An opportunity has arisen in our Legal Data Advisory practice within the intelligENS department at ENS. The Legal Data Advisory practice area specialises in addressing complex legal data challenges in litigations, investigations, and regulatory responses. Our practice integrates legal and forensic expertise with advanced eDiscovery technologies to enhance evidentiary processes.
This role offers a unique opportunity to work with globally recognised experts and be part of a pioneering team at the forefront of legal technology and AI innovation in legal services in Africa, and beyond. You will be responsible for continuing the exponential growth of the Legal Data Advisory practice to support the exciting expansion plans of intelligENS.
This is an opportunity for leading complex information-intensive projects, with significant experience in deploying, and building, technology-driven methodologies. The candidate will play a crucial role in supporting our local and international clients across a broad spectrum of varied and interesting areas.
The success in this role is not only measured by individual performance but also by the impact on the team and the contribution to the firm's overall goals in innovation and excellence. The candidate will need to demonstrate bold strategic thinking, advanced leadership and relationship skills, excellent financial and risk management capabilities, and play a significant role in shaping the future direction of intelligENS. The candidate requires extensive experience in coordinating on cross-border matters, with a focus on Europe, UK, US and South Africa.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Legal Data Advisory practice, including developing and implementing legal data strategies, policies, and procedures.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for all eDiscovery matters, including client and partner liaison.
- Handle technical escalations and lead technical project teams for eDiscovery matters.
- Develop and expand a team of eDiscovery experts, providing comprehensive training to enhance skills and knowledge.
- Manage financial operations and risk management for Legal Data Advisory projects.
- Assist the Head of intelligENS with business development and marketing initiatives.
- Foster a culture of continuous learning and professional growth within the team.
- Establish and maintain relationships with external service providers; ensure compliance with service level agreements and quality standards.
- Keep current on developments in the e-discovery industry, including best practices, technological advancements, and changes to the law and/or regulatory framework impacting data stakeholders.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in eDiscovery and experience in building and scaling an eDiscovery, litigation support, or legal technology function.
- Relevant experience within law firms, consulting firms, or major eDiscovery providers, multiple sectors highly desirable.
- Technical proficiency and extensive understanding across the Electronic Discovery Reference Model (EDRM).
- Technical proficiency in RelativityOne and advanced capabilities, including natural language processing (NLP) and generative AI for tasks such as document review, PII detection, and privilege analysis.
- A hands-on, technical leadership role, serving as a point of escalation and broad oversight across the Legal Data Advisory team.
- Effective communication and collaboration with senior internal stakeholders, management, and external clients.
- Expert knowledge of regulatory frameworks in Europe, UK, US and South Africa, ensuring compliance and strategic alignment with local and international standards.
- Advanced proficiency in data analytics, with the ability to interpret complex datasets and derive actionable insights.
- Strong skills in SQL, Python, and data processing techniques, enabling efficient data manipulation and analysis.
