Associate Director of AI Innovation Strategy

New York, NY

Summary

A top 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, enhancing AI literacy, and elevating client service standards through advanced AI solutions. By promoting continuous learning and forward thinking, this role will help position the firm at the forefront of AI-driven legal services.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the AI Knowledge Strategy Team, providing strategic direction and ensuring alignment with departmental goals of continuous learning, innovation, and elevated client service.
• Lead the design and implementation of dynamic training initiatives for AI integration within the firm. Collaborate with legal practice groups, attorneys, Professional Development & Training (PD&T), and the Knowledge & Innovation Department to develop tailored training programs. These programs should leverage real-world testimonials, impactful use cases, and strategic insights from key matters to enhance AI literacy, foster innovative thinking, and drive meaningful adoption of AI tools across the firm.
• Demonstrate a strong client-first mindset by proactively engaging with clients to understand their needs, challenges, and goals. Translate client insights into tailored, innovative solutions, and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure client perspectives are integrated into all initiatives.
• Continuously explore emerging AI-based legal technologies, adopt robust evaluation frameworks to assess their potential, and refine implementation strategies to enhance operational efficiency and client service.
• Foster strategic and collaborative relationships across the organization to ensure seamless integration of AI initiatives into legal product support, training, client offerings, and application management.
• Ensure robust data governance and oversight are foundational to all AI Knowledge initiatives, embedding responsible use and ethical obligations throughout every stage of development and deployment. Collaborate closely with colleagues in the Information Systems Department—including Security, Governance, and Data teams—to maintain the highest standards for secure handling and storage of sensitive data. Uphold strict compliance with data protection regulations and client expectations, ensuring all AI activities reflect the firm’s commitment to ethical integrity and responsible innovation.
• Participate in knowledge and innovation conferences and industry events to stay current with the latest developments in artificial intelligence. Connect with thought leaders, attend panel discussions, and network with peers to gain diverse perspectives on emerging AI technologies, regulatory trends, and best practices.
• Demonstrate extensive expertise in applying AI technologies within complex legal environments, ensuring responsible innovation and upholding the highest standards of ethical integrity.
• Possess strong working knowledge of machine learning, deep learning, data mining, predictive analytics, and other AI-based technologies to support innovative solutions and informed decision-making within complex technical and legal contexts.
• Demonstrate a client-first mindset and a history of delivering innovative solutions that achieve exceptional client outcomes and exceed client expectations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and/or certifications in computer science, artificial intelligence, or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in an innovation or legal technology role, preferably within a law firm or professional services environment, including management and leadership experience.
• 4+ years of experience managing a team of professionals in cross-team collaborations.
• 5+ years of relevant legal experience, including law firm, in-house, or government practice.

Compensation: $260,000.00-$320,000.00, plus bonus.

#LI-Hybrid