Associate Director, Technical Operations

About Kirkland & Ellis

At Kirkland & Ellis, we don't just meet the standard for legal excellence-we set it. Our culture is built on teamwork, ingenuity, and an unwavering commitment to continuous growth. We tackle the most sophisticated legal challenges with bold ideas and innovative solutions, powered by the exceptional expertise and dedication of our people.

With 6,500+ professionals, including 4,000 lawyers, across 21 offices worldwide, Kirkland attorneys shape markets, influence policies, and establish legal precedents that redefine what's possible. We bring together the best minds to meet clients where they are, driving the future of business, investment, and innovation.

What You'll Do

Process & Operating Model Optimization:

• In collaboration with other LPT leadership and IT partners the AD will also focus on process enhancement initiatives designed to optimize and document internal team workflows and service delivery methodologies.
• The AD will also have responsibility for ensuring policies and procedures related to Risk Management and Security Governance are understood, documented and reenforced with team members.

Technology Assessment & Rollout:

• The AD will collaborate closely with LPT leadership, IT, Risk and Security partners to assess current and future technology needs of practice teams and LPT. Key projects will include market assessments, internal requirements gathering, and participation in cross-functional teams to execute piloting, implementation, and rollout selected technologies.
• The AD will co-own procurement activities working with LPT leadership, IT, and outside parties to review and maintain application and service agreements and licensing.
• Additionally, the AD will work in coordination with existing training and change management teams to ensure firm attorneys and paralegals receive clear communications and training to support their awareness, adoption, and ongoing use of available technology solutions.

Team Development and Projects:

• The AD will be joining a leadership team dedicated to modeling and fostering a team culture of open, constructive communication and cross-team collaboration.
• The role will collaborate with other leadership team members to support development needs for the technical operations team, including identifying and coordinating training opportunities with an emphasis on future-forward technology, innovation, and technical consulting workflows.
• The AD will also contribute to annual review evaluations and provide team coaching and support as needed.

Strategic Initiative Support:

• The AD may support team and firm-wide initiatives and special projects focused on practice technology roll-out and change management, emerging technology assessment (e.g., GenAI) and other process improvements.
• LPT leadership may adjust or assign responsibilities within the context of this role to support the Firm and our clients as required.

What You'll Bring

Required:

• Candidates will have spent 10+ years of their career delivering ediscovery solutions in one or more of a variety of roles (e.g., at a law firm, advisory firm, service provider, inhouse legal team or technology company).
• This experience should include advanced knowledge of core eDiscovery workflows and platforms (Relativity, Reveal), analytics and TAR use cases (BrainSpace, RevealAI) as well as a proven track record of technological problem solving in a team context.
• Candidates will have 3 or more years' experience coordinating or supervising projects focused on the implementation of legal industry technology and the work of others. The AD should have an interest and aptitude for fostering the growth of high-performing teams and enjoy full team and one on one team member engagement. This must include an ability to identify and resolve conflicts and performance concerns directly, honestly, and respectfully.
• This position requires a high level of collaboration with administrative teams, attorneys, paralegals, and other firm leadership; therefore, the ideal candidate must possess strong communication skills and interact with people at all levels with a high degree of accuracy, professionalism, and accountability.
• Candidates must possess exceptional organizational skills, coupled with good judgement and the ability to independently define and make progress on action items. Concurrently, they must demonstrate a commitment to consensus building and demonstrate an ability to stay aligned with and meet directives set forth by leadership.
• Bachelor's Degree

Preferred:

• Experience with PMO design and management, multi-phased strategic planning, and leveraging common project management tools and frameworks.
• Data analytics skills, including proficiency in Excel, and other data reporting tools.
• Strong presentation design skills combined with comfort in delivering in-person presentations and updates.
• Data Science and programming experience a plus but not necessary.

Compensation

The base salary range below represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position in Chicago, New York City, and Los Angeles. This range may differ based on your geographic location and cost of living considerations. At Kirkland & Ellis, we consider compensation more than just a base salary. We offer an exceptional range of flexible benefits including comprehensive healthcare, paid time off, and retirement. We also offer personal support and tailored learning and development opportunities all designed to help you realize your full potential both in life and at work.

Compensation Range:

• Chicago: $215,000 - $255,000
• New York City: $215,000 - $275,000
• Los Angeles: $215,000 - $280,000

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in Kirkland & Ellis LLP. To complete an application and submit your resume, please click "Apply Now."

Don't meet every job requirement? That's okay! If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't perfectly fit every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right person for this role or others at Kirkland.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Firm will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records and criminal histories consistent with local laws.

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee's race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law . #LI-Hybrid #LI-LC1