Knowledge Lawyer, (part time)
A prestigious law firm seek a Knowledge Lawyer to join their growing dispute resolution team. This newly created position will provide professional and technical legal support to fee-earners and clients. The role will also work with the Disputes Knowledge Partner to prepare and implement an ongoing knowledge plan, lead on the professional development activity within the disputes team, support KM at firm level, help improve the cost effectiveness of the Disputes team by improving processes and sharing knowledge and assist the Disputes team to deliver a high-quality service to internal and external clients.
Key responsibilities Include:
- Monitor, review and promote as appropriate, precedents from online sources and where necessary adapt for better application to the Disputes team’s requirements.
- Develop and maintain specialist precedents, standard form documents and example documents relevant to the Disputes team.
- Develop and maintain related guidance notes.
- Keep precedents, example and standard form documents and guidance notes up to date, including ensuring that the relevant section of the intranet are set up, maintained and kept up to date.
- To assist and where required draft and maintain Disputes specific retainer documentation.
- Assisting to implement any additional tools, technology solutions or platforms which might assist fee earners.
- Working with the Library to ensure that the Disputes team has access to the legal information resources it needs.
- Updating and expanding the Disputes team’s information and know how material available on the intranet.
- Keep the team up to date with the latest developments in civil procedure law (including legislative and case law developments and the progress of draft legislation).
- Keep up to date on financial, economic and market forces which might apply and have relevance to the work and business of the Disputes team.
- Write periodic bulletins for circulation to intermediaries and clients.
- To be fully conversant with the team’s (and firm’s) BD strategy and business plan and actively work with the Disputes BD Manager in meeting the objectives and development of the plans.
- Work with team members to write articles on litigation topics for publication and liaise with and build contacts with the editorial teams of relevant publications where possible.
- Actively examine and promote the use of technology to improve the team’s client service and business development.
- Work with the KL&D team and other knowledge lawyers in the firm and develop good relationships with the partners and fee earners within the team.
- Liaise with Disputes Knowledge Partner and fee earner knowledge reps to identify the dispute related KM support needs across the department.
- Provide a support base for the fee earners and encourage the sharing of knowledge within the group and firm.
- Liaise with KL&D in connection with the firm-wide provision of training to ensure the needs of the disputes team are met.
- Design, organise and sometimes deliver an internal training programme for team members including organising external speakers where appropriate.
- Work with team members to plan and deliver seminars to intermediaries/clients and/or similar events.
- Provide input and leadership to the induction training of trainees and other new joiners to the Disputes team.
- Play an active part in the relevant Knowledge Lawyer network, liaising with key Knowledge Lawyers in the field and assessing viability of relevant developments.
- Attend Knowledge Lawyer monthly meetings.
To be considered for this role you will need the following skills and experience:
- Strong academic background.
- Sound relevant experience gained within a respected litigation team.
- Have at least 5 years PQE experience.
- PSL experience helpful but not essential.
- Excellent organisational skills.
- Proactive in seeking out thought-leadership ideas
- Self-starting approach to tasks and projects and ability to work on own initiative.
- Well-developed interpersonal skills – an ability to interact with people at all levels.
- Good communication and project management skills.
- Research skills.
- Technical skills required - Legal Drafting, Word and PowerPoint, Internet/Intranet, Precedent management system, Online research resources, E-disclosure platforms/software.