Sr. SQL & DMS Administrator at McGuireWoods in Chicago, IL

Overview

McGuireWoods LLP is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Senior Microsoft SQL Server & iManage Work Administrator to join our IT team. This role is responsible for the design, administration, and optimization of the firm’s SQL Server and iManage Work on-premises environments—mission-critical platforms supporting attorneys and legal professionals firmwide.

The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise in SQL Server and iManage administration, demonstrate strong problem-solving and automation capabilities, and serve as a subject matter expert for data and document management systems. This position will work collaboratively across IT, Information Security, and Application Support teams to ensure stability, scalability, and security of key systems.

McGuireWoods, one of the world’s leading law firms, has provided legal solutions to corporate, individual and nonprofit clients since 1834. Along with excellent benefits, McGuireWoods offers most employees a hybrid remote option allowing flexibility and work-life balance. Our Applicant Disclosures describe your rights. Our Privacy Statement describes how we will process and safeguard your personal data.

Responsibilities

Microsoft SQL Server Administration:

• Administer, monitor, and optimize SQL Server instances supporting core legal and business applications.
• Design and implement database backup, recovery, high availability (HA), and disaster recovery (DR) strategies.
• Develop and tune complex T-SQL queries, stored procedures, and jobs to improve performance and reliability.
• Conduct capacity planning, performance benchmarking, and root-cause analysis for database-related issues.
• Collaborate with development and application support teams to design efficient data models and optimize application integration.
• Ensure compliance with security policies, auditing requirements, and industry best practices.

iManage Work DMS On-Prem Administration:

• Lead the administration and maintenance of the firm’s iManage Work 10 on-premises environment.
• Manage user provisioning, workspace creation, templates, metadata, and taxonomy to align with firm standards and practice group needs.
• Oversee ongoing workspace lifecycle management, including creation, modification, archival, and compliance alignment.
• Establish, maintain, and enforce authentication and access controls for the iManage DMS in accordance with security best practices and firm policies.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues related to indexing, synchronization, and performance.
• Configure and maintain integrations with Active Directory, Outlook, and other legal applications.
• Oversee upgrades, patch management, and system enhancements in coordination with stakeholders.
• Evaluate and recommend improvements for system automation, resilience, and scalability.

Supplemental Functions:

• Serve as a technical lead for iManage and SQL-related projects, upgrades, and migrations.
• Mentor technical resources and multiple technology departments and provide training to IT software support teams.
• Develop and maintain detailed documentation of procedures, configurations, and standards.
• Participate in after-hours maintenance windows and provide escalation support as needed.
• Collaborate with Information Security to implement data protection and compliance initiatives.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 5+ years of experience working with Microsoft SQL Server (2016 or later preferred).
• Familiarity with T-SQL and general database concepts.
• Basic understanding of Windows Server and Active Directory environments.
• Experience with iManage Work 10 (on-prem) or other document management systems.
• Interest in legal technology and willingness to grow within a large law firm environment.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to handle confidential data with discretion and integrity.
• Clear and professional communication with both technical and non-technical staff.
• Team-oriented mindset with a willingness to learn and adapt.
• Willingness to work on-call after hours as needed for maintenance and upgrade tasks.

Preferred:

• Experience with iManage Work for Windows and related components.
• Familiarity with iManage RAVN Indexer, iManage Threat Manager, Litera Filetrail, IntApp Walls.
• Exposure to cloud and hybrid technologies (e.g., iManage Cloud, Azure SQL, or Microsoft 365 integrations) preferred.
• Exposure to PowerShell scripting or automation tools.
• Prior experience working in a law firm or legal technology environment.

Have more questions? Connect with a recruiter directly. #LI-ER1