Director, AI Acceleration, US

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Location: US – New York (Permanent Contract, Full time) Overview Reporting to the Chief AI Officer, you will be responsible for shaping the firm's AI strategy. In collaboration with the Chief AI Officer, you will focus on the delivery and execution of identified strategic initiatives. The role will have a global remit with a regional focus, optimizing on‑ground client delivery and serving internal colleagues while working with global reach. You will be a high‑profile, credible individual in AI, engaging with Partners, Executives and Counsel on technology/AI strategies. Expertise and understanding of the Legal AI market and industry are key, with continuous learning of emerging tools and capabilities. Key Responsibilities Transform the firm by scaling AI innovation and ensuring strategic governance, positioning the firm as a leader in responsible, cutting‑edge legal technology. Work with Legal AI capabilities and bring Legal AI to the broader firm via vendor engagement, pilots, and successful rollouts. Collaborate with cross‑functional internal teams (comms, BD, talent) to align on furtherance of AI objectives and points of close strategic collaboration. Activate innovation across HSF Kramer by bringing Legal AI forward; source vendors, identify opportunities, shape pilots and deploy cutting‑edge tech regionally and globally. Lead AI partnering and experiments with clients and practice groups. Embed AI into every layer of legal/client delivery—from review, drafting, and due diligence, to internal operations. With the Chief AI Officer, set the global strategy for internal AI activities and champion AI solutions, integrating AI into workflows across the firm. Guide AI use cases and products, from ideation to pilot, deployment, scaling, applying measures such as ROI, accuracy, and latency. Ensure outcomes achieved by the AI teams align with the agreed strategy and act as escalation point for AI issues. Work closely with other Directors and the Chief AI Officer to address challenges and maintain global consistency in approach. Serve as the main senior contact for internal stakeholders on AI enablement, tooling, and capabilities available at the firm. Cultivate trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across the firm, building and promoting AI expertise internally. Identify difficult dynamics in AI implementation and proactively support stakeholders to resolve challenges. Manage senior stakeholders, ensuring informed reporting and providing input into the firm's engagement strategy. Collaborate with L&D, finance, IT, BD, and communications to drive firm‑wide AI literacy through training, playbooks, “AI academies,” and adoption campaigns. Build and mentor a cross‑functional AI team, fostering a positive culture with open communication and a growth mindset. Collaborate with IT, L&D, Responsible AI, and practice groups to embed AI and resolve conflicts effectively. Key internal relationships Chief AI Officer Chief Technology Officer and IT leadership team Compensation Exact compensation may vary based on skills and experience; salary range is $400,000 - $450,000. Diversity & Inclusion We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone thrives. This diversity and inclusion commitment is essential to our success and our ability to innovate and achieve sustained high performance. #J-18808-Ljbffr Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer New York LLP