At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI and legal tech innovation while enhancing knowledge management across the firm.
- Company: Join Bates Wells, a purpose-driven B Corp law firm making a positive impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, progressive benefits, and a commitment to equity and inclusion.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in legal tech and knowledge management from day one.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer or legal knowledge manager with experience in AI and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We’re an award winning, purpose driven City law firm. We were the first UK law firm to become a B Corp and are the highest scoring global law firm in the B Corp community. Globally recognised as the market leading UK firm for charities and purpose-driven organisations, our commercial teams are also using law as a force for good and driving change from the inside out.
Our values are key to our success, and you’ll be able to make a real impact from day one. Come and join the firm who have a standout and authentic commitment to a triple bottom line, where we’ll never prioritise profit over people and planet.
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- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
What are we like to work for?
- 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.
Senior AI & Knowledge Innovation Leader employer: Bates Wells
Bates Wells is an award-winning, purpose-driven City law firm that prioritises social impact alongside profit, making it an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful work. With a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as progressive benefits like sustainable pensions and private healthcare, employees are empowered to grow in a flexible and innovative environment. Join us in London to be part of a team that champions the responsible adoption of AI and legal tech while driving positive change in the legal sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior AI & Knowledge Innovation Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the legal tech and AI space. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got experience with AI tools or legal tech, make sure to highlight that in conversations. Bring examples of how you’ve used these technologies to drive innovation or improve processes. It’s all about demonstrating your value!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to firms like Bates Wells through our website. Express your interest in the Senior AI & Knowledge Innovation Leader role and share what you can bring to the table. A little initiative goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm’s values and recent projects. Bates Wells is all about purpose-driven work, so think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals in AI and knowledge management.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior AI & Knowledge Innovation Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for AI and Innovation:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for AI and legal tech shine through. We want to see how you can bring fresh ideas to the table and drive innovation in our firm.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in legal technology and knowledge management. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've successfully implemented AI solutions or improved knowledge sharing in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on communicating your skills and experiences effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bates Wells
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of AI and legal tech, especially how they apply in a regulated context. Brush up on recent developments and be ready to discuss specific use cases you've worked on or are passionate about.
✨Show Your Strategic Mindset
Prepare to demonstrate your ability to think strategically about knowledge management and innovation. Think of examples where you've successfully led projects from idea to implementation, and be ready to share how you balanced experimentation with governance.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
This role requires working closely with various teams, so be prepared to talk about your collaborative experiences. Share instances where you've engaged with stakeholders to drive change and how you’ve championed the adoption of new systems or tools.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice simplifying complex concepts, as you'll need to convey your ideas clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. Think about how you can present your vision for AI and knowledge management in a way that resonates with everyone.
