Associate Director of Artificial Intelligence - Legal Innovation

About Latham & Watkins

Latham & Watkins is a global law firm consistently ranked among the top firms in the world. The success of our firm is largely determined by our commitment to hire and develop the very best and brightest, creating a team that provides our clients with the highest quality of work and service. We are driven by our core values: respect, innovation, and collaboration.  

About the Role

The Associate Director of Artificial Intelligence - Legal Innovation is an integral part of Latham’s GSO Technology team. This role will be responsible for supporting the development and implementation of the firm’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy, with a focus on legal product and support, legal training, client offerings, and AI application management. This role will be located in our New York or Los Angeles office. Please note that this role may be eligible for a flexible working schedule that allows for a hybrid and in-office presence.

Responsibilities & Qualifications

Other key responsibilities include:

• Ensuring ethical considerations and responsible data governance principles are integrated into all AI-related endeavors, coordinating with others in the Technology and Information Services Department, including the cybersecurity and AI governance teams, to ensure the secure handling and storage of sensitive data, and complying with data protection regulations and client expectations
• Managing the day-to-day operations of the Innovation Attorneys and AI Application teams, providing strategic direction and fostering their professional development, cultivating a culture of innovation, and encouraging curiosity, experimentation, and learning within the team and across the firm
• Collaborating with attorney stakeholders, TACE leadership, and others within the Technology and Information Services Department, providing a leadership role in designing, implementing, and presenting innovation-focused attorney trainings across the firm, such as at AI Academy
• Driving AI engagement across legal practice groups by collecting and highlighting lawyer testimonials, effective use cases, and strategic opportunities at key case and deal milestones
• Attending innovation-focused conferences to maintain a current understanding of the AI landscape from both legal and ethical perspectives to guide decision-making and engagement strategies
• Identifying, evaluating, and advocating for innovative AI-based legal technology solutions that improve operational efficiency and client service 
• Collaborating with the technology department and data integration teams to design effective strategies for connecting systems and advising on data structures
• Communicating effectively with firm leadership and key attorney stakeholders about progress, challenges, and outcomes related to the firm's AI and innovation initiatives 
• Staying informed of emerging trends in ML, NLP, LLMs, and generative AI and legal tech, maintaining a future-focused perspective that enables the firm to stay ahead of industry developments
• Protecting and maintaining any highly sensitive, confidential, privileged, financial, and/or proprietary information that Latham & Watkins retains 

We’d love to hear from you if you:

• Display extensive knowledge of AI technology, data governance, and ethical considerations in the context of a legal environment
• Possess a technical background in data analysis, machine learning, natural language processing, and other AI-based technologies
• Demonstrate knowledge of data visualization and dashboarding tools

And have:

• A bachelor's degree in computer science, artificial intelligence, or a related field, preferably a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school
• Additional management experience and/or qualifications in business administration or a related field, preferably
• A minimum of six (6) years of experience in a professional services law firm or corporate legal department, with a minimum of three (3) years of experience in a leadership role related to technology innovation and AI, preferably
• A minimum of three (3) years of managing a team of professionals, preferably in the technology space
• Demonstrated experience in managing cross-functional teams and projects
• A minimum of two (2) years of relevant law firm experience as an innovation and/or practicing attorney, preferably

Benefits & Additional Information

Successful candidates will not only be provided with an outstanding career opportunity and welcoming environment, but will also be provided with a generous total compensation package with bonuses awarded in recognition of both individual and firm performance. Eligible employees can participate in Latham’s comprehensive benefit program which includes:

 

• Healthcare, life and disability insurance
• A generous 401k plan
• At least 11 paid holidays per year, and a PTO program that accrues 23 days during the first year of employment and grows with tenure
• Well-being programs (e.g. mental health services, mindfulness and resiliency, medical resources, well-being events, and more)
• Professional development programs
• Employee discounts
• Affinity groups, networks, and coalitions for lawyers and staff

 

Latham & Watkins is an equal opportunity employer. The Firm prohibits discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status (including veterans of the Vietnam era), gender expression, marital status, or any other characteristic or condition protected by applicable statute.

 

Please click here to view the full job description for this role.

 

Latham & Watkins LLP will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO)​.  Please click the link below to review the Ordinance.

 

Please click here to review your rights under U.S. employment laws. #LI-JN1 #MidSenior #Director 

 

Pay Range

USD $280,000.00 - USD $320,000.00 /Yr.