Innovation Counsel

Job Overview

A nationally recognized law firm is seeking an Innovation Counsel to join its Practice Innovation team. This role focuses on enhancing the efficiency, quality, and delivery of legal services by advancing the use of technology and innovative practices across various practice groups. Reporting to the Lead Innovation Counsel, this individual will play a critical role in aligning legal innovation strategies with the firm's operational goals and client expectations. The role includes implementing new technologies, optimizing workflows, and serving as a bridge between legal practitioners and operational teams.

Location

• San Francisco

Duties

• Provide attorney-level insight into legal technology adoption across practice groups

• Create and implement practice-specific playbooks for innovative tools and processes

• Develop and deliver presentations, executive updates, and status reports

• Participate in project and initiative prioritization by providing practical insights and strategic input

• Collaborate with practice leadership, operations, and innovation teams to define success metrics and timelines

• Assess and improve legal workflows through technology-driven strategies

• Lead or support legal technology pilots, rollouts, and continuous improvement initiatives

• Assist change management teams with communication strategies and measurement of adoption effectiveness

• Maintain and scale practice group-specific tools and resources in partnership with engineering and tech teams

• Perform other innovation-related responsibilities based on evolving firm needs

Requirements

• Minimum of 4 years of experience practicing law or directly supporting legal tech initiatives

• Active member in good standing or registered in-house counsel in relevant jurisdictions

• Willingness to work extended hours and occasional weekends, as needed

• Ability to travel for project delivery, training, or collaboration

• Experience working with cross-functional teams including legal ops, KM, and IT

• Familiarity with large law firm structures, financial models, and staffing workflows

Education

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited institution or equivalent international legal degree

Certifications

• Current and active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction, including jurisdiction of primary office if required

Skills

• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate technical tools into legal applications

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and legal platforms such as iManage

• Experience with law firm tools and systems such as:

  • iManage or NetDocs

  • Elite 3E

  • Intapp Suite

  • Litera, Thomson Reuters, and Lexis products

• Understanding of distributed teams and systems

• Effective presentation and facilitation skills for varied audiences

• Familiarity with alternative legal service providers and legal managed services models

• Experience working with technology usage metrics and data analysis

• Ability to extract insights from data and present them in a meaningful, strategic manner

• Aptitude for working in a matrixed team environment and influencing multiple stakeholders

• Strong attention to detail while maintaining strategic awareness

Benefits

• Elective Benefits Include:

• • Medical, dental, and vision insurance

  • Health savings accounts (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA)

  • Pre-tax commuter benefits

  • Long-term care and life insurance

  • Backup childcare/adult care and fertility support services

• Firm-Paid Benefits Include:

  • Life, AD&D, and long-term disability coverage

  • Four weeks of vacation, two weeks of sick leave, and 10 paid holidays annually

  • Parental leave offerings and wellness support programs

• New Hire Support:

  • Comprehensive orientation to firm benefits and internal resources

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.