Manager of Document Management Systems

At Fried Frank, we’re a community of 800 lawyers and 500 business services professionals across New York, Washington, DC, London, Frankfurt, and Brussels. We advise leading corporations, investment funds, and financial institutions on high-stakes M&A, securities, regulatory matters, real estate, and litigation. Our culture is grounded in our core values — excellence, integrity and collaboration — and is designed to foster continuous learning, meaningful mentorship, and lasting professional growth. We are firmly committed to pro bono service and social justice, building on a proud legacy in civil rights. Our inclusive talent strategy is a core part of our broader talent management efforts and we remain steadfast in fostering a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to grow, thrive, and become their best professional and personal selves. Our business services professionals are integral to the firm’s success, driving innovation, operational excellence and exceptional client service across all areas of the firm. We offer competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including comprehensive medical coverage, retirement plans and health and wellness initiatives designed to support your personal and professional wellbeing. We welcome passionate, driven individuals to join us, and be part of a team where you’ll be supported, inspired and empowered to build an exceptional career.

Position Summary:

The Manager of Document Management Systems (DMS) is a strategic leader responsible for the performance, evolution, and adoption of the firm’s document and email management environments. This role sits at the intersection of Knowledge Management, Information Technology, Risk Management, and Legal Practice, managing the technical roadmap of the systems (e.g., iManage, Lexis Search Advantage, DeepJudge) while serving as the primary advocate for user experience, ensuring that our 1,000+ attorneys and staff can access the right information at the right time, securely and efficiently. This position advances the mission of the Knowledge Management Department of enabling knowledge sharing and innovation across the firm to enhance the ability of the Firm’s attorneys and business professionals to deliver excellent client service.

Job Responsibilities:

• Strategic Governance & Policy
  • Define and enforce firm-wide standards for metadata, workspace structures, and naming conventions.
  • Lead practice area taxonomy development.
  • Implement and track retrieval metrics to measure the impact of improved metadata tagging.
  • Participate in the development and implementation of document retention and disposition policies in coordination with the Records and Information Governance groups.
  • Provide strategic guidance and advice on implementation of enterprise-wide AI-enabled search tools.
• User Adoption & Practice Innovation
  • Act as a "Practice Liaison" to customize DMS workflows.
  • Spearhead successful transition of all legacy file storage into the official DMS.
  • Develop and deliver high-impact training programs and communications to promote "best practice" document habits.
  • Design and implement a program to improve email filing practices, including defining key program metrics, providing training, and promoting best practices. Monitor and support attorney and staff compliance with email filing protocols.
  • Monitor adoption metrics and proactively engage with practice groups to enhance utilization.
• Security & Compliance
  • Coordinate with IT in the implementation of granular access controls and automated "ethical walls" to protect sensitive client data.
  • Manage system audits to ensure compliance with Client Outside Counsel Guidelines (OCGs) and data privacy regulations.
• Technical Oversight & Vendor Management
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for DMS vendors and external consultants.
  • Evaluate and pilot emerging AI-enabled tools for automated filing, document summarization, and enhanced search.

Job Specifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree required. JD, MLS, or PMP certification preferred.

Experience: 5+ years of experience in legal technology or knowledge management, with at least 3 years specifically managing a DMS in a large law firm environment.

Technological Skills:

• Expert-level knowledge of iManage. Microsoft Teams/SharePoint integration experience highly preferred.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders (partners, associates, and clients).
• Proven track record of managing cross-functional projects and leading change management initiatives.

Job Specific Skills: Strong sense of team membership and participation. Must be resourceful, detail-oriented, organized, and proactive to the needs of the job. Must be a team player and able to work effectively with attorneys, legal staff, management, and peers. Effective time management skills.