Director of Applied AI

Saxton & Stump•Philadelphia, PA

11d

About The Position

The Director of Applied AI is a responsible for designing, implementing, and managing the firm’s applied artificial intelligence strategy across legal services, business operations, and client service delivery. This individual will lead cross-departmental AI initiatives, identify high-impact use cases, ensure compliance with ethical and regulatory standards, and drive measurable improvements in efficiency, profitability, and client experience. This role requires a forward-thinking, strategic leader with strong technical literacy, a deep understanding of legal workflows, and the ability to translate emerging AI capabilities into practical, secure, and scalable solutions for the firm.

Requirements

Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree in Law, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field preferred.
10-15+ years of experience in legal operations, innovation, technology, or related fields, with at least 5 years leading AI, automation, or digital-transformation initiatives.
Prior experience in a law firm, legal tech company, or professional services environment strongly preferred.
Knowledge & Skills Strong understanding of legal workflows, attorney support needs, and law-firm operational models.
Working knowledge of generative AI (LLMs), machine learning concepts, automation tools, and legal-tech platforms.
Ability to translate complex technical concepts into practical applications for non-technical users.
Excellent communication, training, and stakeholder-management skills.
Proven ability to manage cross-departmental projects and deliver measurable business results.
Strong analytical, project-management, and vendor-negotiation experience.
Key Competencies Strategic and forward-looking thinker Flexible with the ability to adapt to changing business priorities.
Highly collaborative, with ability to work with attorneys, executives, and operational teams Strong judgment and commitment to confidentiality and ethical use of AI Process-improvement mindset Excellent communicator and change-management leader

Responsibilities

AI Strategy & Governance Develop and execute a firm-wide applied AI strategy aligned with operational goals, practice group needs, and long-term growth objectives.
Support the firm’s AI Governance Committee, ensuring oversight, risk management, and responsible adoption.
Establish policies, standards, and controls for ethical, compliant use of AI (including confidentiality, cybersecurity, and data governance).
Evaluate and recommend AI platforms and tools (legal research, drafting, eDiscovery, pricing, workflow automation, etc.).
Implementation & Use-Case Development Identify and prioritize high-value AI use cases in both administrative functions and legal practice groups.
Lead pilots and structured rollout plan for applied AI tools, including training programs, user adoption strategies, and ROI measurement.
Partner with IT, Practice Group Chairs, Operations, HR, and others to integrate AI into daily workflows.
Build frameworks for attorney, paralegal, and staff utilization of AI, focusing on productivity, and risk mitigation Operational Excellence & Efficiency Drive measurable improvements in process efficiency, docketing, document drafting, research, intake, billing, and other operational functions through AI optimization.
Support development of AI-enabled dashboards, workload automation, and process maps to support decision-making.
Collaborate with Operations/Finance on cost–benefit analysis, vendor evaluations, and ongoing budget oversight for AI initiatives.
Training & Change Management Create and deliver firm-wide training on applied AI tools, best practices, and responsible use.
Manage change-management initiatives to ensure adoption, reduce risk, and address cultural considerations.
Client-Facing Innovation Collaborate with Practice Group Leaders and Business Development to integrate AI capabilities into client offerings, pricing models, and proposals.
Support development of client-facing AI policies, engagement letter language, and compliance materials.
Risk, Compliance & Cybersecurity Work closely with IT - cybersecurity, risk management, and general counsel teams to maintain compliance with ethical rules, privacy laws, and data-security standards.
Conduct ongoing assessments of AI-related risks, including misinformation, hallucinations, and unauthorized data exposure.