Litigation & Practice Technology Discovery Manager
The Litigation & Practice Technology (LPT) Discovery Manager at Kirkland & Ellis is a pivotal role within the firm's Litigation Services department. This position involves collaborating closely with attorneys, paralegals, and other LPT members to manage and execute discovery workflows across various legal matters, including litigations, internal investigations, regulatory responses, and due diligence reviews. The Discovery Manager reports to the Associate Director of Litigation & Practice Technology and operates within a team dedicated to the thoughtful analysis and production of client documents and data.
Key responsibilities include coordinating discovery workstreams by maintaining regular communication with clients, case teams, and vendors to define and manage matter goals, action items, and timelines. The role entails identifying, collecting, and tracking documents and data from client systems through production, supporting discussions with client in-house legal teams and IT departments, and assisting in the assessment and onboarding of eDiscovery and document review vendors. Additionally, the Discovery Manager is responsible for developing and tracking matter fee estimates and budgets.
The ideal candidate possesses over 10 years of experience in delivering litigation and discovery-focused project management services, preferably within a law firm, advisory firm, service provider, or in-house legal team. Essential qualifications include significant client interaction experience, strong familiarity with core discovery workflows such as data preservation, collection, and production standards, proficiency with eDiscovery platforms like Relativity, and knowledge of relevant eDiscovery rules, including ESI Orders and Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Exceptional organizational skills, sound judgment, and the ability to independently manage action items are crucial. A Bachelor's Degree is preferred, and project management credentials or completion of process improvement courses are advantageous.
Kirkland & Ellis offers a competitive compensation package for this role, with a base salary range of $165,000 to $180,000 in Chicago. The firm provides an exceptional range of flexible benefits, including comprehensive healthcare, paid time off, and retirement plans. Additionally, personal support and tailored learning and development opportunities are available to help employees realize their full potential both professionally and personally.
Joining Kirkland & Ellis means becoming part of a culture built on teamwork, ingenuity, and an unwavering commitment to continuous growth. The firm is dedicated to tackling sophisticated legal challenges with bold ideas and innovative solutions, powered by the exceptional experience and ambition of its people. With over 7,000 professionals, including more than 4,000 attorneys across 23 offices worldwide, Kirkland & Ellis offers a dynamic environment for professional development and career advancement.