Role summary/purpose of job
Reporting to the Head of eDiscovery London, the eDiscovery Project Manager will be assigned to individual matters and responsible for the end to end management of eDiscovery projects using Relativity and other platforms (either our in-house systems or those hosted externally). They will be the key eDiscovery point of contact for case teams, clients and external service providers. The role includes providing training and support on eDiscovery systems, and assessment/implementation of new technologies.
Location Overview: London
Our London office is at the heart of our global network, in one of the most exciting world cities. London is arguably the world’s greatest financial centre: all the world’s leading financial institutions have a significant presence here. It is home to the headquarters of more than 100 of Europe’s largest companies.
Our London team has a reputation that is second to none. They are the team the world’s leading businesses turn to for help with their most challenging problems. They work with colleagues around the world on complex, cross-border deals, and disputes. Whether you join as a lawyer, a recent graduate or in a business services role, London is a great place to work.
You will have the opportunity to work on challenging, engaging work that will give you the opportunity to make your mark and progress your career. We believe there is no better place to work.
London eDiscovery Team
Reporting to the Head of eDiscovery London, the eDiscovery team sits within the Dispute Resolution department. eDiscovery Project Managers are assigned to cases and responsible for managing client data through the creation and maintenance of eDiscovery databases.
Key responsibilities and deliverables
Database administration:
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Setting up databases for managing evidential materials for litigation, arbitration and investigation matters. Including coordination with lawyers concerning specific client and database needs.
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Preparing case-specific database guidance documentation for in-house and externally hosted applications.
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Monitoring and quality control of databases.
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Converting and manipulating data using Microsoft Access/Excel (including use of VBA) and other data editing packages.
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Uploading and processing data, including QC of errors, using RDC, Relativity Processing and similar software.
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Creating and maintaining database search indexes, user and group permissions management.
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Data and keyword search analysis, creating search reports and setting up and maintaining workflow batches for in-house and external review teams.
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Implementation of Technology Assisted Review (TAR) methodologies (e.g. predictive coding, prioritisation, email threading, etc.) to improve efficiency of document review and search exercises.
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Managing the system environment, including resolving system issues, running scripts, extracting system stats for monitoring and billing purposes, etc.
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Managing the export of data for disclosure or production to other parties.
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General and matter-specific user training on eDiscovery database usage.
Client & Lawyer Liaison:
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Liaising with clients and other parties concerning data collection, technical issues and appropriate transfer of data.
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Working with and advising matter teams on handling of matter-related electronic data and systems throughout the lifecycle of matters.
Liaison with central IT:
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Liaison with central IT on eDiscovery team requirements including facilitation of technical fixes to software and connectivity issues.
Liaison with external service providers:
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Scoping matter requirements and seeking quotes from external providers, where required.
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Budgeting and tracking external provider costs.
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Coordinating with external database hosting and forensic service providers to manage all outsourced aspects of data collection, processing, review and document production.
Introduction & development of new technology:
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Software evaluation, testing, piloting and implementation, as required.
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Maintaining and developing commercial awareness of the evolving external marketplace both in terms of relevant eDiscovery systems and services.
Key requirements
Professional Qualifications
Preferred:
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Candidates to hold an undergraduate degree
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Previous experience in professional services or legal environment.
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Relativity Certified Administrator (RCA)
Technical Skills
Essential:
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Experience and knowledge of advanced administration functionality in eDiscovery systems, specifically Relativity.
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Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
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Project management skills
Desirable:
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Extensive IT skills, especially in Microsoft Access and VBA.
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Experience of working in the legal sector.
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Experience of and interest in technologies such as AI, machine learning, TAR and leveraging APIs.
Competencies
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Able to resolve complex problems taking a proactive approach to analyse the issues and generate solutions. A determination to see a problem through to a solution.
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High level of attention to detail.
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Outstanding customer service skills with a helpful and responsive approach.
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Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage tasks efficiently.
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Excellent presentation skills with the ability to pitch new ideas clearly and inspire confidence.
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Takes ownership of tasks and is dedicated to meeting and exceeding expectations.
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Takes a consultative approach and has the ability to build strong working relationships at all levels.
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Must be resilient, diplomatic and able to deal with challenging stakeholders.
Freshfields Overview
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is a major international law firm, providing business law advice of the highest quality. We want to be the law firm that clients turn to for legal advice where it most matters, wherever in the world that may be. The Firm has over 2,400 lawyers in 28 offices around the world, providing a comprehensive service to national and multinational corporations, financial institutions, and governments.
Our people make our firm – we are a people business and want to create a welcoming and supportive environment where all can flourish. We see diversity as a strength which creates fresh perspectives and generates new ideas. We enjoy our work and are determined to do an outstanding job. We deliver best when working in teams. Our culture is a product of the combined mindsets and behaviours of our people which is through the Being Freshfields principles, outlined below:
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we show respect to everyone
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we are there for one another
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we are open with each other
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we are positive role models
We think and work globally – we do not just say we are one firm; we act like one firm right across the world. We work wherever our clients need us. This is how we define ourselves, not by reference to where we have offices. Cross-border work is not just what we do, it is what we excel at. We understand what it really takes to work across different legal systems and commercial environments and to bridge language and cultural gaps.
We aim to add value in everything we do – we are passionate about helping our clients succeed. We use our experience and creativity to help clients make judgements and achieve their goals. In everything we do, we seek to make a real difference to the communities in which we operate.
Freshfields is committed to promoting equality and diversity and to developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds make important and positive contributions to our business and how we service our clients.
Inclusion
Freshfields is an equal opportunities employer and all applications received by the firm will be considered based on their merit alone and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background. All offers of employment will be conditional on the candidate having/securing the right to work in the UK and providing the firm with evidence of that right (as required by the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006) prior to employment commencing.
Freshfields is a Ban the Box employer. We ask applicants to disclose criminal convictions only when a conditional job offer is made. A conviction does not automatically lead to withdrawal of the offer: we make decisions on a case-by-case basis and take a number of factors into account (e.g. the role you are applying for and the circumstances of the offence). You would have the opportunity to discuss the matter with us before we make a decision.