Knowledge Development Lawyer (12-month fixed-term contract)

Knowledge Development Lawyers (KDLs) at Charles Russell Speechlys are experts within their field and they support and facilitate knowledge sharing and to implement an ambitious Knowledge Strategy. Knowledge directly supports the firm’s ambition to undertake complex, challenging, high-value work and deliver exceptional client service. KDLs have the responsibility of developing our unique, knowledge-sharing culture within the Firm which in turn drives efficiency and profitability. Our clients are at the heart of everything we do and KDLs create opportunities to use Knowledge to deepen our relationships with clients, ensuring that Knowledge is a driver for business and is used effectively to enhance our reputation.

The role is responsible for oversight and co-ordination of our Knowledge offering across the board. It comprises both internal and external-facing elements. The client-facing element includes systematising and streamlining our client facing Knowledge content and client value adds with an emphasis on maximising the value of our internal knowledge and data, and using technology to drive efficiency. It involves working collaboratively across multiple teams, including the Business Development & Marketing team and other teams. The internal-facing aspect of the role incudes supporting the Associate Director, Knowledge with refining the team strategy, refining and tracking KPIs for Knowledge and producing central content. The split of the two elements of the role flexes according to need.

This role forms part of a small central team which includes the Knowledge Solutions Manager (who has responsibility for Knowledge Systems and internal content), the Team Assistant and Central Knowledge Paralegal.

This will involve:

• Supporting the Associate Director, Knowledge in managing and further developing our client facing Knowledge programmes aligned to our client development programmes
• Continually reviewing our current client offerings with a view to bringing efficiency of process and to demonstrate value
• From time to time giving advice to clients
• Participating in cross firm initiatives and projects such as the firmwide data project
• Playing a leading role in exploring the use of GenAI and other new technologies to drive efficiency
• Supporting the Associate Director, Knowledge developing a standard Knowledge offering in offices outside of the UK, particularly where no KDL is present
• Supporting the Associate Director, Knowledge with tasks and projects across Knowledge
• Identifying hot topics and emerging trends in Knowledge Management and ensuring our Knowledge offering is best in class
• Delivering relevant updates, insights and training to the rest of the team
• Refining and tracking a set of KPIs for Knowledge and ensuring Knowledge has the tools and capability to show an excellent ROI, alignment with the Firms’ strategic priorities and the ability to demonstrate success

Person specification

• A capable, experienced lawyer (either a PSL/KDL or someone who is currently in a fee-earning or in-house role) with proven effectiveness in a commercial and pressurised environment
• Ability to demonstrate an understanding of clients’ areas of focus and priorities
• Strong analytical and research skills
• Ability to inspire confidence at every level of the business
• Ability to quickly develop own networks and use them effectively
• Self-aware, capable and proactive with the ability to work independently
• Displays a growth mindset and the ability to view challenges as opportunities
• Ability to cascade knowledge
• Commercial awareness, financial acumen and a business-like approach to legal practice
• Desire and ability to be involved in using technology to improve processes and drive efficiency

The person filling this role will be a solicitor with at least 8 years’ PQE. Previous experience as a PSL/KDL or in a similar role would be preferrable but not essential.

General

• Comply with all relevant legal and regulatory obligations including the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Standards and Regulations, and Principles.
• Client service
• Integrity and respect
• Interpersonal skills
• Inclusive
• Delivery focus
• Client-centric

Hybrid working - We adopt a hybrid and flexible working approach, dependent on the requirements of the role and subject to manager approval.

For a detailed specification please download the job description in the documents section of this page.

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