A&O Shearman
Working at A&O Shearman
Working at A&O Shearman Culture and benefits Training and development Candidate charter Ways of working
A&O Shearman
Technology that powers global performance
Global IT at A&O Shearman is driving the technology that underpins a leading international law firm. Our strategy is centred on creating a connected, forward‑looking environment where secure, high‑performing platforms enable people to work seamlessly across our global network. We combine deep technical expertise with a sharp focus on business outcomes - ensuring technology is not just reliable, but a true enabler of growth and innovation. From cloud and infrastructure to data and security, we are continuously evolving our technology landscape to meet the demands of a fast‑paced, global business. It’s an environment where ideas are valued, standards are high, and impact is tangible.
- Job ID
- 10884BR
- Location
- Belfast, United Kingdom
- Job Family
- Business teams
- Practice Area
- Information technology
- Job Type
- Permanent
- Working Arrangement
- Hybrid
Job description
What you will do
You will support key database for applications used by A&O Shearman that keep the firm running. These include the firm’s finance and customer relationship management systems, as well business intake and time capture. You will support other business critical applications, including file transfer, legal technology and various application services.
You will work with 3rd parties who provide expertise in these systems. The firm’s database infrastructure, MS-SQL, will also be supported by you. You will also support the Dynamics365 platform and applications built on it. Application servers and Databases are a mixture of on-premises and SaaS/cloud-hosted.
As well as supporting the databases stack, you will package, configure, test, and deploy applications to the firm. You will work with other service support teams in I&O, including End-User Compute, Infrastructure and Networks, to provide a world-class service to our business. You will also work with our global service desk, regional support teams and the global IT department. You will provide technical database expertise on projects when required.
Provide availability, scalability and performance of all application database systems through data metrics
Capture, analyse database metrics and bring forward improvements of database systems
Identify, design and implement robust monitoring alerts to identify potential issues early
Maintain core database infrastructure servers in Azure, AVS and on-premises
Develop backup/restore procedures for major databases to ensure data integrity
Develop and leverage automation procedures to turn repeatable actions into automated processes
Analyse database capacity metrics on all server infrastructure
Provide expertise for database engineering to optimise database migrations, queries and performance
Management and monitoring of SQL availability groups and clustered SQL servers
Lead in database related projects and ensure timely delivery.
Analyse and use data to identify and prioritise operations to find root cause of major issues.
Participate in on call and out of hours support for both application and databases
Knowledge and use of DevOps and GitHub and other collaboration tool sets
Support maintenance reviews, vulnerability assessments of MS SQL
Ability to work independently and good communication skills
Document and knowledge share learnings to wider team with ability to multi-task including team upskilling
Experience with programming languages including PowerShell, SQL, Linux preferred
Collaborate with other engineering teams on production changes, incidents and problem management
What you will have
Desired Skills
Proficient Microsoft SQL
Azure Server and SQL infrastructure
AZ-900 Azure Fundamentals and DP-900 Azure Data Fundamentals preferred
SQL AG, Clustering and high availability features experience
SQL and PowerShell scripting experience
SQL and server performance tuning
SQL Replication performance and monitoring tuning
Understanding of Linux server management
What we can offer you
We recognise the value of flexible working and embrace hybrid working, so that we can learn, grow and succeed together.
Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any adjustments as required.
We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
NO AGENCIES PLEASE - A&O Shearman does not accept unsolicited CVs. For further information, please see our UK Recruitment Agency Policy and our commitment to direct sourcing here.
The technology you’ll work with
In global IT, you’ll be supported by a modern, enterprise‑grade technology ecosystem designed to enable performance, security and innovation. Our environment brings together best‑in‑class platforms, cloud infrastructure and specialist tools that underpin a leading global law firm. From collaboration and knowledge sharing to advanced security and data capabilities, we ensure our teams have what they need to deliver at pace. Alongside access to the latest technologies, you’ll benefit from strong technical communities, structured learning and ongoing investment in our IT landscape - empowering you to build expertise and drive meaningful impact.
Built to excel
In global IT, excellence is built through a combination of technical expertise, curiosity and a drive to continuously improve. Our strongest performers bring a pragmatic, solutions‑focused mindset and take ownership of delivering high‑quality outcomes. They collaborate effectively across teams, adapt quickly to change and stay focused under pressure. With a clear understanding of how technology enables the business, they balance innovation with reliability. Above all, they are committed to raising standards - contributing ideas, refining approaches and consistently delivering impact in a fast‑moving, high‑performance environment.
- Technically credible
- Solution focused
- Accountable
- Collaborative
- Resilient
- Innovation minded
Why us?
As a leading global law firm, we rely on our global IT function to keep us at the forefront - enabling our people with secure, innovative and high‑performing technology.
Our IT teams play a critical role in ensuring the business runs seamlessly and adapts to change. You’ll work in a collaborative, international environment where your expertise has real impact, supporting lawyers and business teams across the firm.
Shaping your career
You can build a career here with clear expectations, regular development conversations, and ongoing access to training. We tailor development to your role and strengths, helping you build leadership, management, and business skills to reach your potential.
You’ll benefit from a wide range of learning via our platform, supported by regular check-ins through our compass approach to align priorities and development goals.
We support internal progression, including moves that aid growth. Many colleagues explore varied roles, secondments, or international opportunities - so being proactive, owning your development, and sharing your goals is key to making the most of these possibilities.
Your journey, our commitment
We believe recruitment should feel clear, respectful and genuinely engaging at every stage. Our approach is built around open communication, meaningful conversations and giving you a true sense of who we are - how we work, what we value and where you could fit. We ask for professionalism and openness in return. It’s a partnership, grounded in trust and transparency, designed to help you make confident, informed decisions about your career while enabling us to get to know you at your best.
EXPLORE OUR CANDIDATE CHARTERBenefits
Our range of benefits is designed to meet your changing needs, providing support for physical, mental and financial well-being. We regularly review our reward and benefits programs to ensure they remain relevant and competitive. We believe it’s important for our people to share in the success of the firm and be recognized for their contributions. We do that through a range of salary, discretionary bonus plans and market-competitive benefits.
Our benefits packages vary by location but are guided by the same global principles:
Health and wellness
Access to check-ups, insurance cover, extra support when needed, and well-being platforms.
Remuneration and rewards
We recognize contribution to client work, or business teamwork, as well as to the firm and the community. We share the financial success of the firm in a fair and transparent manner.
Financial benefits
We look to provide financial peace of mind, which can include insurances, assurances, and saving for retirement (market-dependent.)
Family and lifestyle
We aim to support you in managing your demands and commitments effectively alongside your working life, as well as providing perks and discounts to assist with travel, fun and well-being.
Learning and development
We invest in your performance and progression by giving you access to top-quality training and development through an ongoing blend of structured and informal learning opportunities.
Social impact
With us, you’re encouraged to volunteer your time and skills, whether you’re a lawyer or business professional, junior or senior. You’re free to choose a cause that matters to you, or to support our chosen global charity.
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