Senior AI Risk Advisor
About The Position
Wilson Sonsini is seeking a Senior AI Risk Advisor to join the Risk Operations team. This role is situated at the intersection of AI technology and enterprise risk, offering a unique opportunity to influence how a leading law firm adopts AI responsibly. The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable about AI systems and adept at developing governance programs that balance rigor with innovation. The Senior AI Risk Advisor will be responsible for the firm's AI risk function, including evaluating AI tools and vendors, creating governance frameworks for AI adoption, and advising attorneys, technologists, and leadership on AI-related matters. This position can be performed remotely.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree required.
- One year of experience in AI risk, AI governance, information security, or technology risk.
- Hands-on experience working with or evaluating AI/ML systems, LLMs, or AI-enabled products is highly valued.
- Strong working knowledge of AI and machine learning concepts, including how large language models work, generative AI systems, common failure modes, and enterprise deployment.
- Solid grasp of AI risk and governance frameworks (NIST AI RMF, ISO/IEC 42001, EU AI Act) and the ability to apply them practically.
- Solid understanding of data privacy and confidentiality considerations specific to AI systems, including training data risks, inference risks, and regulations like GDPR and CCPA.
- Experience evaluating AI vendors or conducting third-party technical due diligence, with the ability to critically analyze model documentation and ask substantive questions.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain model risk, brief committees on AI governance, and write clear policy.
- Excellent computer proficiency (MS Office – Word, Excel, and Outlook).
- Ability to make sound risk judgments under ambiguity and collaborate with stakeholders in a fast-moving environment.
- Self-directed and resourceful, with the ability to build a program from the ground up and prioritize effectively.
Nice To Haves
- Relevant certifications such as AIGP are a plus but not a substitute for real AI expertise.
- Experience in a law firm or professional services environment is a plus.
- Ability to engage credibly with sophisticated stakeholders and translate complex AI risk concepts into clear, actionable guidance.
Responsibilities
- Lead AI risk assessments throughout the model lifecycle, evaluating third-party AI vendors, foundation models, and AI-powered platforms for data privacy, model behavior, security, and regulatory compliance.
- Architect and evolve the firm’s AI governance framework, developing policies, standards, and controls that are practical and risk-calibrated.
- Analyze AI vendor documentation, including model cards, system cards, data processing agreements, and security questionnaires, to identify risks and drive remediation.
- Monitor AI regulatory developments (e.g., EU AI Act, U.S. state AI laws, bar association guidance, NIST AI RMF, ISO 42001) and translate them into actionable firm guidance.
- Act as the firm's internal AI risk expert, collaborating with Information Security, IT, General Counsel, and practice group leadership to assess AI use cases.
- Represent the firm's AI governance posture externally, responding to client inquiries and promoting responsible AI adoption.
- Perform related duties as assigned by supervisor.
- Maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures.
Benefits
- Highly competitive salary and benefits package.
- Discretionary year-end merit bonus based on performance.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
