Enterprise Data Architect

We are seeking a strategic and technical Enterprise Data Architect to support the evolving needs of the firm’s Master Data Management (MDM) program.

This role is responsible for helping to define and operationalize a modern MDM strategy to include supporting the collection & centralization of critical data sources (Data Lakehouse), architecting system integration processes, and managing the data governance framework to ensure data consistency, accuracy, and accessibility across the firm’s environment.

This role combines enterprise data architecture, platform engineering, and governance expertise to deliver measurable business value, improve data reliability and usability, and enable analytics, reporting, and emerging data driven capabilities.

The position plays a critical role in aligning data platform design and execution with the firm’s strategic objectives, operational needs, and regulatory expectations common to a professional services environment. It’s not just about secure, clean data; it’s about enabling better and faster decisions.

Operating with a hands-on mentality and an ownership mindset, this role partners closely with ingest and curate data from core systems, establish authoritative data domains, and ensure data is consistently modeled, secured, and governed throughout its lifecycle.

The ideal candidate will bring a balance of architecture rigor and engineering pragmatism, with a strong focus on data governance data quality, data platform stewardship. We are looking for a candidate that is passionate about building trusted, enterprise grade data platforms and turning complex data environments into reliable, well governed assets that support informed decision making.

Key Responsibilities

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as the position and department evolve. Incumbents must be able to perform all essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Execute the firm’s enterprise data platform strategy by helping to design, develop, and maintain a modern Data Lakehouse that supports trusted analytics, reporting, and operational use cases.
• Define and implement MDM approaches for key enterprise data domains, including authoritative data sources, data models, and lifecycle management.
• Establish and apply enterprise data architecture and governance standards, including data modeling conventions, metadata, data quality controls, lineage, and access management.
• Embed data governance, security, and compliance requirements directly into data platform design and implementation, supporting auditability and risk management expectations in a professional services environment.
• Partner with application owners, analytics teams, and business stakeholders to ingest data from core systems and ensure data is fit for enterprise use.
• Provide hands-on technical leadership through architectural guidance, solution design, and review of data platform implementations and vendor deliverables.
• Develop reusable data frameworks, patterns, and documentation to promote consistency, efficiency, and long-term platform sustainability.
• Monitor data platform performance and data quality, identify opportunities for optimization, reliability improvements, and cost efficiency.
• Stay current on data platforms, architecture, and governance trends and recommend practical enhancements aligned with firm priorities.

Job Requirements

The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of this position. Michael Best will always consider candidates with an equivalent combination of relevant experience and education.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in data architecture, data engineering, or enterprise data platform roles.
• Demonstrated experience designing and supporting modern data platforms (e.g., Data Lakehouse, analytics platforms, enterprise data warehouses).
• Strong working knowledge of MDM concepts, enterprise data domains, and data governance practices.
• Experience implementing data quality, metadata, lineage, and access controls within enterprise data environments.
• Prior experience in professional services, legal, financial services, or similarly regulated environments preferred.

The Company

This is an opportunity to work with the Best. We are Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP. We are a full-service law firm with more than 350 lawyers and technical professionals who work in collaborative, interdisciplinary practices to serve clients around the world.

We work with companies in all kinds of industries, as well as trade associations, nonprofits, educational institutions, governments, family trusts, and high-net-worth individuals. Since our firm’s founding in 1848, we’ve continuously evolved to meet our clients’ changing needs and expectations.

One thing remains the same: For generations, clients have relied on Michael Best for exceptional legal service and business acumen.

The Location

We have offices in Wisconsin (Green Bay, Madison, Milwaukee, Waukesha); Illinois (Chicago); Utah (Salt Lake City); Colorado (Denver, Broomfield); Texas (Austin); North Carolina (Charlotte, Durham, Raleigh, Wilmington); California (Los Angeles); Nebraska (Lincoln); and Washington DC. Our contemporary office spaces are ideal for concentration and collaboration; supporting our culture of working together to make great things happen for our Clients.

This position will be based in our Chicago, Denver, Austin, Milwaukee, or Waukesha office.

Why You Should Apply

At Michael Best, we are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that provides a variety of resources designed to enhance its employees’ overall well-being, both at work and at home.

Competitive base pay, outstanding benefits, opportunities for learning and growth, programs designed to help you plan for the future, and perks that inspire your downtime are all part of our total compensation package.

Learning and Growth

• Challenging and Dynamic Role
• Career Development Planning
• Professional Growth Opportunities
• Performance Management and Coaching
• Specialized Training Programs

Health & Wellness

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision Care
• Health Savings Accounts
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness Program
• Employee and Family Assistance Program

Total Compensation

• Competitive Base Pay
• Annual Merit Review/Incentive Pay
• Outstanding Benefits
• Generous PTO Plus 10 Paid Holidays

Planning for the Future

• 401(k) with Company Contribution
• Short Term Disability Plan
• Long Term Disability Plan
• Life Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Parental/Family Leave

Culture and Workplace

• Respected organization with Collaborative Culture
• Growing Firm with an Exciting Future
• Contemporary Work Environment
• Positive and Respectful Work Climate
• Performance Recognition

Compensation for this position will range from $145,000 - $165,000, depending on experience and location.

To be considered for this position, please submit an application via our online portal.

Recruitment Agencies: Michael Best is not accepting unsolicited agency resumes for this position. Please do not forward resumes to our careers email address or any Firm employees. Michael Best is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP and Michael Best Strategies LLC (collectively known as "Michael Best") are steadfastly committed to providing equal employment opportunity and maintaining a workplace for employees and applicants for employment that is free from discrimination based upon age, race, religion, color, disability, marital status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact our Recruiting team at 414.225.4999 or careers@michaelbest.com to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.