Data Collection Senior Analyst

Sidley Austin•Chicago, IL

26d•$98,000 - $150,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Data Collection Senior Analyst supports clients and matter teams by executing defensible electronic data collections for litigation, investigations, and regulatory matters. Working with the Data Collection Lead, this role applies specialized technical expertise to identify, preserve, and collect digital evidence across cloud, endpoint, mobile, and enterprise environments. The Senior Analyst independently performs collections once scope is defined, contributes to project planning by identifying relevant data sources, and ensures all activities adhere to established protocols, industry best practices, and chain-of-custody standards. The role also involves coordinating with internal teams and external stakeholders - including clients, custodians, and counsel - to ensure efficient, consistent, and defensible collection processes. Maintain strong knowledge of modern data collection tools and platforms and technical proficiency in executing defensible collections across cloud, endpoint, mobile, and enterprise systems. Identify relevant data sources and custodial systems within client environments for the preservation of potentially responsive data in accordance with legal and technical requirements. Execute remote and on-site collections using industry-standard tools such as Relativity Collect, Microsoft Purview, Magnet Axiom, Cellebrite, FTK Imager, and similar technologies. Participate in collection discussions and assist with the technical and logistical coordination of collection projects. Execute collection activities independently once scope and methodology are established, applying appropriate technical judgment to ensure collections are performed in a defensible and efficient manner. Maintain detailed documentation of collection methodologies, procedures, and technical decisions to ensure defensibility and reproducibility of collection activities. Coordinate with other litigation support functions and external vendors as necessary. Ensure proper handling of sensitive data and maintain strict confidentiality and integrity of all collected materials. Participate in the testing, maintenance and calibration of collection tools and technologies (e.g., Relativity Collect, Magnet Axiom, and Cellebrite). Communicate directly with clients, custodians, outside counsel, and internal case teams to coordinate collection logistics, provide technical guidance during collection activities, and support successful project execution. Participate in after-hours or expedited collection activities, including evenings or weekends, when required to support client matters. Travel to client locations as necessary to perform on-site collections (approximately 10-20% travel).

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Digital Forensics, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience in a related area
Minimum of two (2) years of hands-on experience performing electronic data collections in support of eDiscovery, digital forensics, investigations, or related litigation support activities
Demonstrated experience supporting the identification, preservation, and defensible collection of electronically stored information (ESI) from a variety of data sources and technology environments
Demonstrated experience performing remote and/or on-site data collections from endpoints, mobile devices, enterprise systems, or network-based repositories using forensic collection tools and cloud based compliance platforms (e.g., Cellebrite, FTK Imager, Relativity Collect, Microsoft Purview, Google Vault)
Strong documentation and reporting skills, demonstrated by the ability to produce clear, complete, and audit-ready collection documentation (e.g., chain of custody records, collection logs, and reports) that consistently meet established defensibility standards and withstand legal or regulatory scrutiny
Strong organizational skills
Strong attention to detail
Good judgment
Strong interpersonal communication skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others
Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
Able to work under pressure
Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities

Nice To Haves

Relevant industry certifications, such as EnCase Certified Examiner (EnCE), Certified Computer Examiner (CCE), GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA), Cellebrite Certified Operator/Examiner (CCO/CCE), or AccessData Certified Examiner (ACE)
Experience in preparing or providing expert or fact witness testimony in legal proceedings related to digital forensics or data collection

Responsibilities

Execute defensible electronic data collections for litigation, investigations, and regulatory matters.
Apply specialized technical expertise to identify, preserve, and collect digital evidence across cloud, endpoint, mobile, and enterprise environments.
Independently perform collections once scope is defined.
Contribute to project planning by identifying relevant data sources.
Ensure all activities adhere to established protocols, industry best practices, and chain-of-custody standards.
Coordinate with internal teams and external stakeholders, including clients, custodians, and counsel, to ensure efficient, consistent, and defensible collection processes.
Maintain strong knowledge of modern data collection tools and platforms and technical proficiency in executing defensible collections across cloud, endpoint, mobile, and enterprise systems.
Identify relevant data sources and custodial systems within client environments for the preservation of potentially responsive data in accordance with legal and technical requirements.
Execute remote and on-site collections using industry-standard tools such as Relativity Collect, Microsoft Purview, Magnet Axiom, Cellebrite, FTK Imager, and similar technologies.
Participate in collection discussions and assist with the technical and logistical coordination of collection projects.
Execute collection activities independently once scope and methodology are established, applying appropriate technical judgment to ensure collections are performed in a defensible and efficient manner.
Maintain detailed documentation of collection methodologies, procedures, and technical decisions to ensure defensibility and reproducibility of collection activities.
Coordinate with other litigation support functions and external vendors as necessary.
Ensure proper handling of sensitive data and maintain strict confidentiality and integrity of all collected materials.
Participate in the testing, maintenance and calibration of collection tools and technologies (e.g., Relativity Collect, Magnet Axiom, and Cellebrite).
Communicate directly with clients, custodians, outside counsel, and internal case teams to coordinate collection logistics, provide technical guidance during collection activities, and support successful project execution.
Participate in after-hours or expedited collection activities, including evenings or weekends, when required to support client matters.
Travel to client locations as necessary to perform on-site collections (approximately 10-20% travel).