AI Utilization Counsel

Taft is currently seeking an AI Utilization Counsel to support our Client & Innovation Office. AI Utilization Counsel will support the effective and responsible adoption and utilization of generative AI across Taft’s practices. As a member of the Client & Innovation Office, this role will partner closely with Practice Group Chairs, Knowledge and Research Services, Professional Development, IT, GCO, Training, Marketing and Business Development, among other departments and individuals across the firm, to translate AI strategy into day-to-day behaviors, workflows, and measurable value for Taft and our clients. The ideal candidate is a licensed attorney with hands‑on experience using legal generative AI tools, strong communication and teaching skills, and a practical understanding of the opportunities and risks of AI in legal practice. Responsibilities and Duties Engagement & Training Design and deliver engaging training programs (live and virtual) on how to effectively use firm‑approved generative AI tools in legal practice. Provide 1:1 and small‑group coaching to attorneys on integrating AI into their workflows, matters, and client service models. Create practical guides, checklists, and use‑case playbooks for meaningful AI utilization. Evaluate and manage new and existing AI training vendors. Partner with the Professional Development and Training teams to identify and develop role‑and‑practice‑specific training opportunities and pathways (e.g., for junior associates, senior associates, partners, paralegals, and professional staff). Practice Integration & Use Cases In collaboration with other C&I team members, partner with practice group leaders to identify, prioritize, and refine high‑value AI use cases within specific practices (e.g., M&A, finance, litigation, IP, real estate, etc.). Identify and help design processes for utilizing AI, including quality control checkpoints and supervision expectations. Pilot and iterate AI‑enabled workflows with selected matters and teams, gather feedback, and scale successful approaches across the firm. Identify opportunities for embedding AI into templates, playbooks, checklists, and know‑how assets and provide training and direction for practices to effectively deploy. Thought Leadership, Policy Reinforcement, and Change Management Develop communication strategies and content (FAQs, intranet materials, short videos, internal webinars) to drive adoption and demystify AI for busy practitioners. Along with the rest of the C&I team, act as a visible and trusted internal champion for AI utilization. Partner with the GCO to identify opportunities to reinforce firm AI policy and GCO messaging regarding professional responsibility obligations, confidentiality, and client expectations. Stay current on legal industry trends, internal policies and guidance, and client requirements related to AI. Develop initial and ongoing training plans tied to specific AI tools, ensuring that attorneys not only "know what the tool does" but how to use it in their work. Support attorney transitions to new or modified AI tools and resources. Actively engage with AI vendor customer success teams and work closely with the other members of the Innovation team during tool evaluations, pilots, and rollouts of AI tools, to develop integration and adoption strategies. Metrics, Feedback, and Continuous Improvement Define and create a plan to track adoption and impact metrics (e.g., training participation, usage patterns, effective pricing utilization, time savings, qualitative feedback from partners and clients). In collaboration with other members of the Innovation team, regularly collect feedback from attorneys and professional staff to identify pain points, barriers to adoption, and emerging needs; translate this feedback into clear action items. Provide consistent reports and updates to the Chief Client & Innovation Officer on progress and recommendations, including examples illustrating business and client value. Requirements J.D. from an accredited law school Experience working in innovation, knowledge management, practice management, legal operations, or similar role(s) within a law firm, legal department, or other legal service provider Demonstrated, hands‑on experience utilizing legal generative AI tools (e.g., tools for legal research, drafting, contract analysis, litigation support, and/or due diligence) in practice Strong understanding of legal services and law firm economics, including how matters are staffed, managed, and billed Excellent communication, presentation, and facilitation skills, with a track record of teaching, mentoring, or training lawyers or legal professionals Client and practitioner‑first mindset with ability to focus on what works for busy lawyers under real practice pressures Able to influence without formal authority, build trust, and gain buy in from skeptical or risk‑averse audiences Collaborative mindset with the ability to successfully work across departments and with a variety of professionals and personality types Preferred Experience practicing law in a law firm or corporate setting Experience designing and delivering learning programs for adult professional audiences Successful background in interpreting and translating technical explanations of AI tools into practical, non‑technical language for lawyers Taft is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The information in this posting presents general duties, tasks, and responsibilities but is not intended to be an exhaustive listing. Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP participates in E-VERIFY. #J-18808-Ljbffr Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP