Senior Information Governance Specialist II

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 experience and ambition of our 7,000+ people, including 4,000+ attorneys, across 24 offices worldwide. Our dedicated professionals share our lawyers' commitment to excellence and show up each day to do meaningful work that helps drive global business, investment and innovation forward. What You'll Do Do you thrive at the intersection of data, risk, and compliance-and enjoy being the go-to expert for complex, high impact decisions? As a Senior Information Governance Specialist II, you'll lead and execute critical Information Governance Compliance services that protect firm and client data throughout its lifecycle. You'll serve as a subject matter expert and escalation point, partnering closely with attorneys, Information Technology (IT), and senior Risk Management leaders to ensure policies, client requirements, and applicable laws are applied consistently and defensibly. This role plays a visible, trusted part in safeguarding information while continuously improving how the work gets done.

• Client File Intake & Control: Manage and track incoming client and lateral attorney files, ensuring accurate classification, organization, and compliance with firm standards while identifying and mitigating intake-related risks.
• Secure Client File Release: Coordinate and execute secure file releases, collaborating with legal teams to collect, filter, validate, package, and transfer data in line with client instructions and firm policies.
• Client File Transfers: Draft attorney acknowledgements and timekeeper records of filing notices; collect, process, analyze, redact, and protect electronic files for release; and automate business processes where possible by leveraging technology.
• Data Preservation Management: Draft, issue, track, and update preservation orders, define scope and custodians, monitor compliance, and advise stakeholders on preservation strategy and risk mitigation.
• Data Destruction & Retention: Draft, review, and execute destruction orders, coordinate defensible disposition decisions, and resolve retention or exception issues in compliance with firm and client requirements.
• Data Access Oversight: Review and audit data access requests to ensure alignment with ethical walls, client requirements, and firm policies, partnering with IT and security teams to address access risks.
• Policy Exception Management: Assess and manage requests for exceptions to information governance policies, escalating complex or high risk matters with clear recommendations and maintaining accurate documentation and reporting.
• Risk Analysis & Audits: Conduct audits, data analysis, and fact finding to identify risks, improve processes, and support defensible decision making.
• Advisory & Communication: Advise firm personnel on Information Governance (IG) policies, procedures, and best practices, and deliver clear written and verbal communications, reports, and presentations.
• Process Improvement & Innovation: Lead or contribute to IG Compliance initiatives, continuously identifying opportunities to automate, streamline, or enhance processes-including thoughtful use of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation tools.
• Team Enablement: Mentor team members, support onboarding and training, and foster a culture of compliance, proactive risk identification, and continuous improvement.

What You'll Bring

• Education: A four year degree in information technology, law, compliance, business administration, information management, or a related field. (Preferred)
• Relevant Experience: 5+ years of experience in information governance, records management, legal operations, or risk management; law firm experience preferred.
• Information Governance Expertise: Strong understanding of data lifecycle management, legal hold processes, data disposition practices, and electronic discovery (eDiscovery) processes and tools.
• Risk Based Judgment: Demonstrated ability to assess complex risks and make sound, defensible recommendations with minimal oversight.
• Technical Proficiency: Experience with tools such as iManage, Relativity, Brainspace, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Purview Compliance, Windows file servers, encryption tools, and related technologies; intermediate to expert Microsoft 365 skills.
• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to partner effectively across legal, IT, and risk teams.
• Analytical & Organizational Skills: Strong problem solving, analytical, and organizational capabilities, with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Ability to serve as a subject matter expert in one or more IG areas and support training, process improvement, and strategic initiatives.

If you're excited to protect critical information, influence high visibility decisions, and help evolve information governance practices as a Senior Information Governance Specialist II, we'd love to hear from you. Compensation The base salary range below represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position in 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: Los Angeles: $100,000 - $138,000 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 Kirkland & Ellis