About Us

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (Skadden) has forged a reputation as one of the most prestigious law firms in the world. By relying on innovation, intellect, teamwork and tenacity, our lawyers deliver the highest quality advice and novel solutions to our clients' legal issues. We are recognized as a global powerhouse for complex transactions, litigation/controversy issues, and regulatory matters, as well as for the open, collaborative relationships we build with clients. Our attorneys, who reflect diverse backgrounds and perspectives, collaborate seamlessly across 50-plus practices and 21 offices in the world's major financial centers.

The Opportunity

We are hiring a Knowledge Strategy Lawyer (KSL) who will be responsible for supporting the development of strategic knowledge management initiatives for assigned transactional practice group(s), including Banking and Corporate, and will help further develop and implement the practice group(s) related projects to meet the practice group(s) knowledge needs. This includes identifying attorney knowledge management needs and working to improve the practice groups' access to substantive resources, appropriate technological solutions and other workflow improvements, responsively. The KSL will create, develop and maintain various know-how (research materials, standard forms, model documents, matter profiles, other data compilations and precedents, among others), and, guided by attorney feedback and in cooperation with attorneys and other stakeholders, manage document automation and deploy innovative technology tools to improve legal services delivery. With the support of the KM & Practice Innovation group ("KM group"), the KSL will develop best practices to increase efficiency and effectiveness within the select practice groups and work closely with attorneys to ensure adoption. (Hybrid Role)

Responsibilities

Knowledge Strategy

• Works with Knowledge Partner(s) and other attorneys in assigned practice group(s), Knowledge Strategy Counsel and others in the KM group to assess the knowledge needs of the assigned practice group and develops and implements a plan to meet those needs that are aligned with the business goals of the practice group.
• Partners closely with the KM group, Innovation & Emerging Technologies group, Research & Knowledge Services and other relevant parties to gather attorney feedback, otherwise assess attorney workflow, identify knowledge management and practice solutions needs and implement appropriate solutions and best practices to increase effectiveness and efficiency in the practice group.

Knowledge Bank & Knowhow Management

• Drafts, maintains, updates and organizes model forms, practice notes, checklists, best practices and how-to guides, market data points and other substantive content for the practice group as needed and facilitates approval and continuously keeps them up to date.
• Works independently and with the practice group attorneys to select, collect and organize valuable reference materials on the practices' internal sites and databases.
• Verifies data accuracy within KM systems and ensures consistent application and compliance of KM taxonomies. Monitors compliance of data collection workflows, including regular evaluation of effectiveness of data collection processes. As necessary, works with the KM group. Innovation & Emerging Technology Group, other technology groups and other relevant stakeholders to develop new workflows and processes.
• Develops and maintains designated practice sites and other know-how repositories, curating content and ensuring they are aligned with the needs of the practices and continuously kept up to date.
• Meets regularly with attorneys who have expertise relevant to the practices, and facilitates sharing of quality know-how and expertise.

Thought Leadership

• Researches, monitors, and informs the practice groups of legal and market developments and trends in practice.
• Assists with client and Firmwide mailings.
• Prepares regular current awareness newsletters for the practice groups.

Practice Innovation

• Works with attorneys to look for opportunities to leverage existing and emerging technologies to address identified attorney needs; develops workflows leveraging practice group resources and technologies to promote efficiency in practice.
• Works with the KM group, the Innovation and Emerging Technology group and other technology groups to coordinate pilots and proof of concept programs, including evaluating new and innovative products and services based on practice group's needs.
• Alongside the KM group and other technology groups, manages and implements legal technology (including, AI driven contract analysis tools, collaboration tools, automation tools, and transaction management tools).

• Assists internal and external developers with the development of new practice tools and reengineering processes for greater efficiencies.
• Advises the Knowledge Management Partner(s) and other attorneys in practice groups on improved processes and new technologies.
• Institutes workflows and processes to improve the utilization of practice content and innovation tools..

Business Development

• Works with practice members, Business Development and Marketing groups to identify opportunities to develop business.
• Participates in client pitches and business development activities as required.

Training/Awareness & Mentorship

• Works with practice group attorneys and Firm's training groups to create and deliver regular training programs that meet training needs of practices, including developing and delivering training, materials, workshop sessions, seminars, and various CLE programs targeted towards associates.
• Trains attorneys and promotes use of department's KM resources.
• Mentors associates by providing them best practices and responds to queries from attorneys to identify know-how and how to access and use KM resources.
• Establishes relationships with attorneys to promote awareness of, and solicits participation in KM initiatives.

Collaboration

• Solicits feedback from KM partners and attorneys to prioritize knowledge management and practice innovation needs. Collaborates with attorneys to create and maintain appropriate knowledge management and practice resources.
• Participates in regular KM group meetings and practice group meetings and works with other KSL to share best practices and ideas and identify projects that would benefit from a multi-group collaboration, and ensuring consistent messaging about Firmwide KM efforts and projects.
• Works with the KM group and practice group to identify key metrics that will be used to measure the group's engagement with, and adoption of, core KM resources. Provide regular reporting to practice group leadership and KM group.
• Liaises with users of KM resources to gather feedback on KM resources.

Other

• Provides other knowledge or related support to the practice groups, and completes special projects as needed to meet Firm goals or objectives.
• Substantive expertise in Banking or Finance practice
• Superior written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to present complex ideas to attorneys and managers
• Experience with automation tools (such as Contract Express, Neota Logic, Hot Docs) and AI-enabled due diligence review tools (such as Kira, eBrevia or Luminance) or eDiscovery tools
• Aptitude for and interest in legal technology and integration
• Self-starter and highly motivated, quick learner with ability to translate concepts and insights from one practice group to another
• Skilled at drafting thought leadership publications, training material, relevant precedents and other know-how material
• Strong understanding of KM processes, techniques, relevant technologies and best practices
• Thorough competency with relevant firm computer software programs (e.g., Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), with the ability to learn new applications, including web page editing software
• Knowledge of legal and corporate information sources
• Proven capacity for creative problem solving
• Demonstrates close attention to detail
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, organizational and planning skills
• Ability to delegate effectively
• Ability to handle multiple projects and shifting priorities across multiple practice groups simultaneously
• Ability to handle sensitive matters and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to work well in a demanding, fast-paced environment and meet deadlines
• Ability to work well independently as well as effectively within a team
• Ability to use discretion and exercise independent and sound judgment
• Demonstrates a courteous and professional demeanor
• Flexibility to adjust work schedule and work the hours necessary to meet operating and business needs.
• J. D. Degree
• Minimum of four years of experience required practicing law in one of the relevant practices at a large global law firm. Areas of substantive expertise include:
  • Banking (required)
  • Corporate (preferred)
• Experience in a similar knowledge management role at a large global law firm (preferred)

Culture & Life at Skadden
What makes Skadden special is our people and the culture, community and spirit of collaboration we have created. We believe in teamwork and inspiring each other to be our best in an atmosphere that promotes professionalism and excellence in all that we do. We know that inclusion, equity and drawing on the strength of a wide spectrum of diverse talent only make us better and is vital to the firm's success. Our goal is for everyone at the firm to enjoy a challenging career with opportunities for development and growth and to support the well-being of our attorneys and professional staff.

Benefits

The overall well-being of our team is important to us. We offer generous benefits to help you achieve wellness in all areas of your life.

• Competitive salaries and year-end discretionary bonuses.
• Comprehensive health care (medical, dental, vision), savings plan/401(k) and voluntary benefits.
• Generous paid time off.
• Paid leave options, including parental.
• In-classroom, remote, and on-demand learning and professional development opportunities.
• Robust well-being classes and programs.
• Opportunities to give back and make an impact in local communities.

For further details, please visit: https://www.skadden.com/careers/staff/employee-benefits