Main information
Term type:
Permanent
Department:
IT
Location:
London
The firm
Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) is a sector-focused international law firm with extensive expertise and industry insight across its core sectors of energy, infrastructure and transport. Through its network of 19 offices, the firm advises clients on complex, high-value transactions and disputes – matters requiring precise legal execution and a nuanced understanding of global market dynamics.
The firm’s success is driven by its people. It fosters a collaborative, inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can grow, share ideas and make an impact. Guided by its values –We are experts, We are united and We care – the firm delivers exceptional service through strong relationships and teamwork. The firm is committed to clear career paths, championing diversity and investing in its people so they can thrive.
Role overview
The Data Governance Manager is accountable for defining, implementing and leading the firm’s data management and governance strategy across the global organisation, with a particular focus on supporting the legal practice.
This role, new to the firm, will ensure that the firm’s data – including client, matter, financial, knowledge, and operational data – is accurate, trusted, well-governed, and fit-for-purpose, enabling improved legal delivery, decision-making, regulatory compliance, and client service.
The role combines understanding of law firm operations, hands-on leadership of data initiatives, and the ability to work collaboratively with partners, lawyers, innovation, finance, IT, risk and compliance teams.
Key activities/responsibilities
- Define and maintain a firmwide data management and governance strategy, and related procedural and policy documentation, aligned to the firm’s business and legal practice strategy, and considering compliance requirements.
- Act as the firm’s senior authority on data management, ownership, quality, and governance.
- Lead and contribute to projects and initiatives, sharing knowledge and supporting continuous improvement.
- Develop deep understanding of how data is captured and utilised across the legal practice, including:
- Client and matter management
- Time recording, billing and pricing
- Practice performance and profitability
- Legal project management, resource management and matter delivery
- Partner closely with partners, practice leaders and operational teams to identify data challenges and opportunities.
- Translate legal practice needs into clear data requirements and improvement initiatives.
- Establish ownership and accountability for key legal practice data domains.
- Advise and mentor data-related resources and stakeholders across the firm.
- Act as an advocate for change, building awareness of the value of data across the firm.
- Develop clear guidance, practical tools and training appropriate for a legal environment.
- Drive improvements in data quality through standards, controls, processes and behavioural change.
- Oversee master data management approaches across core systems (e.g. PMS, time and billing, CRM, finance).
- Deliver excellent customer service, ensuring professional communication with stakeholders at all levels.
- Ensure compliance with IT security policies and promote best practices in all interactions.
- Contribute to a positive team culture and uphold company values.
Skills and experience – desired
- Significant experience in data governance and master data management in a law firm, ideally on a multinational basis.
- Strong understanding of law firm operations, including matters, clients, billing, time recording and profitability.
- Demonstrable experience defining and embedding data management and governance frameworks in complex, partnership-led organisations.
- Familiarity with common law firm systems and integrations (e.g. PMS, CRM, finance, time recording, billing).
- Experience gathering requirements, shaping business cases, leading and supporting change initiatives.
- Understanding of data models, technologies, reporting and tools (e.g. SQL, Power BI)
- Proven ability to engage credibly with senior stakeholders, including partners and C-suite.
Personal skills/attributes
- Excellent customer service mindset
- Structured thinker with the ability to translate complex data concepts into practical actions.
- Strong communication skills – able to explain issues clearly and listen effectively.
- Pragmatic and commercially aware; able to balance governance with usability.
- Strong communicator at all levels, able to facilitate and influence without direct authority.
- Pragmatic and commercially aware; able to balance governance with usability.
- Organised and adaptable – able to manage multiple simultaneous projects and priorities
- Logical thinker – approaches problems methodically and pays attention to detail.
- Team player – collaborates well and contributes to a supportive team and firm environment.
Success Measures
- Delivery of a firmwide data management and governance framework.
- Clear ownership and accountability for critical legal and operational data.
- Improved trust in firmwide and practice-level data.
- Reduced data-related risk and inefficiency.
- Increased understanding and effective use of data by legal practices and operational teams.
- Improved data-enabled capabilities around matter delivery, reporting and decision-making.
Benefits
We offer a competitive benefits and wellbeing package for all employees.
Additional information
The Firm promotes a culture of agility and flexibility and is fully supportive of flexible working arrangements where these can be accommodated.
Equal opportunities
Diversity and inclusion are integral to the firm’s strategy and underpin its efforts to attract and retain top talent. All employment decisions are made objectively, based on merit and ability and the firm is committed to inclusive and barrier-free recruitment. As a Disability Confident employer, WFW welcomes adjustments for candidates with disabilities or long-term health conditions and participates in the Disability Confident interview scheme. If you would like to apply through this scheme or require adjustments during any stage of the process, please contact [email protected].
