Manager, Information Governance and Records

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP; Toronto; On-site; CAD 125,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP in Toronto is seeking a Manager of Information Governance and Records to lead the IG and Records program within the General Counsel’s Office. The role collaborates across IT, Knowledge Management and Practice Innovation to protect and manage firm and client information in line with legal obligations.

You will drive strategic IG priorities, oversee data cleanup and retention, and guide consultants and staff on best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in information management, library science, business administration or a related field is required.
• Master’s degree in a related field is preferred.
• Minimum five years of work experience in information governance or records management, preferably in a law firm or large professional services firm.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and administration of the Firm’s information governance and records programs.
• Oversee the IG and Records team and collaborate with stakeholders across the Firm.
• Manage data cleanup and quality checks in records systems.
• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory and client requirements.
• Develop retention policies for new platforms and features, including AI-based tools.
• Guide budget and resource planning for the IG and Records function.
• Provide change management, training and guidance to users.

Skills

Information governance

Records management

Project management

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Change management

Policy development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in information management, library science, business administration or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (Blakes), one of Canada’s largest and most successful law firms, has an immediate opening for a Manager, Information Governance and Records to join our General Counsel’s Office in Toronto.

Reporting to the Senior Counsel, General Counsel’s Office and the Director, Information Governance, the successful candidate will collaborate with the Director to lead the development and ongoing administration of the Firm’s information governance (IG) and records management programs. The role leads the IG and Records team and works collaboratively with stakeholders across the Firm to support the effective management, protection, retention and disposition of Firm and client information in accordance with legal, regulatory and business requirements.

Primary responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

Strategic Information Governance Priorities

• Collaborating with the Director to develop and evolve the Firm’s Information Governance Policy, Technology Platform Retention Schedule and related programs, including setting retention policies for new technology platforms and/or new features of existing platforms (including AI-based platforms and features), and implementing processes to manage such information on an ongoing basis
• Leading strategic firmwide initiatives to advance the Firm’s IG program, including projects to govern lawyers’ usage of standard and exceptional repositories, and to align business services groups on consistent processes for managing the information of incoming and departing Firm members

Information Governance & Records Programs, Processes and Compliance

• Overseeing and directing file transfers, client-initiated destructions, legal holds and other information governance processes, ensuring compliance with Firm policies, client requirements and applicable legal obligations
• Partnering with Business Services groups (e.g., IT, Knowledge Management and Practice Innovation) on projects that involve an IG component, such as the management of closing books and other precedents
• Managing the Firm’s relationships with key service providers, ensuring advantageous pricing, service quality and consistent delivery
• Overseeing data cleanup in records management systems, including by implementing processes for quality-checking records and ensuring information is complete and properly identified
• Staying current with industry trends and best practices and identifying opportunities to use new technologies to improve current processes

Team Leadership and People Management

• Leading the development of team capacity and capability by aligning priorities, responsibilities and process improvement initiatives with individual strengths and development needs, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability and innovation
• Managing the IG and Records team, including hiring, professional development, training and workload, ensuring comprehensive cross-training to alleviate any single-person dependencies
• Developing, monitoring and managing departmental budgets and resource expenses, and recommending adjustments as appropriate

Change Management, Training, Guidance and Stakeholder Support

• Collaborating with the Director to lead consultations and other meetings with practice groups and business services teams, including seeking feedback regarding potential IG-related changes and managing users’ expectations around such changes in a respectful and professional manner
• Consulting with Firm members to understand challenges, emerging needs and opportunities for improvement while developing practical solutions
• Developing and delivering user training and guidance to support electronic content management, including on the use of approved knowledge repositories, scanning, email management and electronic filing

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in information management, library science, business administration or a related field is required
• Master’s degree in a related field is preferred
• Minimum five years’ work experience in information governance, records management, library science, information science or another related field, preferably in a law firm, other professional services firm, financial institution or another large, complex organization

Skills and Abilities

• Understanding of the legal requirement for and legal context governing information-related processes and procedures, including privacy issues, file transfers and information governance practices within a law firm or professional services environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication, consultation and relationship management skills
• Ability to think strategically, exercise sound judgment and develop practical solutions to complex problems.
• Strong project management, organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage changing priorities and deadlines
• Demonstrated initiative, professionalism and commitment to continuous improvement and high-quality stakeholder service
• People leadership skills, including coaching, performance management, succession planning and talent development
• Consulting and relationship management skills, with the ability to partner effectively with stakeholders, understand business needs and develop practical, client-focused solutions
• Exceptional teamwork, influencing and change management skills, with the ability to drive adoption of new policies, processes and technologies

Compensation

The anticipated annual salary for the Manager, Information Governance and Records position is $125,000 – $140,000. Salary levels will be determined commensurate with internal equity, market equity and experience.

Other Relevant Application Information

Blakes welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. The Firm is committed to maintaining an inclusive work environment composed of people with diverse perspectives, backgrounds, identities and cultures. The Firm provides accommodation for applicants with disabilities and in respect of other protected grounds during the recruitment process, in accordance with applicable laws. Please contact us to request accommodation.

While our experienced team will select and interview successful candidates, Blakes may use artificial intelligence to assist with shortlisting, screening and evaluating applications.

Who We Are

At Blakes, we care about our people. We are committed to providing exceptional experiences for our clients and employees. As a winner of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and Greater Toronto’s Top Employers awards, we understand the importance of fostering an inclusive workplace environment that brings out the best in each person. Our success as a firm starts with hiring top talent, retaining our people and helping them thrive.