Innovation Counsel

Job Overview

A leading law firm is actively seeking an Innovation Counsel to join its Practice Innovation team. This strategic role is designed for a legally trained professional with a passion for legal technology and innovation. The Innovation Counsel will collaborate with practice group leadership and internal operational teams to implement and scale forward-thinking tools, workflows, and best practices. The objective is to enhance the firm's service delivery, efficiency, and competitive positioning through the integration of advanced legal technologies.

Location

• Santa Monica

Duties

• Support and provide attorney-level insights on legal technology initiatives impacting practice groups

• Design and maintain playbooks outlining best practices for innovation tools and processes

• Organize and deliver presentations, reports, and executive briefings

• Participate in request/initiative prioritization, offering feedback and promoting internal adoption

• Collaborate with legal operations, technology, and innovation leadership to align on metrics and objectives

• Analyze current practice group workflows, identifying opportunities for technology-driven improvements

• Drive and support pilot programs, proofs of concept, and technology deployments

• Coordinate with change management to execute effective communication and engagement strategies

• Create and maintain practice group-specific innovation resources and scalable solutions

• Take on additional innovation-related responsibilities as needed

Requirements

• Minimum of 4 years of relevant legal practice or legal tech implementation experience

• Active bar membership in good standing or registered in-house counsel status in applicable jurisdictions

• Ability to travel occasionally as required

• Willingness to work extended and/or weekend hours when necessary

• Familiarity with law firm operations, work allocation, and financial processes

• Proven experience leading or participating in cross-functional legal tech initiatives

Education

• Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent international law degree

Certifications

• Current and active membership in applicable state bar(s), including the state of assigned office if required

Skills

• Strong written and oral communication skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and legal platforms such as iManage

• Knowledge of large firm legal technologies (e.g., iManage, NetDocs, Elite 3E, Intapp, Litera, Thomson Reuters, Lexis)

• Experience with generative AI applications in legal settings

• Effective presenter to both legal professionals and executive leadership

• Understanding of distributed systems, managed service providers, and alternative legal service models

• Ability to interpret and utilize data for strategic decision-making and storytelling

• Detail-oriented with the ability to maintain a strategic view

• Skilled in influencing and collaborating across departments in a matrixed environment

• Capable of analyzing legal service challenges and recommending solutions

Benefits

• Elective Benefits:

• • Medical, dental, and vision insurance

  • Health savings accounts (with applicable medical plans)

  • Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care

  • Pre-tax commuter benefits

  • Long-term care coverage and backup care for dependents

  • Life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D)

• Firm-Paid Benefits:

  • Life insurance, AD&D, long-term and short-term disability

  • Four weeks of vacation, two weeks of sick leave, and ten paid holidays annually

  • Generous parental leave and fertility treatment benefits

• Additional Perks:

  • In-depth new hire benefits orientation

  • Access to ongoing wellness and parental support programs

Creative lawyering in a laid back environment is big draw for associates at this Amlaw firm. This California-based firm is highly regarded as one of the most innovative firms in the market. The firm is best known for its technology work and life sciences clients, and is generally recognized as the top legal provider for emerging companies. The California culture of the firm fosters a collaborative and social workplace, while the sophisticated training and meaningful attorney mentorship help develop associates into world class lawyers.