Innovation Lawyer - Corporate

At BCLP, we’ve built our firm on the foundations of thinking differently. Curious, inquisitive and unbound by tradition, we’re building change within our sector and beyond. It starts with our people, which is why we need an Innovation Lawyer – Corporate to join our team. Embedded within the Technology Dept, but aligned to our firm’s Corporate & Finance Transactions (CFT) Department and an integral part of the firm’s wider Taskforce for Legal Evolution in AI Program (LEAP), the role of Innovation Lawyer is to develop and drive forward AI strategy and enablement for transactional lawyers in our firm, with a particular focus on corporate and commercial work. Although this role is not predominantly fee earning, the role will require time recording, and some fee earning work is expected. This will be as an occasional timekeeper, with no set targets. This is an excellent opportunity to take on a cutting‑edge role within an innovative and forward‑thinking firm, in an area of strategic priority. A chance to become involved in firm-wide projects and work collaboratively with other lawyers and business professionals to deliver AI transformation across the Firm’s global network. Remain current in the practice of law by performing some AI‑enabled fee‑earning work (as agreed for the role), and by working alongside and engaging directly with fee earners across (a) Corporate Transactions, (b) Technology, Commercial & Data Practice Groups, and (c) Tax, Employee Benefits and Private Client practice groups (together “Corporate PGs”). Responsibilities Work with practice group leaders and partners across the CFT Department, the Director of Practice Operations for CFT and LEAP Leadership to identify the highest value use cases for using AI across Corporate PGs. Work with the LEAP Taskforce to identify and support pilots of the best AI platforms to support those use cases. Collaborate with existing practice‑aligned Innovation Teams to maintain a consistent approach to Innovation activities. Where new AI technologies are implemented and approved by the firm, standardise and scale successful AI solutions across Corporate PGs in close collaboration with the LEAP Taskforce. Serve as a dedicated resource for lawyers seeking AI support, offering responsive, high‑touch assistance with prompt design, refinement, and execution. Assist Corporate PGs in identifying and adopting AI‑enabled workflows through proactive outreach and hands‑on support, developing and executing AI templated prompts that align with the work of the Corporate PGs. In conjunction with Learning & Development and the LEAP Taskforce, ensure use of AI is embedded within associate training programmes and identify where AI can be used as part of junior associate training. Prepare and deliver technology presentations and training related to creative and practical uses for AI across Corporate PGs, and assist in the development of web content that highlights strategies for leveraging AI throughout matter cycles. Develop a detailed understanding of the firm’s other technologies that support delivery of client work within Corporate PGs, and ensure that these are promoted and used appropriately alongside any new AI‑enabled practice technologies. Collaborate closely with the firm’s Knowledge Solutions and Innovation teams. NOTE – This is one of two new roles being created by the firm in this strategically important area. The other role being recruited is an Innovation Lawyer for Finance PGs; both roles will be aligned to the CFT Department and will work seamlessly together to drive AI transformation across the Department. Qualifications A corporate lawyer with at least 5 years’ experience of practice in a large US national or international law firm. Either experience in a legal technology role (preferred) or a keen interest in AI and a proven track record of using technology to support legal practice, with ambition to drive AI transformation. Detailed understanding of key workflows that exist in corporate work and a process‑driven mind‑set. Gravitas to win the respect of partners and other colleagues, the ability to establish rapport with all team members, and the ability to persuade and influence people to change their established working practices. Strong communication and excellent interpersonal skills, with experience of internal and external training. Can‑do attitude, driven, enthusiastic and energetic, willing to “roll sleeves up” to learn new skills and set an example to others. Strongly service‑oriented, enthusiastic about the challenges of driving change in a large, multi‑office law‑firm setting. Ability to be flexible and adaptable to support priorities and strategies of the firm in its AI strategy. Understanding of product development and management, UI/UX concepts, user testing and/or process mapping is highly desirable. Intermittent domestic and international travel may be required. Compensation Pursuant to the Illinois pay‑transparency laws, BCLP is posting a reasonable estimate of a compensation range for this position. At the time of posting, the estimated Illinois pay range is $136,000 to $210,000. Actual compensation will be influenced by various factors, including but not limited to the level of relevant experience, skill sets, training, licensure and certifications, internal equity, market data, and other job‑related factors permitted by law. The range is based on a full‑time work schedule. Additional compensation may include an annual discretionary bonus. BCLP is an equal employment opportunity employer. The Firm strictly prohibits discrimination against any applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, military status, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation or medical conditions related thereto), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. The Firm also strictly prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any protected class or status. The Firm complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting applications for employment, including consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state law. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on BCLP. Please inform the Firm’s personnel representative if you need an accommodation to assist in completing this application or to otherwise participate in the application process. #J-18808-Ljbffr Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner