Senior Data Architect, Legal Operations

Apple • Cupertino, CA

46d

About The Position

The Senior Data Architect owns the data architecture vision for Legal Operations and leads the Data Management Office. The role designs and implements the semantic layer, unified data model, and data governance frameworks that make data trusted, connected, and ready for AI and analytics consumption. It combines strategic architecture leadership with hands-on technical work and team leadership. The Applied Data Science team within Legal Operations is building the data foundation for AI and analytics across a global legal organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• At least 10 years of experience in data architecture, data engineering, or related fields, including at least 4 years in a senior architecture or leadership role.
• Deep expertise in enterprise data architecture, including data modeling, dimensional modeling, data lake design, and ETL/ELT patterns.
• Strong experience with cloud data platforms, particularly Snowflake.
• Proficiency in SQL and Python for data engineering, transformation, and automation.
• Experience with data integration and transformation tools such as dbt or Fivetran, or similar tools.
• Experience designing and implementing entity resolution, master data management, or data quality solutions.
• Proven experience leading and mentoring data teams.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain data architecture concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree.
• Experience building data architectures for legal tech or legal operations environments.
• Familiarity with legal systems such as matter management, CLM, eBilling, or document management systems.
• Experience with semantic layer technologies such as dbt Semantic Layer, Cube, or AtScale; knowledge graphs such as Neo4j; or ontology design.
• Understanding of how data architecture enables AI/ML systems, including RAG, embeddings, vector databases, and context management.
• Experience with data observability and quality tools such as Monte Carlo or Great Expectations, or similar tools.
• Knowledge of data privacy, compliance, and governance frameworks relevant to legal data.

Responsibilities

• Own the data architecture vision for Legal Operations.
• Lead the Data Management Office.
• Design and implement the semantic layer, unified data model, and data governance frameworks.
• Lead and mentor data teams.
• Translate data architecture concepts for technical and non-technical audiences.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior