Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP is a national law firm with over 500 lawyers, in 25 offices across the United States, serving clients in a variety of industries. With a commitment to innovation, client service, and strategic growth, the firm is seeking a forward-thinking, strategic and experienced Chief Information Officer (CIO) to lead our technology vision and execution, ensuring our technology infrastructure and systems support our business objectives and maintain the highest levels of security and client confidentiality.
The CIO will serve as a key member of the firm's leadership team, developing and implementing the firm's technology strategy, infrastructure, and security. The CIO will oversee all aspects of the firm's information technology operations, ensuring alignment with business goals, optimizing technology investments, and maintaining a secure and efficient technology environment. This role requires a deep understanding of the unique technology needs and challenges within a law firm, including data security, compliance, practice management systems, and the evolving legal technology landscape. In addition to IT, this role also oversees new business intake, docketing, records, litigation support (and e-discovery) and library and knowledge services.
Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer, the CIO will bring deep industry experience, innovative thinking, and strong relationship management skills to align IT strategies with firmwide goals. This is a highly visible role that requires a forward-thinking leader who can leverage current and emerging technologies that continually improve the quality and efficiency of service, and position the firm for continued success in a competitive legal market.
CIO Responsibilities
Strategic Technology Leadership and Management
- Collaborate with firm leadership on strategic planning and firmwide technology and business initiatives.
- Provide vision and leadership to the CIO departments, hiring and enabling a high-performing, proactive culture through effective performance management, communication, and ongoing development.
- Manage the operating and capital budgets and allocate resources effectively to maximize ROI.
- Develop and execute a comprehensive IT strategy aligned with the firm's business objectives and strategic plan.
- Anticipate future technology needs and trends relevant to the legal industry and proactively recommend solutions.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to the firm leadership.
- Provide clear leadership that establishes credibility with firm leaders, attorneys, staff and clients.
- Allocate resources effectively to support IT initiatives and day-to-day operations.
- Promote a culture of continuous learning and adaptation to new technologies within the IT department and the firm.
- Evaluate emerging technologies for application to the firm's various practice groups.
- Assist with renewals of the firm's cyber insurance and professional liability insurance.
Operations and Infrastructure
- Oversee the firm's IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, telecommunications, and end-user devices, ensuring reliability, security, and scalability.
- Direct the implementation and maintenance of key legal technology systems, such as case management, practice management, document management, time and billing, and eDiscovery platforms.
- Ensure business continuity and disaster recovery plans are in place and regularly tested.
Security and Compliance
- Develop and enforce robust data security and privacy policies and procedures to protect sensitive client information and comply with relevant regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA, ethical obligations).
- Oversee cybersecurity initiatives, including threat detection, incident response, and vulnerability management.
- Ensure the firm's technology infrastructure and practices meet all relevant compliance requirements.
- Develop and implement an information security program that includes ongoing user education designed to protect systems and information assets from both internal and external threats, and to comply with applicable rules of professional ethics, laws and regulations, and client requirements.
Application and Systems Management
- Evaluate, select, and implement new software applications and technologies to enhance firm efficiency and productivity.
- Manage relationships with technology vendors and service providers.
- Oversee the maintenance, support, and upgrades of existing applications and systems.
Innovation and Technology Adoption
- Stay abreast of emerging technologies and assess their potential impact and benefit to the firm.
- Drive innovation by identifying and implementing technology solutions that improve legal service delivery, client experience, and operational efficiency.
- Champion the adoption of new technologies and provide training and support to users.
Collaboration and Communication
- Collaborate effectively with firm leadership, IT security and information governance team, attorneys, paralegals, business professionals and administrative staff to understand their technology needs and provide solutions.
- Communicate technology strategies, initiatives, and issues clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Work with key stakeholders to prioritize projects, and oversee project planning, budgeting and management to ensure that activities necessary to maintain, update and upgrade our network and application infrastructure are completed on time and on budget.
Qualifications & Experience
- At least 7 years of progressive experience in Information Technology leadership roles, with a significant portion of that experience within a law firm environment and / or professional services.
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
- Extensive experience leading and developing IT professionals and translating vision into action.
- Strong executive presence.
- Understands marketplace trends and implements innovative solutions and improvements.
- Handles ambiguity, influences others, and finds ways to move initiatives forward to meet critical deadlines and produce results.
- Strong work ethic combined with the flexibility to travel to the firm's other offices, as needed.
- Proven track record of developing and implementing successful IT strategies that align with business objectives in a legal setting.
- Deep understanding of the specific technology needs and challenges of law firms, including practice management systems, document management, eDiscovery, and data security requirements.
- Strong knowledge of data security and data privacy best practices, compliance regulations (e.g., HITRUST, GDPR, CCPA), and cybersecurity principles.
- Experience managing IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, cloud services, and telecommunications.
- Proficiency in evaluating and implementing new technologies and software applications.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with all levels of the organization.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing firm that offers a high level of responsibility, strategic influence, and the ability to contribute to its ongoing success.
We value work-life balance and offer hybrid work arrangements, allowing you to work from both the office and remotely.
To apply, please submit your resume.
Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE / AA). It does not discriminate in employment practices based on age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.