At a Glance
- Tasks: Experiment with AI to revolutionise legal workflows and develop innovative solutions.
- Company: Join Lawhive, a cutting-edge legal tech firm backed by top investors.
- Benefits: Enjoy equity, 33 days off, remote work options, and top-notch equipment.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team driving innovation in the legal industry.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the legal field using advanced AI technologies.
- Qualifications: Strong AI research background and proficiency in Python and LLMs required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About Lawhive
Our mission is to make the law accessible to everyone. The legal industry is built on technology and processes that haven’t been updated in hundreds of years - that's why we've reinvented the entire model from the ground up with our own bespoke AI operating system at the core. Lawhive is a regulated law firm with an AI-native platform built to amplify expertise and revolutionise the way people practice law, leading to exceptional outcomes for clients and lawyers. Lawhive Labs is how we bring this vision to life. It's our frontier lab that combines top engineering, design, AI and legal talent from around the world, joining forces to build the future of law. We’re backed by top-tier investors, including Google Ventures, Balderton Capital and TQ Ventures, and in early 2026, we secured $60M Series B funding round to facilitate international expansion and to grow our team. We’re headquartered in London and in 2025 successfully launched in the US…and we’re just getting started.
The Role
We’re looking for a Research Engineer to experiment with, develop, and refine LLM-based AI assistants, document automation systems, and case workflow optimisations. This is an opportunity to bridge cutting-edge AI research and real-world applications.
Responsibilities
- Conduct applied research on LLM-based reasoning, multi-agent systems and develop frontier bespoke models for automating legal workflows.
- Develop prototypes and experimental models to explore novel AI-driven legal solutions.
- Design and implement retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) pipelines, leveraging embeddings, vector databases, and structured retrieval techniques.
- Optimise LLM inference and fine-tuning using techniques such as LoRA, PEFT, prompt engineering, and caching.
- Integrate multi-modal and external knowledge sources to enhance AI-driven insights.
- Research and implement autonomous agentic AI systems for complex, multi-step legal workflows.
- Stay up to date with the latest advancements in model architectures, alignment and interpretability, and orchestrating complex multi-agent systems.
- Collaborate with engineers to transition experimental models into production-ready systems.
Requirements
- Strong background in AI research, applied machine learning, and NLP.
- Experience with LLM model adaptation, fine-tuning, and inference optimization.
- Proficiency in Python, Pydantic, FastAPI, and working with LLM APIs (OpenAI, Anthropic, Mistral, etc.).
- Understanding of retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), vector databases, embeddings, and structured AI retrieval.
- Hands-on experience with LLM-based planning, reasoning, and autonomous task execution.
- Familiarity with self-supervised learning, reinforcement learning, or adaptive AI techniques.
- Ability to translate academic AI research into practical experiments and working prototypes.
- Experience deploying AI models in cloud environments such as AWS/GCP.
- MSc or PhD in AI, ML, Computer Science, or a related field.
UK Benefits:
- Meaningful early-stage equity at one of Europe’s fastest growing startups
- 33 days’ annual leave (25 + bank holidays) plus your birthday off
- Work from anywhere for a month
- Pension contribution via Nest
- Top-spec equipment - MacBook/Windows
- Regular team building activities and socials!
Diversity at Lawhive
At Lawhive, we know that diversity of thought is critical to delivering outlier outcomes. As such, we’re always working hard to ensure we build a diverse, inclusive team, and as we scale, we’ll only ever increase the focus we apply to this.
Applied Research Engineer in London employer: Lawhive
At Lawhive, we are committed to revolutionising the legal industry through cutting-edge technology and a collaborative work culture that fosters innovation. As an Applied Research Engineer, you will have the opportunity to work with top-tier talent in a dynamic environment, where your contributions directly impact the future of law. With generous benefits including meaningful equity, extensive annual leave, and the flexibility to work from anywhere, Lawhive is an exceptional employer for those seeking to make a significant difference in their field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Applied Research Engineer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the legal tech space, especially those at Lawhive. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you've got some cool projects or prototypes related to AI and legal workflows, share them. A portfolio can speak volumes about your capabilities and creativity.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into Lawhive's mission and values. Understand how your background in AI and machine learning can contribute to their vision of revolutionising the legal industry.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Applied Research Engineer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with AI research and LLMs. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Lawhive, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Show Your Passion for AI:In your written application, let us know why you’re excited about the intersection of AI and law. Share any personal projects or research that demonstrate your enthusiasm for developing innovative legal solutions.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon unless it’s necessary. Make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Lawhive!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lawhive
✨Know Your AI Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of LLMs, multi-agent systems, and retrieval-augmented generation. Be ready to discuss specific projects or research you've done in these areas, as it shows you're not just familiar with the concepts but have practical experience too.
✨Showcase Your Prototyping Skills
Prepare to talk about any prototypes or experimental models you've developed. Highlight how you approached the design and implementation process, and be ready to discuss the challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving abilities.
✨Stay Current with Trends
Keep yourself updated on the latest advancements in AI model architectures and techniques. Being able to reference recent developments during your interview will show that you're passionate about the field and committed to continuous learning, which is crucial for a role at Lawhive.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
Since collaboration is key in this role, think of examples where you've worked with engineers or cross-functional teams to transition models into production. Discuss how you communicated complex ideas and ensured everyone was on the same page, as this will highlight your teamwork skills.
