Junior Solutions Architect - #1710852

The role:

This role is a fantastic opportunity for those eager to advance their technology careers into Solutions Architecture. We are looking for individuals who have developed expertise in delivering solutions with cloud computing, integration, and AI services, and are ready to apply their skills to innovative design within the evolving legal technology landscape.

The purpose of this role is to collaborate with Senior Architects and development teams to design and document technical solutions. You will be responsible for creating architectural diagrams, defining system components, and outlining integration points. Once the design is finalised, you will ensure its successful implementation by working closely with development teams, providing guidance and support throughout the development lifecycle, and addressing any technical challenges.

It's an exciting time to join Simmons & Simmons, as we are engaged in several critical IT programmes, including our pioneering AI initiative. We are reimaging our foundational technologies to create a well-architected, secure, and interoperable ecosystem, in a world where well governed data, automation and cutting edge AI technology is differentiating and in our DNA. You will be instrumental in blending commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions with expertly designed and developed in-house solutions, providing hands-on technical support as needed.

Your main responsibility will be to drive rapid, iterative delivery excellence by defining and implementing architectural guardrails and industry best practice solution designs. This role offers a unique chance to contribute to the transformation of our technology landscape and make a significant impact to our clients’ outcomes and legal tech market.

What will you do:

• Work closely with senior architects and development teams to design, implement, and maintain technology solutions that meet the specific needs and requirements of clients.
• Conduct analyses of technology and associated operational processes, with a view to recommending application designs and strategies that will improve service, lower costs, and prevent unforeseen operational issues.
• Provide high level designs for solutions as part of project delivery.
• Understand and document systems and global technical architecture, including integrations between systems.
• Under supervision, own the definition, design and delivery phases of solutions to address business requirements, ensuring optimal integration of future enterprise environment.
• Translate business needs into system solutions ensuring long term supportability of the architecture.
• Work closely with the development teams to ensure the successful implementation of the solution.
• Evaluate possible solutions and designs to establish best approach in terms of user outcome, architecture and cost.
• Feed into the applications and AI roadmap identifying areas for continuous improvement, innovation, evolution, and suitable replacements when/where necessary, of the systems.
• Using architectural best practices deliver solutions for both extensions to existing products and new disruptive innovations alike.
• Develop a detailed understanding of the components that make up the systems, their purpose and their capacity and performance levels to provide a solid basis for high performing systems.
• Ensure adherence to architectural, security and scalability best practices
  
  
  

What we are looking for:

Please note that we don’t expect you to meet 100% of the below criteria, so don't be put off applying if you don't have experience in all of the below.

• Technical Bachelor’s degree or equivalent or minimum of 3 years of experience of working in IT applications/engineering.
• Thorough understanding of the capabilities of the Microsoft technology stack, including M365 and Power Platform.
• Understanding of on-premise, hybrid and public cloud infrastructure services and networking fundamentals.
• Understanding of virtualisation, cloud managed services and shared responsibility model principles.
• Hands-on experience of API management gateways and PaaS / SaaS compute, integration and messaging services, preferably in Azure.
• Exposure to, and principles of CI/CD pipelines clearly understood.
• Familiarisation with containers and container orchestration.
• Experience undertaking suitability assessments of COTS solutions within the application estate.
• A solid understanding of modern authentication patterns e.g. OAuth, SAML.
• Evidence of an understanding of AI and LLM principles.
• Previously involved in the implementation of legal Innovation technology is advantageous.
• Staying up to date with industry trends and a continuous learning approach.
• Confident and clear communication with people at all levels of the business hierarchy.
• Experience with Document Management systems, Litera and Thomson Reuters products, Knowledge Management solutions, and other legal information systems an advantage.
• Certified in or good understanding of EA frameworks and methods e.g TOGAF, Zachman would be advantageous.
  
  
  

Here at Simmons & Simmons:

Simmons & Simmons is a place where dynamic minds thrive. Our culture is built on work that matters, you will work on inspirational and thought-provoking projects, using your influence to create positive impact for our clients, society and the planet. We also ensure that everyone’s voice is heard from day one, irrespective of job title, qualification, or background. You’ll be encouraged to have an enquiring mind and share ideas that can drive the firm forward. Through innovative learning and development opportunities, you will be provided with a platform to excel, enabling you to exceed your career ambitions and do things you never thought were possible.

Some key information:

• We offer a competitive package including bonuses dependant on role/level, private medical insurance and pension contribution.
• Our global skills academy provides our people, regardless of their role and location, with excellent learning opportunities (including live workshops, podcasts, short videos and practical learning experiences).
• We have adopted a hybrid working approach with a requirement for a minimum of three days in the office with flexibility dependant on role/team/client demands.
• We bring together the best legal advice from our established legal teams with non-traditional capabilities via Simmons & Simmons Solutions that enhance, expand and differentiate the Simmons offering.
• We are proud to rank as a Stonewall Top Global Employer and a Top 75 Employer for Social Mobility.
• We have a range of social and sports committees, summer and winter parties and monthly get togethers.
• We have a range of diversity networks to connect people and celebrate our differences which is integral to our inclusive culture.
• All UK offices have their own artwork collections – including Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin pieces in the London office. We have a long-standing history in supporting the art community especially up-and-coming artists.
• We have recently introduced a Strategic Advisory Council which is a mix of associates and business services who will propose strategic initiatives that align with our firm's mission and support the delivery of our Business Plan, shaping the future of our next-generation law firm.
  
  
  

Equal opportunities:

We are committed to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion within our firm and to ensuring equal employment opportunities. We believe that this commitment creates a vibrant and rewarding work environment. We are therefore committed to:

• Upholding equal opportunities, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, sex, gender reassignment, gender identity, marital status, or pregnancy, including maternity and paternity. This commitment extends to addressing any instances of perceived or associative discrimination and harassment. We also ensure fair treatment during recruitment and selection processes for those who are serving or have served in the armed forces, along with their families.
• Accommodating requests for flexible working arrangements whenever possible. We encourage you to discuss your needs with us if this is something you require.
• Making our roles accessible to individuals with diverse abilities. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know so we can meet your needs.
• We offer a range of employee networks to support our colleagues. More information about these networks can be found in the D&I Information booklet that candidates are sent when invited to interview.
  
  
  

We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single requirement. We are looking for individuals who are passionate and eager to learn and grow with us. Your unique experiences and perspectives could be a great addition to our team.

If you’re interested in finding out more about this position, please contact the Recruitment Team . To apply for the role, click on the link at the bottom of the page or visit our career page for more details.