Counsel, AI Risk and Compliance

Job Overview
A global law firm is seeking a Counsel, AI Risk & Compliance to support the governance, evaluation, and implementation of artificial intelligence technologies across the organization. This position operates at the intersection of legal, technology, risk management, regulatory compliance, and professional responsibility. The role partners with business, technology, security, and operational teams to facilitate responsible AI adoption while managing legal, regulatory, operational, and reputational risks associated with emerging technologies.

Duties

• Serve as the primary legal advisor for AI-related tools, platforms, vendors, and initiatives.
• Collaborate with technology, information security, procurement, marketing, business development, and knowledge management teams throughout the AI lifecycle.
• Provide legal guidance regarding the use of AI technologies in connection with firm systems, internal operations, and client information.
• Advise on privacy, cybersecurity, intellectual property, confidentiality, data governance, and professional responsibility matters.
• Support vendor due diligence, contract negotiations, and risk assessments involving AI products and services.
• Develop governance standards and legal frameworks for AI-related vendor relationships and technology usage.
• Assess risks associated with emerging AI systems, including automation, data protection, workflow execution, and operational security.
• Work with privacy and information security teams to evaluate the impact of AI technologies on existing controls and compliance obligations.
• Review proposed uses of organizational and client data in AI development, testing, training, and deployment activities.
• Monitor and analyze evolving AI-related laws, regulations, and industry developments and provide practical guidance.
• Develop policies, training materials, and compliance resources related to responsible AI use.
• Support AI-related communications, proposals, presentations, and external messaging regarding governance and technology initiatives.

Requirements

• Significant experience in technology transactions, privacy, cybersecurity, data governance, regulatory compliance, product counseling, professional responsibility, or related practice areas.
• Experience advising on artificial intelligence, machine learning, technology governance, or data use matters in a law firm, corporate, or regulated environment.
• Familiarity with AI governance frameworks, privacy regulations, cybersecurity principles, vendor risk management, and data rights considerations.
• Ability to advise on complex, cross-functional initiatives involving emerging technologies and changing regulatory requirements.
• Experience creating policies, training programs, templates, and scalable compliance processes.
• Ability to manage highly sensitive and confidential information.
• Technical understanding sufficient to collaborate effectively with technology and information security professionals.

Education and Certifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Active bar membership in good standing.

Skills

• Strong legal judgment and analytical capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to explain complex legal and technical concepts in practical business terms.
• Strong problem-solving and risk assessment abilities.
• Effective stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Strong organizational and project management capabilities.
• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Business-oriented approach to compliance and innovation.

Benefits

• Performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Financial wellness and retirement programs.
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities.
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Work-life balance initiatives and employee support resources.

Ranked as a Vault Law 100 international law firm, attorneys at this firm win by understanding their client's business, investing in their success, and by putting their interest ahead of their own. Associates boast working with brilliant attorneys, who are easy to work with, as well as having the opportunity for exciting, substantive legal work. The firm partners with leaders around the world to fuel missions, knock down barriers, and shape markets. The attorneys at this firm bring their personal passion and legal prowess to bear in every matter for their clients and the people they serve. Associate remark the firm is invested in their career destination and want to see the associates' career blossom. There is an opportunity to really grow, and the partners at the firm mentor associates and really care. The happiness factor is one of the firm's top priorities. As one associate put it, the firm is energized and it is an exciting place to be. The firms boasts a tightly-woven network of legal thought leaders who marry their passion for business with a deep, focused understanding of the law. Through their pro bono legal services, volunteer services, and charitable giving, lawyers at this firm are committed to giving back. This firm has been nationally ranked in 33 practice areas by US News.