Internal Discovery Director

Perkins Coie LLP is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as Internal Discovery Director in our Professional Standards Department. This leadership role is responsible for managing the firm’s internal discovery processes, including legal holds, collections, document review, and productions, as well as developing efficient protocols for information preservation. The Internal Discovery Director will also support special projects for the Office of General Counsel and senior leadership and will report to the Claims and Professional Standards Compliance Counsel.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

These essential functions are primary job duties that incumbents must be able to perform unassisted or with some reasonable accommodation.

• Plan, oversee, and manage internal discovery projects to ensure quality, accuracy, and efficiency.
• Collaborate with the Office of General Counsel and outside counsel on discovery matters.
• Support the firm’s preservation and internal discovery efforts with strategic guidance.
• Exercise independent judgment on discovery decisions, document productions, and information management.
• Develop and implement best practices for reporting on discovery activities and subpoena responses.
• Refine discovery plans and processes, including document review, privilege logs, and team coordination.
• Conduct research, draft legal documents and correspondence, and prepare reports.
• Oversee the Legal Hold database, ensuring data accuracy and leading updates and quality control.
• Mentor junior team members and provide training on legal hold and compliance practices.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance in accordance with firm expectations.

SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED

• Advanced knowledge of litigation discovery, legal hold protocols, and database management.
• Significant experience with document review and E-discovery tools (e.g., Relativity, DISCO).
• Proficient in MS Office, Adobe, Outlook, and able to quickly learn new technologies.
• Expertise in document management and information storage systems.
• Proven ability to lead complex projects independently and drive results in ambiguous situations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to engage with personnel at all levels of the firm.
• Strong strategic, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Self-motivated, with sound judgment and initiative in a fast-paced environment.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to build relationships across the firm.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality with sensitive information.

SPECIFIC SKILLS PREFERRED

• Advanced knowledge of records and information management principles within a law firm setting.
• Familiarity with ethical guidelines governing legal hold and compliance practices.
• Ability to identify procedural inefficiencies and implement effective resolutions.

EDUCATION, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND EXPERIENCE

• Requires a JD and 8-10 years of applicable legal experience. 
• Bar admission in one or more applicable jurisdictions. Candidates must hold bar admission in the state where such candidate’s office is located, and, if working remotely, in the state of candidate’s residence.
• At least 7 years of experience in some or all of the following areas: electronic discovery, records management, compliance, and legal hold management. 
• Experience with E-discovery or ethics department of a large law firm (100+) preferred.

At Perkins Coie, we look for self-motivated individuals dedicated to providing value and superior service and who have a high degree of integrity and enthusiasm for their work. We have created a company culture based on collaboration, devotion to serving our clients, and mutual respect. Perkins Coie is committed to advancing diversity and inclusion both within the firm and throughout our collective communities. Work with one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For and receive great health insurance, tuition reimbursement, and paid sabbaticals. 

This position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, 401(k) plan, medical, dental, and vision insurance, accrued paid time off plan starting at 20 days annually, personal medical and parental leave, up to 10 paid holidays, and family care benefits. More information regarding benefits and programs may be found here. 

This position may be filled in the following location(s). The listed compensation range reflects the typical pay for this role, though it is rare for new hires to receive an offer at the top of the range. Actual compensation may vary depending on experience, skills, market conditions, and internal equity. 

San Francisco Bay Area compensation range: $195,870 to $313,210 annually 

Colorado compensation range: $153,460 to $245,390 annually 

Illinois compensation range: $161,960 to $258,980 annually 

Los Angeles compensation range: $178,720 to $285,770 annually 

San Diego compensation range: $176,450 to $282,150 annually 

New York compensation range: $178,070 to $284,740 annually 

Washington state compensation range: $161,880 to $258,850 annually 

Washington, D.C., compensation range: $174,830 to $279,560 annually 

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records that reside in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco counties will be considered for employment in accordance with the applicable Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act. 

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