E-discovery counsel – hybrid/remote flexibility (multiple locations)

Steptoe & Johnson PLLC is actively seeking a highly experienced e-Discovery Counsel to support the e-Discovery and Litigation Support team. The role serves as the firm’s resource for e-Discovery supporting litigation attorneys throughout the discovery lifecycle. In addition to managing large scale document reviews, the role provides guidance on preservation, ESI Protocols, privilege, proportionality, search and review methodologies, productions, discovery disputes, and the defensible use of analytics and AI-assisted review technologies. The e-Discovery Counsel monitors relevant case law and legal developments and develops practical templates and guidance for litigators. The position serves as a strategic and operational bridge between legal teams, clients, and technical professionals.

The ideal candidate will bring substantial prior experience in large-scale document review and be capable of producing accurate, consistent work with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment. We place a high value on professionalism, mutual respect, and a collaborative approach to our work. The ideal candidate is thoughtful, responsive, and able to contribute positively to a team-oriented environment.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee all phases of the e-Discovery lifecycle, including data collection, processing, review, and production.
• Ensure defensibility and compliance with legal, regulatory, and client requirements.
• Advise litigation teams on e-Discovery strategy.
• Collaborate with Relativity administrators and provide expertise including review workflows, productions, and best practices within Relativity.
• Implement, oversee, and ensure that quality control measures are executed for document review and productions.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to data handling, privilege, and confidentiality.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for internal clients on e-Discovery related issues.
• Monitor budgets, timelines, and deliverables for multiple concurrent matters and communicate project status to trial teams.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and legal developments in e-Discovery.
• Research, review, and report on significant opinions involving preservation, spoliation, sanctions, proportionality, search methodology, privilege, ESI protocols, discovery disputes, TAR, and AI.
• Monitor rules, ethics opinions, and industry guidance.
• Draft, review, and provide guidance on ESI protocols, 502 (d) Orders, litigation hold notices, Rule 26(f) e-Discovery language.
• Maintain a searchable internal e-Discovery case-law library.
• Adhere to all firm confidentiality, data security, and ethical obligations.
• Deliver training on e-Discovery strategy, legal requirements, and Relativity best practices.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 7 years in e-Discovery or litigation support.
• Strong understanding of the EDRM lifecycle.
• Prior experience supervising document review teams.
• Demonstrated advanced proficiency with Relativity is required (candidates without meaningful Relativity experience will not be considered).
• Proven ability to handle complex review workflows, including issue tagging and privilege analysis.
• Strong analytical skills and sound judgment in applying review criteria.
• Ability to quickly understand and implement detailed review protocols without extensive supervision.
• Proven ability to work independently in a remote environment.
• Strong critical thinking and attention to detail.
• Experience in mid-sized or large law firm environment.

Core Competencies:

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent project management and organizational abilities.
• Effective communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Required:

• Juris Doctor (JD).
• Active bar admission in KY, OH, CO, TX, WV, OK, or PA. Candidates must reside in one of these states and hold active bar admission in that state.

Additional Requirements:

• Reliable high-speed internet connection.
• Secure, distraction-free, and confidential remote workspace.
• Conflict disclosures.

Compensation:

Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Eligibility for bonus and firm benefits program. Steptoe & Johnson is among the NLJ’s Top 150 law firms, with 18 offices in 7 states. Steptoe & Johnson’s core strengths include business and transactional work, energy, litigation, and labor and employment law, with over 350 attorneys working in 40 practice areas. With roots dating back more than a century, the firm has a long history of success borne of focused client service and congenial working relationships with the firm. Steptoe & Johnson provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.