Director of Information Technology

Position SummaryThe Director of Information Technology is responsible for the strategic direction, leadership, and day-to-day management of the Firm’s technology environment across its 15+ locations. This position ensures that technology is secure, reliable, scalable, cost-effective, and aligned with the Firm’s business objectives and the unique operational requirements of a modern law practice.The Director will oversee the Firm’s IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, applications, networks, systems, user support, technology vendors, and business continuity initiatives. This individual will serve as the primary technology leader for the organization and will partner closely with Firm leadership, attorneys, administrative departments, and external technology providers.The ideal candidate is a hands-on strategic leader who understands both the business and operational demands of a multi-office law firm and can translate technology into practical solutions that improve attorney productivity, client service, security, and profitability.Key ResponsibilitiesIT Strategy & LeadershipDevelop and execute a firm-wide IT strategy that supports the Firm’s short- and long-term business objectives.Establish technology priorities, roadmaps, standards, policies, and best practices across all Firm locations.Advise Firm leadership on emerging technologies, technology investments, risks, and opportunities.Develop and manage the Firm’s IT budget, including capital expenditures, operating expenses, licensing, hardware, software, and outside services.Establish appropriate IT governance, procedures, documentation, and performance metrics.Evaluate opportunities to improve efficiency, automation, collaboration, and attorney productivity through technology.Infrastructure & SystemsOversee the Firm’s network, servers, cloud environments, telecommunications, internet connectivity, Wi-Fi, endpoints, mobile devices, printers, conference-room technology, and related infrastructure.Ensure reliable technology operations across all offices and remote users.Oversee system upgrades, hardware refresh cycles, software deployments, integrations, and technology projects.Establish and maintain standardized technology configurations and processes across all locations.Ensure appropriate monitoring, maintenance, patching, backup, and lifecycle management of IT systems.Evaluate and implement scalable infrastructure as the Firm grows or opens additional locations.Cybersecurity & Risk ManagementDevelop and maintain a comprehensive cybersecurity program appropriate for a law firm handling confidential and sensitive client information.Oversee endpoint security, identity and access management, multifactor authentication, email security, vulnerability management, encryption, backups, and other security controls.Establish and enforce IT security policies and procedures.Coordinate security awareness and training programs for attorneys and staff.Monitor and respond to cybersecurity threats and incidents in partnership with internal staff and external security providers.Conduct periodic risk assessments and recommend improvements to the Firm’s security posture.Coordinate with outside counsel, insurers, auditors, and other appropriate parties regarding cybersecurity and technology risk when necessary.Legal Technology & ApplicationsOversee the Firm’s core legal and business applications, including practice management, document management, timekeeping, billing, accounting, email, collaboration, research, case-related, and other systems.Partner with attorneys and administrative leaders to identify technology needs and opportunities for improvement.Evaluate, recommend, implement, and support new technology solutions.Manage system integrations and ensure applications work effectively together.Monitor technology adoption and provide training and support when new systems or processes are introduced.Stay current on emerging legal technology, including AI and automation tools, and evaluate their appropriate and secure use within the Firm.Help Desk & User SupportEstablish service standards and processes for IT support across all offices.Oversee the internal IT support team and/or managed service providers.Ensure attorneys and staff receive timely, professional, and effective technical support.Establish appropriate ticketing, escalation, documentation, and issue-resolution procedures.Monitor IT service levels and identify recurring issues or opportunities for improvement.Maintain a strong customer-service culture within the IT function.Vendor & Third-Party ManagementManage relationships with IT vendors, managed service providers, software providers, telecommunications companies, cybersecurity firms, and other technology partners.Negotiate contracts, licensing agreements, service-level agreements, and technology purchases.Regularly evaluate vendor performance, costs, security practices, and service levels.Consolidate vendors and technology services where appropriate to improve efficiency and reduce costs.Ensure third-party technology providers meet the Firm’s security and compliance requirements.Business Continuity & Disaster RecoveryDevelop, maintain, and regularly test the Firm’s disaster recovery and business continuity plans.Ensure critical systems and data are appropriately backed up and recoverable.Establish procedures for maintaining technology operations during outages, natural disasters, cybersecurity incidents, or other business disruptions.Coordinate periodic disaster recovery testing and document lessons learned.Ensure critical technology dependencies and recovery procedures are understood across the organization.Compliance, Privacy & Data ManagementPartner with Firm leadership and appropriate legal/compliance personnel to address technology-related regulatory, privacy, and contractual requirements.Establish appropriate controls for confidential client information and Firm data.Support records retention, data governance, access controls, and secure disposal initiatives.Assist with technology requirements related to client security questionnaires, audits, outside counsel requirements, and insurance renewals.Team LeadershipLead, mentor, and develop IT personnel and/or manage outsourced IT resources.Establish clear roles, responsibilities, performance expectations, and service standards.Recruit and retain qualified technology professionals as the Firm’s needs evolve.Foster a proactive, service-oriented, and security-conscious IT culture.Ensure appropriate knowledge transfer and documentation within the IT function.QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field preferred.7+ years of progressive IT experience, with significant experience in IT management or leadership.Experience managing technology across multiple offices, locations, or geographically distributed environments.Experience in a law firm or other professional-services environment strongly preferred.Demonstrated experience with cybersecurity, infrastructure, cloud technologies, Microsoft 365, identity management, networking, endpoint management, and business continuity.Experience managing IT budgets, vendors, technology projects, and third-party service providers.Strong understanding of data security and the protection of confidential information.Experience leading and developing IT teams.Strong project management, problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.Ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively to attorneys, executives, and non-technical employees.Preferred ExperienceExperience supporting a multi-office law firm.Familiarity with legal practice management and document management platforms.Experience with Microsoft 365 and cloud-based environments.Experience implementing or managing cybersecurity frameworks and security programs.Experience with AI, automation, and emerging legal technologies.Experience with mergers, acquisitions, office openings, technology integrations, or organizational growth.Experience working with cyber liability insurance requirements and security assessments.