Due Diligence Transformation Lead (Legal & Technology)

Shoosmiths is evolving how due diligence is delivered to improve quality, consistency, efficiency and client experience through enhanced ways of working and effective use of legal technology. The Due Diligence Transformation Lead will play a central role in driving the rollout, adoption and embedding of a new DD delivery model across the firm. This is not a traditional fee‑earning role, and not a pure project management or knowledge position. It is a change‑led, influencing role, working alongside deal teams on live M&A and Private Equity transactions. The role focuses on enabling teams to adopt better ways of working, ensuring consistency of approach, and supporting the integration of legal technology into delivery. Success will be measured by adoption, impact and behavioural change rather than personal delivery of due diligence.

You will work at the intersection of Shoosmiths’ Corporate and Private Equity practices, collaborating closely with partners, associates, PSLs and business services teams including legal tech, innovation and IT. This role sits within a broader firm‑wide transformation programme focused on modernising due diligence delivery. It is a highly collaborative environment, where success depends on strong partnerships with senior stakeholders and shared ownership of change rather than individual accountability.

Responsibilities

• DD Model Rollout & Adoption: Support the firm‑wide rollout of new DD ways of working, including tools, playbooks, templates and reporting standards. Act as a visible advocate for the transformation programme across Corporate, Private Equity and relevant teams. Work with partner sponsors to drive engagement, build momentum and reinforce adoption.
• Stakeholder Influence & Engagement: Influence a broad and senior stakeholder group, including partners, counsel, senior associates, PSLs and business services teams. Operate as a trusted adviser to deal teams, working alongside them rather than acting as an external enforcer. Communicate clearly, persuasively and credibly, including with stakeholders who may be resistant to change.
• DD Process Oversight & Consistency: Provide oversight of due diligence delivery to ensure alignment with agreed processes and quality standards. Identify where approaches diverge from agreed models and support teams in course correction. Surface recurring issues, inefficiencies and friction points to drive continuous improvement.
• Legal Technology & Innovation: Promote a technology‑enabled approach to due diligence, including the use of AI‑enabled tools. Support the implementation and practical use of legal technology within live transactions. Act as a bridge between deal teams and legal tech / IT functions. Stay informed on market developments and proactively introduce new ideas and approaches.
• Playbooks, Guidance & Enablement: Support the development and rollout of playbooks, templates, guidance and training materials. Help teams understand both the “what” and the “why” behind new approaches, including commercial and client benefits.
• Change & Transformation Support: Contribute to the wider due diligence transformation programme. Collaborate closely with partners, PSLs, legal operations, innovation and technology teams. Support sustainable, partner‑led change rather than acting as a single point of accountability.

The firm

Shoosmiths is the law firm clients choose for excellent service, incisive thinking and above all for our ability to focus on what matters. From offices across the UK and Brussels, we support some of the world’s most exciting and ambitious businesses; amazing clients making an impact. We empower our people to be their authentic selves and deliver together in supportive teams committed to excellence and innovation. The first top 50 law firm to achieve ‘Platinum Standard’ Investors in People, our values and culture are not just words on our website but are the heartbeat of the firm. We have an outstanding benefits package to complement our competitive remuneration system. In addition to the competitive salaries, great working environment and high‑quality work, we believe that all staff should be rewarded for their commitment to the continued success of the firm through a comprehensive and flexible range of benefits. Shoosmiths is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer.

Key Skills & Experience

• Background in Corporate / M&A (private practice or in‑house), Corporate PSL, legal operations, or legal project management / transformation with exposure to due diligence.
• Strong understanding of due diligence in M&A / PE transactions and associated commercial challenges.
• Proven ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders without formal authority.
• Experience driving adoption and embedding new ways of working in complex environments.
• Interest in and practical understanding of legal technology, including AI‑enabled tools.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to convey ideas clearly and with structure.
• Collaborative approach, working effectively alongside cross‑functional teams in a non‑hierarchical environment.
• Experience implementing legal technology solutions.
• Exposure to private equity transactions or high‑volume DD environments.
• Understanding of law firm economics and partner‑led delivery models.

Equal opportunities

Our approach to our people is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion and well‑being. Our ambition is to build a diverse and ambitious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and talents, and a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognises and nurtures talent, and has a strong sense of community between colleagues. This means that everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, whatever their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.