We are considering applicants for our Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, and San Francisco offices.
This position is responsible for the firm-wide development, implementation and compliance of policies and protocols relating to information created or received through any channel (legal or firm administration) of the firm. Establishes future direction and plans concerning information governance for the firm to meet compliance requirements and improvements based on best practices. The Director will work with the firm’s General Counsel’s office to manage and deploy the policies, procedures, training, and systems necessary to support and continuously improve a comprehensive Information Governance program for the firm.
With oversight from the firm’s General Counsel’s office, the Director will have firm-wide responsibility and day-to-day oversight for the governance of electronic and physical records, New Business Intake, and compliance measures. The Director will supervise, train and provide leadership for the administrative staff responsible for records and information management across the Firm.
At Davis Wright Tremaine, you will find challenging assignments, opportunities for professional growth and community involvement, and a culture of inclusion. DWT fosters inclusiveness and authenticity. Regardless of position, everyone here has a voice and the support is unparalleled.
On a typical day, the Director:
Develops and implements a strategic plan that supports the firm’s information governance and data quality information architecture, recommends to senior executives, implements and evangelizes as appropriate
Develops and updates information governance policies including a written Firm-wide records management and information governance policy
Develops, disseminates, and assures compliance with policies related to firm-wide risk management, including retention and disposition of firm and client records, litigation holds, and file transfers
Works with firm/department management and attorneys from various practice groups to develop, implement and oversee the retention schedule. Provides guidance for systematic control of the content under said schedule
Stays current with legal industry trends, standards, and local and federal regulatory obligations as they affect information governance for the practice of law and the administrative functions of the firm
Collaborate with stakeholders to achieve information governance awareness and compliance. Participate in firm-wide projects that involve information governance
Collaborate closely with IT and Security to maintain and develop procedures to insure compliance with the firm’s Information Governance standards and policies. Act as a resource for evaluating risk involved in technical projects involving client and firm data
Participates in the information governance boards such as the Quality Assurance and Technology Committees as appropriate
Interfaces with the firm’s general counsel and senior risk managers to identify and contain internal and external risks with regard to information governance
Interfaces with other firm departments to identify and contain internal and external risks with regard to information governance
Interfaces with recruiting to ensure smooth onboarding of new attorneys, including transfer of incoming client files associated with lateral attorney hires
Designs, promotes, and assures compliance with protocols for content management and user workflow with regard to information created or received by the firm such as: client/matter engagement, client/matter work product, matter disengagement, matter mobility, firm administration, discovery, intellectual property, preservation, retention, disposition and disposal
Initiates standardized information governance practices, writes documentation, and manages implementation through information governance resources across the firm
Proposes and participates in analysis with regard to new technology and continuous improvements of existing technology
Promotes an increased use and reliance on electronic versions of records over the physical in efforts to reduce the overall paper inventory retained by the firm. Educates firm leadership, attorneys, and staff in records identification, scanning, printing, recycling, and shredding options to insure efficient and appropriate handling of records. Advocates for transitioning from physical to electronic records
Provides training for senior executives, lawyers, and staff with regard to compliance with information governance policies and procedures
Performs administrative and management duties (recruiting, hiring, training, coaching, performance planning and evaluations, corrective actions, etc.) associated with leading teams of professionals engaged in managing firm and client information, new business intake, and information governance-related risk-management procedures
Provides and models service excellence to internal and external clients of the information governance department across the firm
Acts as principal contact for information governance program related vendors. Coordinates with vendors providing records and information management services to insure service level agreements are being fulfilled. Maintains vendor relationships
Determines outsourcing/consultant/temporary work requirements and works with vendor(s) in meeting the firm’s needs in the most cost-effective manner with regard to records management initiatives
Participates in the budget process and other special projects and/or support as required
Prepares regular status reports (verbal or written) on team activities, projects, and other initiatives. Prepares written documentation, proposals, and/or recommendations. Makes presentations as needed
Travels, as necessary
Join us if you have:
BA or BS degree required. Master’s degree preferred
Certified Records Manager (CRM), Information Governance Professional (IGP) or similar certificate preferred
Strong, proven leadership skills acquired from at least eight years’ experience as a Records and/or Information Manager/Supervisor. Direct supervisory experience of teams from 10-15 people in size required. Strong team building skills
Strong, proven skills in mentoring and developing supervisor- and manager-level staff
Knowledge of the principles and practices of electronic records management
Experience developing and implementing information governance policies and procedures
Experience with records management systems and document management systems, and proficient in the use of Microsoft Office preferred
Excellent communications skills, both verbal and written, with all levels of a professional services organization are required. Ability to consult/provide guidance to attorneys and staff in information management best practices to insure compliance
Knowledge of imaging/scanning technologies and various search engines preferred
Ability to organize workload effectively and operate within tight timeframes
Ability to work collaboratively, building consensus across multiple practices, departments, and offices
Strong customer service skills while working under pressure
Exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills required. Ability to handle stressful situations in a calm, composed manner
Strong systems analysis and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and quality control
Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high pressure environment and make sound decisions in emergency situations
Must be a team player and willing to share information with others. Demonstrated ability to learn new technologies quickly and independently
Strong decision-making, follow-up, follow-through, priority setting, and negotiating skills are required. Demonstrated ability to practice good judgment
Ability to work independently, with minimum supervision
Previous experience in a law firm or professional services organization
NOTES:
Telecommuting is allowed.
About Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
Davis Wright Tremaine is dedicated to providing excellent legal services, and delivering them in a manner customized to each client’s particular needs and preferences.
This commitment has remained intact for decades as the firm has grown across the nation and to China. Today, Davis Wright is a full-service firm with approximately 500 lawyers in nine offices on the east and west coasts of the United States and in Shanghai. We are recognized for excellence in a broad number of areas, with 89 of our attorneys across 31 practice areas cited as leaders in their fields in the most recent Chambers USA guide, and over 140 of our attorneys across 56 practice areas included in the 2015 edition of "The Best Lawyers in America."
