Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Evidence Delivery Manager

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a master of data, a project management guru, and passionate about the intersection of technology and legal practice? As our Evidence Delivery Manager, you will be the central nervous system for all evidence-related projects. You will orchestrate the entire evidence lifecycle—from initial data identification and collection through processing, review, and final production. This role requires a unique blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and exceptional communication skills to act as the key liaison between legal teams, IT departments, external vendors, and clients. You will be responsible for defining project scope, managing resources, mitigating risks, and ensuring that all data is handled with the highest standards of integrity and defensibility. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy solving complex data challenges, this is the perfect opportunity to make a significant impact.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

eDiscovery Analyst / Specialist
Senior Paralegal (with a technology focus)
Data Analyst or Business Intelligence Analyst
IT Project Coordinator

Advancement To:

Senior Manager, Evidence Delivery / eDiscovery
Director of Litigation Support
Director of Data Operations
Head of Information Governance

Lateral Moves:

Senior Project Manager (Technical)
Data Governance Manager
Business Intelligence Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Manage the complete, end-to-end eDiscovery lifecycle (EDRM) for multiple, concurrent legal and regulatory matters, from identification and preservation to collection, processing, review, and production.
Act as the primary point of contact and strategic advisor for internal legal teams, outside counsel, and corporate clients, providing consultative guidance on data management strategies and best practices.
Develop, document, and execute comprehensive project plans, including defining scope, creating detailed timelines, allocating resources, and managing project budgets to ensure on-time, cost-effective delivery.
Oversee the technical process of data collection from a wide array of sources, including cloud platforms (O365, Google Workspace), enterprise systems, mobile devices, and structured databases, ensuring forensic soundness.
Direct the processing, filtering, and culling of large, complex datasets using industry-standard eDiscovery platforms like Relativity, Nuix, and Ipro, optimizing data volumes for review.
Design and implement efficient and effective document review workflows, including the strategic use of Technology Assisted Review (TAR), predictive coding, and advanced analytics to streamline the review process.
Conduct rigorous quality control checks at every stage of the evidence delivery pipeline to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of all data productions.
Manage relationships with external eDiscovery vendors and service providers, including negotiating contracts, overseeing their work, and ensuring adherence to project specifications and security protocols.
Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues related to data ingestion, processing errors, database performance, and production formatting, serving as a technical escalation point.
Prepare and maintain meticulous project documentation, including chain of custody logs, processing specifications, data inventories, and production reports to ensure defensibility.
Consult with case teams to develop effective search criteria, keyword strategies, and data sampling methodologies to identify relevant information efficiently.
Ensure all evidence handling and data management activities comply with legal standards, regulatory requirements (like GDPR and CCPA), and internal information governance policies.
Provide regular, clear, and concise status reports and metrics to stakeholders, highlighting project progress, potential risks, and budget performance.
Train and mentor junior team members, paralegals, and attorneys on eDiscovery tools, technologies, and best-practice workflows.
Stay current with emerging trends, legal precedents, and technological advancements in the eDiscovery, data analytics, and information governance landscapes.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to assist with early case assessment and internal investigations.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap by identifying opportunities for process improvement and technology adoption.
Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements for data retention and legal hold systems.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering and IT teams to align on technical priorities and dependencies.
Assist in the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practice guides for the evidence management function.
Evaluate and recommend new software, tools, and technologies that can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the evidence delivery process.
Liaise with Information Security teams to ensure all data handling protocols meet stringent security and privacy standards.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

eDiscovery Platforms: Deep expertise in administering and using platforms such as Relativity (RCA or RCSP certification is a major plus), Nuix, Ipro, or Disco.
EDRM Lifecycle Mastery: Comprehensive understanding of the Electronic Discovery Reference Model, from Information Governance to Presentation.
Data Processing & Analytics: Proficiency with data processing tools, ECA (Early Case Assessment) methodologies, and TAR (Technology Assisted Review) workflows.
Data Querying: Working knowledge of SQL for querying structured databases and verifying data integrity.
Forensic Collection Tools: Familiarity with data collection principles and tools like EnCase, FTK, or Cellebrite.
Scripting & Automation: Basic knowledge of scripting languages (e.g., Python, PowerShell) for task automation is highly desirable.
Cloud Environments: Experience with data collection and management within cloud ecosystems like Microsoft 365 (Purview) and Google Workspace (Vault).

Soft Skills

Project Management: Exceptional ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, with strong organizational and time-management skills.
Stakeholder Communication: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences (lawyers, executives).
Problem-Solving: A highly analytical and critical thinker with a proven ability to troubleshoot issues under pressure and find creative solutions.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough, with an unwavering commitment to quality and accuracy in all deliverables.
Client Service Orientation: A consultative mindset focused on understanding client needs and delivering exceptional service and strategic value.
Leadership & Mentoring: Ability to guide, influence, and mentor team members and colleagues effectively.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

Preferred Education:

Master's Degree, JD (Juris Doctor), or relevant professional certifications (e.g., CEDS, PMP, Relativity Certified Administrator).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Computer Science / Information Technology
Information Systems / Data Science
Law / Legal Studies / Paralegal Studies
Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

5-8 years of direct experience in eDiscovery, litigation support, or a closely related data-intensive project management role.

Preferred:

Experience working within a law firm, corporate legal department, or a leading eDiscovery service provider.
Proven track record of independently managing large-scale, complex data discovery projects from inception to completion.
Demonstrable experience in a client-facing or senior consultative role.