Senior AI, Innovation and Knowledge Lawyer or Manager

A strategically critical, cross‑functional role combining strategic thinking with hands‑on delivery. You will act as the single accountable owner, working with senior members of our IT team, for the end‑to‑end development, testing and implementation of AI and legal tech use cases, alongside leading our firm‑wide knowledge strategy and systems. Core focuses are to accelerate the practical and responsible adoption of AI and legal tech in legal service delivery, and reinvigorate knowledge management so it is consistently high quality, relevant, easy to access and embedded into everyday workflows. You will collaborate closely with stakeholders across the practice and Business Team, particularly IT, to drive innovation, efficiency and client value.

Key Responsibilities

• AI, innovation and legal technology: Work collaboratively with the practice and business team to develop and deliver a firm‑wide legal tech and AI strategy, balancing experimentation with robust governance, including contributing to a cross‑functional AI Steering Group. Identify, prioritise and manage AI and automation use cases aligned to client value, efficiency, quality and risk management in legal service delivery. Lead pilots for technology‑assisted legal documents and processes, building business cases and recommendations for scale and impact. Develop and evolve confident client messaging on our use of AI. Contribute to thoughtful consideration of return on investment, pricing and profitability.
• Championing adoption and supporting evolving capability: Work with the practice, IT Training and User Engagement Manager, and Standards and Audit Manager to champion effective use of knowledge, AI and legal tech tools (existing and future), driving adoption and value. Contribute to training and guidance that supports lawyers to adopt and evolve new ways of working while maintaining professional standards.
• Firm‑wide knowledge strategy: Work with Heads of Department, Knowledge Lawyers/Champions and Business Team colleagues to develop and deliver a firm‑wide knowledge strategy, including legal knowhow, training, sector insights, scopes, credentials and resources. Establish and maintain data quality, relevance and governance standards, recognising that effective KM and AI depend on high‑quality, up‑to‑date content. Take an evidence‑based approach to knowledge management across teams, recognising differing needs across practice areas. Strengthen the connection between knowledge, legal delivery and BD/CRM activity, and make recommendations for market‑facing innovation. Review and lead the Knowledge Champions group, including agenda setting and chairing meetings. Provide senior leadership, coordination and development of Knowledge Lawyer roles and the Standards and Audit Manager (via dotted reporting lines).
• Knowledge systems: Work with the practice and IT team to improve knowledge sharing processes, enabling fast, intuitive access to a high‑quality knowledge repository. Act as joint project owner for a new centralised KM system (requirements gathering, vendor selection, content migration, rollout and adoption). Explore opportunities to embed knowledge into systems lawyers use day to day to increase engagement and knowledge sharing.

About You

Essential:

• Qualified lawyer with significant experience in practice, or a strong legal knowledge management background.
• Senior experience in a commercial law firm or equivalent professional services environment.
• Genuine passion for and expertise in legal technology and AI in a regulated context.
• Understanding of emerging legal technologies and their practical application.
• Experience managing the full lifecycle of innovation, from idea and business case through to pilot, production and adoption.
• Experience working with generative AI tools and delivering real AI and automation use cases.
• Experience applying AI governance and ethical standards, including risk assessment and compliance considerations.
• Strong understanding of data quality, data structures and data governance.
• Experience working with IT teams to ensure integration with systems, security and data protection standards.
• Collaborative working style with the ability to understand how lawyers work in practice.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to develop and deliver long‑term knowledge and innovation strategy.
• Sound judgement, pragmatism and commercial awareness, focused on value creation.
• Strong influencing skills with the confidence to engage partners and junior lawyers alike.
• Experience leading organisational change and driving adoption of new systems and tools.
• Ability to build relationships quickly and work autonomously with key stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, solution‑focused approach and ability to operate in an environment of experimentation and continuous improvement.
• Clear and persuasive communicator able to simplify complex concepts.
• Understanding of changing client needs and ability to develop innovative client‑facing solutions.

Desirable:

• Experience leading complex cross‑functional projects, including KM systems or major tech transformation.
• Strong understanding of the business model of a modern law firm or similar professional services environment.

Benefits

• Impact‑Driven Purpose: We align profit with social purpose to create lasting positive impact for our people, communities, and planet.
• Committed to the Climate: Through our Climate & Nature Group, we reduce environmental impact and drive a just transition to net zero.
• Championing Inclusion: We foster a diverse, inclusive culture where creativity and innovation thrive.
• Flexible and Hybrid Working: Our hybrid model supports balance, with part‑time options and at least two office days weekly.
• Progressive Benefits: We offer sustainable pensions, IVF support, private healthcare, and more for your well‑being and growth.

At Bates Wells, equity, diversity and inclusion are part of who we are and how we work. As a B Corp and purpose‑driven law firm, we’re committed to building a workplace that is fair, inclusive, and representative of all.