Director of Artificial Intelligence: Akerman

Akerman, a premier law firm with over 700 lawyers, is seeking a Director of Artificial Intelligence for its IT Department. This leadership role will lead the firm's AI strategy and innovation agenda, driving the discovery, evaluation, and implementation of AI-powered solutions. The focus will be on harnessing generative AI, machine learning, and automation to improve legal workflows, enhance client service, and increase operational efficiency in collaboration with attorneys and business operations teams.

Important Notes:

Applicants are required to submit a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements.

This employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Responsibilities (Key Responsibilities):

AI Strategy & Innovation: Define and execute the firmwide AI roadmap, identify emerging AI technologies, and serve as a thought leader on AI in the legal market.

Practice-Specific AI Solutions: Partner with legal practice groups to pilot and develop tailored AI applications for workflows like contract analysis, due diligence, and legal research.

Automation & Workflow Optimization: Lead the implementation of intelligent automation tools to streamline internal processes and enhance knowledge management.

Governance & Risk Management: Establish protocols for responsible AI use, ensuring compliance with data privacy, ethical, and regulatory standards.

Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration: Build and lead a multidisciplinary team, facilitate collaboration across departments, and provide training and change management for AI adoption.

Requirements (Qualifications):

Advanced degree in Computer Science, AI/ML, Legal Informatics, Data Science, or a related field. A JD or legal industry experience is strongly preferred.

10+ years of experience in legal innovation, technology strategy, or AI solution development, ideally in a professional services or Am Law 100 context.

Proven track record of successfully delivering AI/automation projects.

Strong understanding of legal workflows, practice management systems, and knowledge management infrastructure.

Expertise with technologies such as generative AI (LLMs), NLP, contract analysis tools, legal analytics platforms, and RPA solutions.

Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.

Key Attributes: Visionary mindset, strong execution capabilities, collaborative leadership style, passion for legal innovation, and adept at navigating change.

Preferred Tools & Platforms: Generative AI APIs (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Gemini), legal-specific AI platforms (Kira, Harvey, Lexis+ AI), workflow tools (Power Automate, UiPath), and Microsoft 365 suite (iManage, SharePoint, Co-Pilot).