Lead AI Engineer

Houston, TX - Salary Range 150-200k

Job Brief

The AI Engineer leads the firm’s practical adoption of artificial intelligence and emerging legal technologies. Serving as the primary subject matter expert and administrator for AI platforms, this role partners with attorneys and business professionals to identify high-value use cases, design and implement AI-assisted solutions, and promote effective, responsible adoption across the firm. This position combines legal-workflow insight, hands-on solution development, change leadership, and sound professional judgment. The AI Engineer will help shape the firm’s AI strategy and capabilities while upholding the quality, confidentiality, security, and client service standards expected of a premier litigation practice.

RESPONSIBILITIES

AI Strategy, Platform Leadership and Innovation

• Serve as the firm’s primary subject matter expert and administrator for approved AI technologies.
• Maintain a current understanding of platform capabilities and emerging developments; evaluate new features and technologies for relevance to the firm’s practice and long-term objectives.
• Own the ongoing development of the firm’s AI environment, including platform configuration, resources, standards, and supporting documentation.
• Identify and prioritize high-value opportunities for AI across the firm, translating strategic objectives into practical solutions, enhanced capabilities, and an actionable roadmap that improves legal work, operational efficiency, and client service.

Solution and Workflow Development

• Partner with attorneys and business professionals to understand needs and translate them into practical AI-assisted solutions.
• Design, test, refine, and document workflows, prompts, agents, templates, and other reusable resources.
• Collaborate across departments to implement AI-assisted workflows and integrate them into existing processes where appropriate.
• Develop and institutionalize AI best practices, document and scale successful use cases, and promote knowledge sharing across the firm to support innovation and the delivery of AI-enhanced legal services consistent with firm standards and client requirements

Adoption, Training and Change Leadership

• Develop and deliver training, demonstrations, educational materials, and other resources for attorneys and staff.
• Provide ongoing guidance on AI capabilities, limitations, best practices, and responsible use.
• Build engagement and adoption through clear communication, practical support, and thoughtful change-management strategies that foster a culture of innovation, curiosity, and disciplined experimentation while reinforcing professional judgment and accountability.

Governance, Risk and Responsible Use

• Promote compliance with firm policies, client requirements, confidentiality obligations, information governance requirements, and security standards applicable to AI technologies.
• Assist in developing, implementing, and maintaining firm guidelines and best practices governing AI use.
• Educate attorneys and staff on the risks and limitations of generative AI, including the need for appropriate review and validation of AI-generated work product.
• Monitor relevant legal, ethical, regulatory, and professional developments affecting the use of AI in legal practice.

Insights, Vendor and Stakeholder Management

• Monitor platform usage, adoption trends, user feedback, and solution performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Prepare practical reports, analyses, and recommendations for firm leadership.
• Serve as the primary liaison for all AI technology providers, coordinating product updates, issue resolution, enhancement requests, and vendor relationships.
• Build strong working relationships with attorneys, firm leadership, administrative departments, clients as appropriate, and technology vendors.

• Serve as a trusted advisor on AI tools, workflow improvement, and emerging legal technology.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or J.D. preferred.
• Five or more years of experience in legal technology, legal innovation, knowledge management, legal operations, AI implementation, or a related field within a law firm or legal technology company.
• Experience working with attorneys in a sophisticated legal environment, including Am Law 100, Am Law 50, or comparable organizations, preferred.

AI and Legal Technology Expertise

• Hands-on experience implementing, administering, and developing and coding solutions using generative AI platforms.
• Experience with a variety of legal AI platforms and emerging technologies is desirable.
• Strong understanding of generative AI, large language models, prompt engineering, workflow automation, and practical applications within legal practice.
• Demonstrated success designing, testing, and deploying AI-enabled workflows, tools, and solutions that improve productivity, quality, or client service.
• Understanding of data security, information governance, confidentiality, and ethical considerations related to AI technologies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.

Leadership, Communication and Execution

• Proven ability to translate attorney and business needs into practical, scalable technology solutions.
• Experience leading technology adoption initiatives, user training, and organizational change.
• Strong project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and drive initiatives from concept through implementation.
• Ability to build credibility and influence across all levels of the organization while operating with a high degree of ownership, judgment, discretion, and accountability.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.