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Knowledge Management Attorney (Legal)



Katten is a firm of first choice for clients seeking sophisticated, high-value legal services in the United States and abroad. Our nationally recognized practices include corporate, financial services, litigation, real estate, environmental, commercial finance, insolvency and restructuring, intellectual property, and trusts and estates. Our more than 650 attorneys serve public and private companies, including a third of the Fortune 100, as well as a number of government and nonprofit organizations and individuals. We provide full-service legal advice from locations across the United States and in London and Shanghai.

Knowledge Management Attorney - Commercial Finance

The Knowledge Management Attorney supports the Commercial Finance Department in developing, implementing and maintaining a knowledge management strategy and to increase efficiencies and optimize client service delivery within the practice.  The Knowledge Management Attorney manages the Department's collection, retention and organization of client-specific and deal-specific information, forms and precedents, research materials and other practice group Knowledge Management resources.  In collaboration with other Department attorneys, the Knowledge Management Attorney develops and coordinates the delivery of substantive and specialized training to Department attorneys and clients. Provides market and competitive intelligence and tracks relevant legal and business developments.  Performs other duties related to Knowledge Management and practice development as requested by the Department Head and identified partners.  This position collaborates across offices, practice groups, and infrastructure departments, including Marketing and Business Development, Practice Management, Library Services, Innovation, Information Technology and other various administrative and operational functional teams, to successfully execute knowledge management initiatives.  The Knowledge Management Attorney maintains professionalism and strict confidentiality in all client and Firm matters.  This is a Non-Practicing position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but may not be limited to, the following. Other duties may be requested and/or assigned. Essential functions are primary job duties that an individual must be able to perform successfully with or without a reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge Management

  • With the Department Head and identified partners, define and implement a knowledge management strategy to meet the ongoing needs of the Commercial Finance Department.
  • Refine and maintain a deal terms database.
  • Draft, update and manage forms and checklists for various clients and the Department, generally, to reflect changes and developments.
  • Work with relevant practice group members to develop new forms and improve precedent and checklist management systems.
  • Refine and maintain document management and precedent tracking system to facilitate user search.
  • Assess and, where appropriate, make recommendations to implement new or improved legal and market research tools and resources.
  • Work with third party vendors and the Innovation and IT Departments to evaluate, test and deploy innovative technology to reduce manual data collection, automate document creation, assist with legal research, and otherwise support the practice.
  • Prepare and distribute weekly Department newsletter to share practice insights, client updates and media coverage of practice area markets.

Training and On-Boarding

  • With the Department head, identified partners and the Attorney Development department, develop an ongoing training curriculum for Commercial Finance associates.
  • Work with partners and senior associates to create and deliver regular training programs to the Department on trending topics and current legal developments.
  • Work with attorneys to prepare materials for client trainings.
  • Help set agendas and coordinate speakers for monthly Department meetings.
  • Monitor market intelligence (including PLC and client advisories from other law firms) and advise practice group on legal developments and trends relevant to all types of commercial finance transactions.
  • Educate Department attorneys, paralegals and support staff on Knowledge Management database usage, forms and precedent libraries and document management systems.
  • Manage integration of new first-year and lateral associates into the Department's knowledge management procedures and policies and other substantive practice information.

Business Development and Client Initiatives

  • Identify legal and business developments of relevance to clients.
  • Produce and curate knowledge management reports to facilitate maintenance of league table measurement data and transaction and client lists for business development and marketing purposes.

Other

  • Provide support for ongoing commercial finance transactions including, but not limited to, creation, routine maintenance and customization of forms; reporting requirements for closed transactions; improving processes around lien searches and UCC preparation, all aspects of transaction closings and tracking post-closing tasks

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities, however, has the authority to delegate work within the Department relating to tasks/projects.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • J.D. required; Minimum of six years relevant experience in a law firm or in-house legal department.
  • Computer proficient with knowledge and understanding in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint), SharePoint and other various legal search engines and online research tools.
  • Ability to build and maintain relationships with Department personnel, Firm management, other attorneys and staff.
  • Management experience including coaching, mentoring, and strong delegation skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.  Ability to communicate with courtesy, diplomacy and discretion, efficiently follow written and verbal instructions.
  • Excellent organizational, planning and project management skills including record keeping, data collection and system information.  Ability to compile and analyze data and furnish concise, detailed information in report format, written correspondence, e- mail or verbally.
  • Highly motivated, strategic focus: ability to understand and support Firm goals, services, culture and strategy in order to present self and the Firm in a positive, professional manner.  Understand and stays up to date on current legal market trends, news, and innovations.
  • Exhibit high degree of initiative in managing multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, high-stressed, detail-oriented work environment.  Ability to work with frequent interruptions and adapt to changes in workflow.
  • Dependable team player with high energy, creativity and vision who works collaboratively and cooperatively with others in a team-oriented environment.  Ability to act independently within scope of the position's responsibilities as a decision-maker and contributor on all levels.
  • Ability to occasionally retrieve and distribute files, written documentation, or office supplies weighing up to 10 pounds.
  • Ability to work overtime.

We offer an outstanding benefit package which includes: medical/dental/vision, 401k with employer contribution; transportation fringe benefit program; back-up care option; generous paid time off policy; and long-term and short-term disability policies.

Katten is an Equal Opportunity Employer/AA-M/F/SO/Disability/Veteran.

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