AI Counsel: The Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence (Ai2)

The Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence (Ai2) is a Seattle-based non-profit 501c3 research institute, founded in 2014 by the late Paul Allen. Its core mission is to build breakthrough AI to solve the world’s biggest problems. Ai2 develops foundational AI research and innovation to deliver real-world impact through large-scale open models, data, robotics, conservation, and more.

Ai2's legal team consists of three lawyers and one contracts and procurement manager. They are a collegial and collaborative group that works in a hybrid setting, including a new office on Lake Union, and values in-person whiteboard sessions. The team operates with a high degree of autonomy and is passionate about Ai2's mission.

In addition to its core mission, Ai2 is committed to its team members, fostering a learning organization through weekly Ai2 Academy lectures and guest speakers. They actively value diversity, encouraging applications from women, non-binary individuals, people of color, members of the LGBTQA+ community, and people with disabilities. Ai2 also emphasizes inclusion, a healthy work/life balance with generous paid vacation, sick leave, and family leave, and a collaborative and transparent environment. The organization employs over 200 people.

Responsibility
As an AI Counsel at Ai2, you will have a rare opportunity to be fully immersed in cutting-edge, open AI research. Your essential functions include, but are not limited to:

Supporting all stages of development for open AI artifacts and technologies, including data curation, model training, release planning, and post-release management.

Providing direct AI counseling for applications, research demos, scientific agents, and environmental and conservation tools, covering due diligence, data governance, and bridging legal and technical requirements.

Reviewing and preparing data licenses, open-source licenses, and related documentation.

Creating and improving frameworks for responsible AI development and processes to streamline AI releases.

Developing AI development guides, playbooks, and templates for releasing AI resources and artifacts.

Exercising sound judgment and providing strategic and practical legal guidance that balances business priorities, non-profit mission, compliance, and evolving AI policies and regulation.

Providing general support and due diligence across Ai2’s charitable, scientific, and educational activities, ensuring they comply with appropriate legal and regulatory frameworks.

Requirements
Education/Certifications:

Minimum Degree required: JD (Juris Doctor).

Must be licensed to practice law in Washington State.

Required Skills and Experience:

4-6+ years of transactional experience in a law firm or corporate environment.

Prior experience in AI, technology, or product counseling.

Deep understanding of copyright and IP licensing.

Excellent presentation and facilitation skills, with polished, concise, and audience-appropriate messaging.

Self-starter who does not require daily directions or close supervision.

Possesses a start-up mentality: adaptable and able to pivot quickly.

Skilled in working with ambiguity, comfortable identifying and solving for novel risks.

Ability to rapidly adjust to new strategies and approaches in a fast-moving environment.

Capable of working on complex issues where problems are not clearly defined and fundamental principles may not fully apply.

Sufficient technical experience to communicate effectively with research and engineering experts.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with data governance and privacy laws such as GDPR, CCPA, and/or HIPAA, and other international regulations like the EU AI Act.

Experience and/or interest in project management to establish or improve processes and streamline legal team efforts with existing company workflows.