Associate Director of Applied Innovation

About Kirkland & Ellis

At Kirkland & Ellis, we are united in our ambition and drive to move forward. We share core values that help us achieve excellence: collaboration, talent empowerment, service, inclusion, respect and gratitude. Our people are our greatest asset, and we invest in the brightest talent and encourage a diversity of perspectives and strengths to create dynamic teams that operate at the pinnacle of their field. Our talented professionals show up every day knowing they will engage in meaningful work, continuous learning and professional development.
 
As one of the world’s leading law firms, we serve a broad range of clients with market-leading practices in private equity, M&A and other complex corporate transactions; investment fund formation and alternative asset management; restructurings; high-stakes commercial and intellectual property litigation; and government, regulatory and internal investigations. We handle the most complicated and sophisticated legal matters because we don’t just meet industry standards, we create them. We bring innovation and entrepreneurialism to every engagement and, as a result, have long-standing client relationships with leading global corporations and financial sponsors. With 6,500 employees (including more than 3,500 lawyers) operating from 21 offices across the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we are one of the largest law firms in the world and a top financial performer.

Essential Job Functions

We are seeking a highly skilled Associate Director of Applied Innovation with extensive experience in both law and technology. The ideal candidate will drive the firm’s AI strategy, enhance knowledge management systems, and provide leadership in legal technology innovations. This role will involve close collaboration with senior leadership, legal teams, and technical departments to implement cutting-edge AI and legal technology solutions. The candidate should have a strong background in computer engineering and law, with a proven track record of developing AI tools, managing technology projects, and driving knowledge management initiatives in large legal environments.

You will be joining a leadership team dedicated to modeling and fostering a team culture of open, constructive communication and cross-team collaboration.  You will manage development needs for the team, including identifying and coordinating training opportunities.  You will also lead various team and sub-team administrative meetings and eventually assume direct, functional management responsibilities.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of technology and law, driving meaningful change and impact across the Firm as well as the industry.

If you are ready to help us revolutionize the legal industry, please apply online with your resume and cover letter.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented and changed as necessary.)

AI and Legal Technology Leadership:

• Serve as the lead liaison between the AI Innovation team and Technology departments.
• Develop and manage AI-driven projects, including building internal AI applications (e.g., GPT-4) using Python and Azure.
• Lead technical diligence with AI vendors, shaping the firm’s AI strategy.
• Represent the firm on internal and client-facing AI Task Forces, advising senior leadership on AI integration and strategy.

Knowledge Management (KM):

• Design and implement knowledge management databases, templates, and legal technology tools.
• Lead firm-wide KM initiatives, such as developing collaboration platforms, SharePoint sites, and practice management systems.
• Act as the primary contact for all legal technology updates, leading breakout sessions and global retreats on KM and AI developments.
• Oversee the development of legal forms, checklists, and templates for technology transactions, cybersecurity, and data privacy.

Collaboration and Innovation:

• Partner with legal and technical teams to promote cross-department collaboration on AI and legal technology projects.
• Lead internal projects focused on deploying AI tools for legal practices and document automation.

Team Development & Management

• The AD will be joining a leadership team dedicated to modeling and fostering a team culture of open, constructive communication and cross-team collaboration. The role will manage development needs for the team, including identifying and coordinating training opportunities. The role will also lead various team and sub-team administrative meetings and eventually assume direct, functional management responsibilities.

Vendor Management:

• Manage relationships with external vendors and technology partners involved in the delivery and support of AI solutions.
• Coordinate vendor selection, negotiation, and contracting processes to ensure alignment with project requirements and Firm objectives.

Communications and Change Management:

• Lead with a growth mindset around opportunities in emerging technology while understanding and identifying key risks; experiment with new and creative ways for delivering key information on projects to Firm colleagues.

Interface with Firm Practitioners and Support Functions:

• Collaborate with firm practitioners, IT teams, Risk management, and Security teams to ensure alignment of AI solutions with business objectives, regulatory requirements, and security standards.
• Act as a liaison between technical and non-technical stakeholders to facilitate effective communication and problem-solving.

Qualifications & Requirements

Required

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, business administration, or a related field. Advanced degree or relevant certifications preferred.
• Juris Doctor and experience practicing law.
• 5+ years of experience in knowledge management, legal technology, and innovation, including leadership roles in large law firms.
• Expertise in AI deployment, legal knowledge systems, and legal technology integration.
• This position requires a high level of collaboration with attorneys and other firm leadership; therefore, the ideal candidate must possess strong communication skills and interact with people at all levels with a high degree of accuracy, professionalism, and accountability. 
• Candidates must possess exceptional organizational skills, coupled with good judgement and the ability to independently define and make progress on action items.  Concurrently, they must demonstrate a commitment to consensus building and demonstrate an ability to stay aligned with and meet goals set forth by leadership.
• Strong understanding of emerging technologies such as AI/ML; demonstrated interest and excitement around the business impact of AI/emerging technology is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive complex projects to successful outcomes.
• Ability to work independently and lead execution of complex projects; our team works like a startup within a major organization, and we are looking for individuals who can take initiative and ownership and who thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred

• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, and JavaScript.
• Experience with legal technology tools (e.g., MS Teams, SharePoint) and AI platforms (e.g., GPT-based tools, Azure).

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in Kirkland & Ellis LLP.  To complete an application and submit your resume, please click "Apply Now."

The base salary range below represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position in New York City. This range may differ based on your geographic location and cost of living considerations. At Kirkland & Ellis, we consider compensation more than just a base salary. We offer an exceptional range of flexible benefits including comprehensive healthcare, paid time off, and retirement. We also offer personal support and tailored learning and development opportunities all designed to help you realize your full potential both in life and at work.

 Compensation 

► New York City: $270,000 -$350,000

Equal Employment Opportunity

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Closing Statement

The www.kirkland.com job postings and recruiting mailbox are for candidates only. If you are a recruiter, search firm or employment agency, and do not have a signed contract with Kirkland & Ellis LLP ("K&E") and have not been asked specifically to submit candidates, you will not be compensated in any way for your referral of a candidate even if K&E hires the candidate. Direct contact with K&E employees in an attempt to present candidates is inappropriate and will be a factor in determining any future professional relationship with the Firm. #LI-Hybrid #LI-JN1