Location:
Belfast
Workplace:
Hybrid
The opportunity:
The Content Development Lawyer with Corporate Specialism (M&A / PE) - Contract (12 months) will manage and execute legal content development projects and Knowledge initiatives for the practice and industry groups and the Knowledge function, within the context of the Firm's Knowledge services and strategy.
Working at Baker McKenzie:
Baker McKenzie is the world’s leading law firm with offices all over the world. Our Belfast Centre is home to over 400 colleagues in both legal and professional services.
We offer one of the best workplace benefits packages in the business with comprehensive private health cover, income protection, life assurance and a full employee assistance plan. These and a host of other benefits make us one of the most desirable companies to work for in Belfast.
We are committed to promoting inclusion, diversity, and equity for all and are confident we can provide a career as individual and as exceptional as you.
About the role:
As part of this role, the successful candidate will:
Responsibilities:
Through the Knowledge services to create and make first-class knowledge easily available increasing the quality, consistency, and cost-effectiveness of the advice, service, and products that Baker McKenzie gives its clients, including:
Knowledge and Expertise
* Directly or by supporting or coordinating, in collaboration with relevant lawyers or Knowledge Lawyers, undertake the following tasks as appropriate:
o Precedents. Draft, develop and automate precedents and other legal content
o Current awareness and commercial/industry know-how. Keep abreast and provide regular updates on key developments. Apply an understanding of key clients' industries and businesses to all activities. Work with other PGs and IGs to provide the most holistic legal, commercial, and industry know-how possible. Leverage industry periodicals and media to enhance industry knowledge and identify opportunities for involvement in industry meetings
o Requests. Respond to ad hoc inquiries from Knowledge Lawyers and Lawyers with on-point, thorough and timely answers. Develop a reputation as a go-to expert
o Know-how development. Collect and input PG/IG know-how into the firm's global repository of knowledge and populate global, multi-jurisdictional databases and resources. Identify gaps in core know-how and work to fill them, identifying opportunities for leveraging and localizing content elsewhere
o Training. Identify the training needs of the business. Leverage firm resources and processes to produce training materials and courses efficiently and of the highest possible quality
o Client-facing knowledge. Provide legal input into client-facing initiatives and other business development resources and products and coordinate their delivery as required
* Identify and lead content development Knowledge projects and initiatives as relevant and aligned with Knowledge services and strategy
* Maintain legal expertise in the role holder's primary area(s) of practice and support such other practice areas as required
Service Orientation and Work Management
* In line with the Knowledge services and strategy, support and work closely with:
o The Lead Knowledge Lawyers including liaising with Knowledge Lawyers and other business professionals as appropriate in carrying out the main responsibilities, including content priorities
o The Senior Manager for Content Development and the other Knowledge Specialists to understand and ensure that the creation, collection, and maintenance of Knowledge content takes place following policy and best practice
o The Knowledge Service Owner for Content Development to ensure the consistent delivery and standard of excellent Knowledge services and aligned products to lawyers and clients
o Content Development Paralegals and Analysts(as relevant), providing legal training and guidance as required to ensure high performing teams and that their output meets the required quality standards
* Relationships: Promote and identify ways to strengthen the Knowledge culture. Build lasting relationships throughout the Firm through collaboration, mutual respect, and a reputation for competence. Advocate and be a positive spokesperson for Knowledge. Support diversity and inclusion, CSR, and pro bono activities
* Operations and innovation: Proactively seek ways to improve the role holder's and PG/IG service and efficiency and contribute to best practices. Actively participate in Knowledge projects and identify opportunities for innovation
* Systems and tools: Develop a comprehensive understanding and support and drive adoption of Knowledge systems, services, and other legal technology and tools. Take ownership of delivery
Skills and Experience:
* Experience as a practising lawyer preferably with company law experience (Mergers & Acquisitions or Private Equity)
* Experience as a Professional Support Lawyer/Knowledge Lawyer with a sound understanding of Knowledge Management within a law firm environment is preferable, including designing and implementing Knowledge solutions
* Excellent English language skills (verbal and written)
* Ability to manage and consult with multiple stakeholders including senior leaders and communicate effectively in a large, multi-cultural, multi-level environment. Highly credible and persuasive
* Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships virtually and work collaboratively
* Demonstrated ability to drive results with a sense of urgency in planning and executing work
* Good coaching, counselling, business acumen, and overall communication skills. Highly credible presentation skills
* Excellent time management and organization. Ability to prioritize and manage time to meet deadlines
* Strong word processing and spreadsheet skills
* ?Experience in or willingness to learn document automation and other legal technology