Overview
Director of Information Technology – Location: London. Reporting to: Chief Administrative Officer.
A leading international law firm seeks an experienced Director of Information Technology to lead and evolve its technology function across its London and New York offices. This is a senior, hands-on role combining strategic leadership with oversight of day-to-day IT operations in a high-performing, client-focused environment.
The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the firm's technology infrastructure delivers exceptional service, security, and reliability, while working closely with stakeholders across the business and managing external technology partners.
Key Responsibilities
Technology Leadership & Strategy
- Set and deliver the firm's IT strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives and client service standards.
- Provide leadership to the internal and outsourced IT function, fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Manage IT projects end-to-end, ensuring delivery on time and within budget.
- Act as a trusted technology advisor to Partners, fee earners, and business services teams.
IT Operations & Infrastructure
- Oversee all aspects of IT operations including infrastructure, systems administration, cybersecurity, and support services.
- Maintain and develop core legal technology platforms such as document and case management systems, e-discovery, collaboration tools, and secure communications.
- Ensure robust data security, backup, disaster recovery, and regulatory compliance frameworks are in place.
- Provide hands-on technical input and user support where required, within a lean and collaborative environment.
MSP & Vendor Management
- Serve as the primary point of contact for the firm's Managed Service Provider (MSP).
- Manage vendor relationships, contracts, SLAs, performance reviews, and escalations.
- Hold suppliers accountable for service quality, system uptime, security, and cost-effectiveness.
Process Improvement & Innovation
- Identify opportunities for automation, AI-enabled solutions, and workflow improvements.
- Support technology use in virtual hearings, mediations, and arbitrations.
- Drive adoption of new systems through effective change management and training.
Training & Development
- Identify training needs across the firm and support the development of IT capability.
- Contribute to and support delivery of technology training for fee earners and staff.
Business Continuity & Projects
- Participate in and lead IT elements of business continuity planning and global continuity initiatives.
- Take ownership of IT aspects of office moves, expansions, and ad hoc projects.
- Provide regular reporting and updates to senior management.
Skills & Experience
- 7+ years' experience in IT leadership with strong hands-on capability, ideally within a law firm or professional services environment.
- Proven experience managing MSPs and multiple technology vendors.
- Strong knowledge of legal technology platforms (e.g. iManage, NetDocuments, Relativity, HighQ, Clio or similar).
- Solid understanding of cybersecurity, data protection, compliance, and disaster recovery.
- Experience introducing automation, AI, or analytics tools within professional services is highly desirable.
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and project management skills.
- A pragmatic, proactive approach suited to a boutique or smaller firm environment.
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