates with attorneys to create and maintain appropriate knowledge management and practice resources. Liaises with users of KM resources to gather feedback on KM resources.
  • Participates in regular KM group meetings and practice group meetings and works with other KSL to share best practices and ideas and identify projects that would benefit from a multi-group collaboration and ensure consistent messaging about Firmwide KM efforts and projects.
  • Works with the KM group and PGs to identify key metrics that will be used to measure the group's engagement with, and adoption of, core KM resources. Provide regular reporting to practice group leadership and KM group.

Other:
  • Provides other knowledge or related support to the PGs, and completes special projects as needed to meet Firm goals or objectives.
  • Substantive practice expertise
  • Superior written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to present complex ideas to attorneys and managers
  • Willingness to develop expertise in relevant legal technology including document automation tools (such as Contract Express and Neota Logic), AI-enabled due diligence review tools (such as Kira, eBrevia or Luminance), eDiscovery tools and generative AI
  • Aptitude for and interest in legal technology and integration
  • Self-starter and highly motivated, quick learner with ability to translate concepts and insights from one practice group to another
  • Skilled at drafting thought leadership publications, training material, relevant precedents and other know-how material
  • Ability to learn KM processes, techniques, relevant technologies and best practices
  • Thorough competency with relevant firm computer software programs (e.g., Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), with the ability to learn new applications, including web page editing software
  • Knowledge of legal and corporate information sources
  • Proven capacity for creative problem solving
  • Demonstrates close attention to detail
  • Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, organizational and planning skills
  • Ability to delegate effectively
  • Ability to handle multiple projects and shifting priorities across multiple practice groups simultaneously
  • Ability to handle sensitive matters and maintain confidentiality
  • Ability to work well in a demanding, fast-paced environment and meet deadlines
  • Ability to work well independently as well as effectively within a team
  • Ability to use discretion and exercise independent and sound judgment
  • Demonstrates a courteous and professional demeanor
  • Flexibility to adjust work schedule and work the hours necessary to meet operating and business needs.

Education/Experience:
  • J. D. Degree
  • Minimum of two years of experience required at a large global law firm
  • Experience in a similar knowledge management role at a large global law firm (preferred)