At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build innovative legal tech solutions using AI and automation.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking law firm at the forefront of legal technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Transform legal work with cutting-edge technology and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Legal expertise and experience in tech solution implementation required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
The Senior Legal Engineer is responsible for designing, building and configuring technology-enabled legal solutions that transform how legal work is delivered across the firm. This role sits at the intersection of law, technology and practical implementation. It focuses on translating legal expertise into structured, scalable solutions, leveraging AI, automation, and data, to embed technology into core legal workflows. The role is central to the firm’s Embedding AI programme, partnering with practice groups and business support functions to take high‑value use cases from idea to working solution.
Team
The Practice Innovation and Knowledge Solutions Team is comprised of Knowledge Lawyers, Knowledge Managers, Knowledge Advisors, Information Services professionals, and Knowledge Assistants.
Key Responsibilities
- Solution design and build: Designing and building configured legal solutions on the firm's AI and technology platforms; the core delivery focus of the role. Design and develop legal solutions using the firm's AI and legal technology tools and capabilities. Translate complex legal reasoning and processes into structured logic, rules and decision trees. Design and implement AI-enabled legal workflows and integrate AI capabilities into core legal use cases such as drafting, review and analysis. Build reusable components and scalable solutions that standardise legal work across practice areas, for both internal and client‑facing use. Ensure solutions are maintainable, extensible and adopted across the firm.
- Delivery, adoption and impact: Taking solutions to the firm, driving sustained adoption and tracking the impact they have. Take solutions from concept through configuration, deployment, embedding, iteration and ongoing improvement. Lead end-to-end delivery of AI and legal technology pilots. Rapidly prototype and iterate solutions. Promote adoption of technology products and support a community of engagement, including technology and AI champions across the firm. Define success metrics and track impact, including efficiency, quality and adoption.
- Platforms, integration and vendors: Working across the firm's platforms, vendor relationships and integration points to underpin solution delivery. Work with vendors to evaluate, implement, optimise and manage technology-enabled legal solutions. Understand and leverage the integration capabilities of vendor platforms. Collaborate with IT to define, scope and configure integrations across the firm's core platforms. Support the operationalisation of the firm's taxonomy across systems and workflows.
- Quality, governance and assurance: Applying legal judgement to assure accuracy, and keeping solutions safe and well‑governed. Apply, and support the application of, legal expertise to assess AI outputs, ensuring accuracy, commercial relevance and usability. Collaborate with Risk & Compliance to ensure good AI governance, guardrails, and the upholding of and compliance with the firm's safe technology use policies. Develop and document best practices for deploying AI and legal technology at scale, including prompt frameworks, guardrails and structured inputs.
- Strategy and market awareness: Shaping the firm's technology direction and staying ahead of the market. Contribute to the firm's digital product strategy and identify opportunities for improvement. Keep abreast of legal technology market trends and emerging opportunities.
Required experience
- Strong legal domain expertise (qualified lawyer or equivalent experience)
- Demonstrable experience configuring and implementing technology solutions, preferably to legal work problems
- Ability to translate legal processes into structured logic and workflows
- Experience working with structured data and familiarity with how systems integrate (deep technical capability not required)
- Strong understanding of AI applications in legal workflows
- Skills of stakeholder management, effective communication, listening, and a cross‑functional team player
- Good judgement in identification and prioritisation of value‑add and strategically aligned tasks and projects
- Experience with AI‑enabled systems; document automation platforms; and workflow tools, no/low-code platforms.
- Familiarity with structured data and query concepts
- Understanding of system integration concepts
- Experience with knowledge graphs, ontologies, or advanced taxonomy design, desirable
- Experience embedding and driving enterprise systems in a law firm environment, desirable
- Prior involvement in firm‑wide AI platform roll‑outs, desirable
- Exposure to insurance or litigation workflows, desirable
Equal opportunities employer statement
Kennedys is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to ensuring our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. We expect all employees to be aware of and comply with all relevant policies and procedures within their jurisdiction, including those relating to Information Security, Data Protection and Quality Management, refer any breach promptly to Risk & Compliance and to complete all mandatory training when requested.
Senior Legal Engineer employer: Kennedys
At Kennedys, we pride ourselves on being an innovative employer that champions the integration of technology within the legal sector. Our Senior Legal Engineer role offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of AI and legal solutions, fostering a collaborative culture that encourages professional growth and continuous learning. With a commitment to inclusivity and a focus on employee well-being, we provide a supportive environment where your contributions can make a meaningful impact on the future of legal services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Engineer
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Kennedys, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Kennedys, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Kennedys and the specific role of Senior Legal Engineer. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Kennedys’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kennedys
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Kennedys.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Kennedys.
