AI Innovation Strategy Associate Director 

New York, NY

Summary

Premier, global, law firm’s award-winning Knowledge & Innovation (K&I) department is committed to fostering a culture of innovation and empowering legal professionals to deliver exceptional services. The Associate Director of AI Innovation Strategy will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the firm’s AI strategy, driving product exploration and enablement, enhancing AI literacy, guiding cross-functional and industry collaboration and elevating client service. By promoting continuous learning and forward-thinking, this role will continually position the firm to lead in AI-driven and AI-integrated legal services and advice.

Responsibilities include (but are not limited to)

• Operate in a highly agile environment, shaping a dynamic AI strategy that responds to evolving firm, client and industry needs and opportunities.
• Promote best practices for the firm’s AI strategy and serve as a trusted thought partner to the K&I department and the firm as a whole.  Ensure that ethical parameters and robust data governance, privacy, cybersecurity and client considerations are integrated “by design” into all AI technology-related initiatives.
• Continuously explore and oversee implementation of key AI legal technologies. Refine measurement frameworks and value metrics to enhance operational efficiency and client service.
• Drive the design and implementation of dynamic AI training initiatives across the firm. Collaborate with legal practice groups, attorneys, Professional Development, and other colleagues to develop tailored trainings that enhance AI literacy, foster innovative thinking, and drive transformational AI adoption.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the AI Innovation Strategy Team, ensuring alignment with departmental goals of continuous learning, innovation, and elevated client service.
• Foster strategic and collaborative relationships across the firm to ensure responsible and seamless integration of AI technology into legal practice.
• Identify emerging AI trends across technology and the implications for the legal industry.  Connect with thought leaders, attend panel discussions, and network with peers to foster and shape diverse perspectives, regulatory trends, and best practices for the future. 

Requirements

• Demonstrated “client-first” mindset and a history of delivering innovative solutions that achieve exceptional outcomes and exceed client expectations.
• Excellent judgment and proven ability to drive strategic and ethical decision-making in the “grey areas” and in the face of ambiguity, especially within complex legal environments or other matrixed organizations.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to build and lead high-performing teams.
• Great team player who is naturally curious.
• Proactive, solutions-oriented mindset, high level of personal energy and a commitment and willingness to roll up sleeves and jump in.
• At least a strong familiarity with privacy, cybersecurity, IP and antitrust laws and considerations relevant to AI.
• Strong understanding of generative AI technologies, machine learning, and data analytics, with a focus on practical applications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.
• At least 8-10 years of experience in a legal, innovation, strategy consulting or legal technology role, preferably within a law firm or a regulated environment.
• At least 5 years of experience as a practicing attorney strongly preferred.
• At least 4 years of experience managing a team in cross-functional collaborations.
• Certifications in AI, computer science and/or cognitive science a plus.

Compensation: $280,000 to $320,000 annually plus bonus.

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