E-discovery and Litigation Support Manager

About the role

The E-discovery and Litigation Support (EDLS) Manager works in the BDO USA Office of the General Counsel (OGC) on legal-related matters assigned to EDLS. The EDLS Manager is responsible for (i) managing electronic discovery and data and forensic projects, primarily relating to litigation or similar matters, at the direction of OGC attorneys; and (ii) managing and performing other litigation support matters as directed by OGC attorneys.

Responsibilities

• Assists OGC attorneys with executing eDiscovery strategy, including the organization, tracking, and execution of electronic data preservation, collection (forensic or otherwise), review, and production in connection with civil, regulatory, government, and administrative matters.
• Provides expertise and consultative advice regarding preservation, collection, review, and production.
• Manages the responsibility of assisting attorneys engaging with EDLS with technology and e-discovery support for the firm’s response to subpoenas, litigations, and investigations.
• Tracks incoming matters and requests directed to EDLS for prioritization, progress, and completion to meet the business needs of the firm.
• Maintains a universe of matters subject to preservation to ensure compliance with legal obligations when assisting IT and Discovery Counsel to assess data sources and forensic processes.
• Reviews legal documentation, including letters and memos, relating to electronic discovery and data and forensic projects drafted by other members of the EDLS team at the direction of OGC attorneys.
• Directly interfaces with BDO’s IT group, third-party vendors, and outside counsel in relation to electronic discovery and data and forensic projects.
• Leads efforts for custodian interviews, collections, review, and special projects at the direction of OGC attorneys.
• Drafts and maintains current EDLS internal documentation of electronic discovery policies, processes, and procedures.
• Assists attorneys with drafting legal documentation, including letters and memos relating to electronic discovery and data and forensic projects.
• Manages and performs administrative duties relating to the ongoing operation of the Office of General Counsel, as requested by the Discovery Counsel, General Counsel, or Deputy General Counsel.
• Collaborates with OGC attorneys, paralegals, IT, and security teams to define, implement, and maintain appropriate knowledge management systems.
• Collaborates with IT and third-party vendors on technology initiatives in support of OGC operations.
• Works on special projects as required by Discovery Counsel, Deputy General Counsel, or other designated OGC attorneys.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Ensures EDLS team members appropriately document preservation and collection processes and perform their responsibilities accurately and timely.
• Manages the assignment and overall workload of EDLS team members to encourage skill development and efficient project completion.
• Manages EDLS workflow to limit and track overtime assignments, only as approved on an urgent basis by OGC attorneys.
• Ensures EDLS team members are trained on and apply all relevant software, policies, processes, procedures, and resources, providing additional training as needed.
• Acts as a mentor to other members of the EDLS team, providing leadership, guidance, opportunities for growth, and feedback.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, required; focus in Computer Science or Paralegal Studies, preferred.
• Ten (10) or more years of experience in an electronic discovery and/or forensic litigation setting as a litigation support specialist in a law firm, an in-house legal department, or an external service provider of electronic discovery or forensic-related services, required.
• Project or process management experience, preferred.

Skills

• Advanced user qualifications/certifications from litigation support software and service providers, preferred.
• Paralegal certification, preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Compliance Center and other litigation support-related software and services, required.
• Proficient in the use of Relativity, required.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, required.
• Proficient in information and document database management, preferred.
• Experience in the use of Lexis and Westlaw research platforms, preferred.
• Solid understanding of electronic discovery and forensic handling of electronic data from preservation through production.
• Detail-oriented, with excellent organizational skills, including creating internal documentation of electronic discovery processes.
• Demonstrated ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and under high pressure to meet deadlines without active supervision.
• Effectively communicates with stakeholders at all levels and handles competing demands and deadlines.
• Effectively builds consensus among people.
• Handles a high volume of communications in a timely manner.
• Technically-savvy, flexible, versatile, and self-motivated.
• Solid team-building and problem-solving skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong skills in evaluating individual team member contribution and path toward increased contribution.
• Capable of successfully working independently or within a team environment.

Pay

Individual salaries are determined after consideration of numerous factors including qualifications, experience, skills, and geography.

• National Range: $150,000 - $175,000
• Maryland Range: $150,000 - $175,000
• NYC/Long Island/Westchester Range: $150,000 - $175,000

Benefits

BDO provides a comprehensive Total Rewards benefits package, including an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) that offers participants a stake in the firm’s success through beneficial ownership. Benefits may be subject to eligibility requirements.