eDiscovery Executive

JOB DESCRIPTION

About Herbert Smith Freehills

As one of the world’s leading law firms, we advise many of the largest and most ambitious organisations across all major regions of the globe. With over 5,000 people, including 3,100 lawyers and over 2,000 business services professionals, operating from our global network of offices across Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and North America, Herbert Smith Freehills is at the heart of the new global business landscape providing premium quality, full-service legal advice.

We recognise that the success of our business and our clients relies on the skills, knowledge and ideas of all our people. Our environment is one in which high performance is expected, in return, we will provide you with rewards and opportunities tailored to your personal and professional goals.

The Opportunity

About ALT

Herbert Smith Freehills' pioneering global Alternative Legal Services business harnesses the firm's key legal and client technology expertise around the world to offer cost-efficient legal products and technology services for clients. A global team of over 350 lawyers, legal analysts and technologists works seamlessly and 24/7 from offices in Belfast, London, Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane.

ALT is a market leader in the use of technology assisted review for e-disclosure in the UK and worked on the first UK Commercial Court matter to use it. Our clients benefit fully from the enhanced quality and time-saving that leading technology and innovation in delivery can provide, while also saving money.

About ALT eDiscovery

The eDiscovery team is responsible for the provision of client data management products and services to clients of the firm through instructing teams based in the relevant Practice Groups. This includes advising on and assisting with the identification, preservation, collection and processing of client data and managing the electronic data during review and analysis, production and presentation phases. This team is part of a global technology offering which is an important component of our global Alternative Legal Services business (ALT). 

As well as supporting local matters, the ALT UK eDiscovery team works collaboratively with the other ALT eDiscovery teams (US and Australia) to support matters around the globe.

The Role

This role is responsible for day-to-day engagement with instructing teams (partners and associates of the firm) for the best practice execution of the eDiscovery aspects of matters.

The role will ensure the overall provision of high quality services and will play a key part in building the reputation of the eDiscovery function both internally and externally.

Note that limited travel, to other Herbert Smith Freehills offices or to clients, may be required from time to time.

Key Responsibilities

Working under the direction of the Managers/Senior Executives, to identify and understand client needs, executing the recommended technical solutions and delivering an effective solution throughout the life of a matter. In consultation with the Managers/Senior Executives to help set accurate budgets for costs and timescales for cases, subsequently ensuring that such work is completed within budget and to agreed standards and deadlines. Working with Managers to develop project management plans for each matter, which includes evidence tracking, resource management, preparing and reporting on cost proposals, risk management, risk mitigation and status reporting. Maintaining project files including preparing file notes, memoranda, minutes of meetings, instructions and communications with the legal teams and clients. Liaising with other team members to ensure that correct solutions and processes are implemented at a cost effective level and work is delivered on time. Working collaboratively with team members including, when directed by the Manager/Senior Executive, to supervise as appropriate any tasks delegated to Analysts. Executing tasks on cases, as assigned, with a high level of attention to detail, and to be proactive about consistency and quality control throughout. Taking the lead on individual cases, reporting to and updating Managers/Senior Executives, eDiscovery on a regular basis. Assist in the preparation of presentations to internal and external audiences, conducting presentations when required. Participating in post case reviews. System implementation and support: participating in the team's activity, workflow and processes in support of the necessary document review software solutions and, as part of their role, to provide where requested support to technical and other changes in the use of technology over time. Assisting and enabling internal stakeholders to work effectively with document review software, and with other relevant IT systems for handling case-related information. Document review software expertise:Executives will possess a sound understanding of the functionality of document review software. To the extent that problems arise, in consultation with the Managers and Senior Manager eDiscovery, to trouble-shoot problems and to liaise with the software providers to resolve any issues. Working with Third-Party Partners:Supporting and managing third party partner’s activities to support project deliverables.Liaising with third-party partners, HSF legal teams, business services and external clients where necessary to support effective communication between the parties.Providing constructive and timely feedback about the services of our third party partners to Managers as and when necessary. eDiscovery: working with the Managers to challenge, develop, maintain and continuously improve best practice eDiscovery processes. Protocols: advising on eDiscovery processes and protocols, including communicating with Client Technology/Litigation Support representatives of clients and/or opposing law firms on disputes when applicable. Knowledge capture and process improvement: contributing appropriately to the continuous improvement of relevant business processes and protocols including case specific process manuals.
 

The responsibilities outlined above cannot totally encompass or define all tasks that may be required of the post-holder. The outline of responsibilities given above may, therefore, vary from time to time without materially changing either the character or level of responsibility or grade.

Skills and Experience
 

Essential

Graduate (2:1 or above) or equivalent or a post-graduate qualification with a minimum of 3 A levels (ideally B grades and above) with minimum 2 years' experience in a similar industry. If not a graduate, then the candidate must demonstrate evidence of operating at an appropriate level in the eDiscovery or technical client data field. Expertise in Document Review Platforms such as Relativity, Recommind Axcelerate, or similar. Experience working within a similar team at the required level. Expertise in supporting document reviews and case work. Proficiency in technical skills. Good verbal and written communication skills. Capable of articulating technical concepts effectively. Able to draft concise, accurate (grammar and spelling) and credible notes/emails to explain the eDiscovery process.

Desirable

Excellent understanding of the legal framework of eDiscovery, existing protocols, practices and relevant legal standards. Academic legal training (law at degree level or postgraduate) and experience as a legal practitioner desirable. Experience related to eDiscovery and other Litigation Support processes. Proficiency in several Litigation Support applications and a sound knowledge of eDiscovery software market. Experience of supervising more junior staff, ideally including identifying and responding to training needs.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 1st March 2024.

Team

Alternative Legal Services (ALT)

Working Pattern

Full time

Location

Belfast

Contract type

Permanent Contract

Diversity & Inclusion

At Herbert Smith Freehills you will be part of a diverse, innovative culture where high performance, client focus and highly engaged people are our differentiator. People at our firm come from a range of backgrounds and bring a wide variety of experiences and perspectives to their work with us. We strive to ensure that our inclusive environment means you feel valued and able to perform at your best by being your authentic self at work. We know that our future success not only depends on being innovative and progressive in the changing legal market but, most importantly, on our people feeling highly engaged in meaningful work.

We understand that you have commitments and personal interests outside of work and we strive to create a working environment based on mutual trust and respect, in which you can perform at your best whilst maintaining sustainable balance across your life.

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