Careerscape is recruiting on behalf of our client, a global law firm with a growing presence in Austin, for a VP of IT Security to lead the firm's information security program. This is a rare opportunity to own cybersecurity strategy for an organization where client confidentiality, data privacy, and regulatory compliance are mission-critical, working directly with firm leadership to protect sensitive legal, financial, and client matter data across a global footprint.
Day to day, this role blends strategic planning with hands-on leadership of a security team, vendor and risk management, and close coordination with attorneys, IT operations, and outside counsel on data protection matters. The ideal candidate thrives in a high-stakes, reputation-sensitive environment, communicates security risk clearly to non-technical stakeholders including partners and clients, and has the gravitas to influence firm-wide policy while staying close enough to the technical details to guide incident response.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the firm's global information security strategy and roadmap
- Lead, mentor, and grow a team of security engineers and analysts
- Oversee security operations including threat detection, monitoring, and incident response
- Manage security risk assessments across offices, practice groups, and third-party vendors
- Ensure compliance with client outside counsel guidelines, data privacy laws, and industry frameworks
- Direct identity and access management, endpoint protection, and network security programs
- Partner with firm leadership and general counsel on data breach preparedness and response
- Evaluate and manage relationships with security vendors and managed service providers
- Present security posture, risk, and incident updates to firm partners and clients
- Drive security awareness training programs for attorneys and staff firmwide
Requirements
- 15+ years of progressive information security experience with prior leadership roles
- Experience securing environments in a law firm, financial services, or other highly regulated industry
- Deep knowledge of security frameworks such as NIST, ISO 27001, and ABA cybersecurity guidance
- Proven track record building and leading security teams and incident response programs
- Strong understanding of client outside counsel guidelines and data privacy regulations
- Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or CRISC strongly preferred
- Experience managing security budgets, vendors, and enterprise-wide risk assessments
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to advise partners and executive leadership
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or related field required
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Firm-sponsored 401(k) with employer match
- Generous paid time off and firm holidays
- Life and disability insurance
- Annual bonus eligibility
- Professional development and certification reimbursement
- Wellness and employee assistance programs
- Parking or commuter benefits
- Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates