Conference Center Technology Specialist I

About Kirkland & Ellis

At Kirkland & Ellis, we are united in our ambition and drive to move forward. We share core values that help us achieve excellence: collaboration, talent empowerment, service, inclusion, respect and gratitude. Our people are our greatest asset, and we invest in the brightest talent and encourage a diversity of perspectives and strengths to create dynamic teams that operate at the pinnacle of their field. Our talented professionals show up every day knowing they will engage in meaningful work, continuous learning and professional development.
 
As one of the world’s leading law firms, we serve a broad range of clients with market-leading practices in private equity, M&A and other complex corporate transactions; investment fund formation and alternative asset management; restructurings; high-stakes commercial and intellectual property litigation; and government, regulatory and internal investigations. We handle the most complicated and sophisticated legal matters because we don’t just meet industry standards, we create them. We bring innovation and entrepreneurialism to every engagement and, as a result, have long-standing client relationships with leading global corporations and financial sponsors. With 6,500 employees (including 3,500 lawyers) operating from 20 offices across the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we are one of the largest law firms in the world and a top financial performer.

Essential Job Functions

• Lead by example the Chicago office by providing exceptional white glove technology services to the users of our Chicago Center.  Our Conference Center is used for high level, fast paced meetings, depositions, virtual trials, virtual hearings, video conference calls, and large events.  The candidate must be an expert in supporting Conference Technology equipment and have the skills to explain them in layman’s terms.
• The Conference Center Technology specialist I will take the lead on the day-to-day technical operations of the Chicago Conference Center and users of all our conference rooms.  The ability to set an example and guide a team of technicians to a path of successful meeting support and have the foresight to find pitfalls before they negatively affect a meeting.  The goal of the position is to prevent issues during a meeting that the team is supporting. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

This position requires strong people and technical skills to be able to match what guest want to do in their meetings and align with what technically can be done. The ability to lead a technical customer-oriented team that can provide excellent white glove service.

Individual must also possess excellent judgment regarding local and firmwide Conference Technology vision.  Must be able to assess situations quickly and proactively ensure customer/client satisfaction.  Good verbal and written communication skills are a must in addition to having a strong customer service commitment.

      The Chicago Conference Technology team and work closely with the Firmwide Conference Technology team members to insure consistent high level of service is provided to all the Conference Center clients.  This includes setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting all built-in and portable Conference Technology systems.  This includes, but not limited to be an expert in a variety of different conference technology unified communication platforms.

• Distribute day-day work, and work with managers on schedules, of the Washington DC Conference Technology team.
• Be an active contributor to firmwide initiatives to improve the overall services of the Conference Technology teams.
• Help other team members from other office and share workload when required.
• Have expert knowledge using all unified communication platforms. (Cisco, Poly, Zoom, Blue Jeans, etc.)
• Keep firm-wide and local support process and procedure documentation up to date.
• Help maintain process and procedures.
• Maintain conference room hardware in good working condition, and schedule repair when required.
• Set up audio conferences (microphones, sound systems, speakerphones, conference calls).
• Set up and maintain visiting attorney offices.
• Set up presentation equipment (LCD projectors, screens, videos).
• Work with laptops (webcasts, network connections).
• Become proficient operating Kirkland’s Crestron User interface.
• Ensure daily that all onsite Conference Center Technology systems are fully functional.
• Perform system maintenance as scheduled and work with vendors as required. 
• Exhibit helpful, customer service-oriented attitude with team members and end-users.
• Remain calm yet communicate (and act) with sense of urgency when end-user has an urgent matter requiring resolution.

• OTHER FUNCTIONS (This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented and changed as necessary. Delete if not applicable.)
• Test with external sites prior to meeting (ideally in the same video conference room as meeting).
• Coordinate with meeting host to confirm full understanding of what they are trying to achieve during their meeting.
• Daily systems room checks to ensure all technical features are running at optimum prior to room usage.
• Provide immediate response to client requests for assistance.
• Maintain confidentiality in all client and firm matters. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education, Work Experience, Skills

• Minimum required and preferred qualifications needed to effectively perform the job.
• 1-3 years of AV experience in a Conference Center environment.
• Must work towards working towards Avixa CTS certification and maintain during employment. 
• Exceptional customer service abilities. 
• Superior oral and written communication and problem-solving/strategizing skills. 
• Ability to lift at least 30 pounds and able to move freely within the workplace. 
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new systems and procedures/stay current with AV technology.
• Flexibility in daily work hours to meet the conference client’s needs including weekends.
• Knowledge connecting to different Unified communication platforms including but not limited to Cisco WebEx, Poly, Zoom, Blue Jeans, Skype, etc.

Technologies/Software

• MS Suite, PPT power user, Zoom, Teams, Cisco/Polycom bridge, Crestron, Biamp, other Unified Communication platforms

Certificates, Licensures, Registrations

• Avixa CTS

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in Kirkland & Ellis LLP.  To complete an application and submit your resume, please click "Apply Now."

Equal Employment Opportunity

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Closing Statement

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