Baker McKenzie

The Client AI Risk Lead will play a pivotal role in supporting the Client Partners, Chief Innovation Officer, and Practice Innovation Lawyers by acting as the primary point of contact for client queries related to the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the Firm. The role‑holder will efficiently manage and respond to client AI inquiries regarding risk, technology, and compliance, ensuring alignment with the Firm’s best practices and regulatory requirements.

Main responsibilities: 

Client AI Engagement: 

• Serve as the main stakeholder contact for all client queries concerning the use of AI, providing prompt and accurate responses in collaboration with relevant teams
• Develop a regulatory compliance strategy where a multi-national, global law firm and its clients benefit from the use of AI while meeting its regulatory and professional obligations
• Coordinate with client teams to ensure efficient processes are in place for handling AI‑related queries, including risk assessments, surveys, questionnaires, and support for pitches and business development initiatives
• Develop, maintain, and regularly update internal and client‑facing AI risk resources and guidance documents to ensure consistent and high‑quality responses to client questions
• Work closely with Technology, Practice Innovation, and Practice Groups to stay informed of technological advancements, particularly in large language models and AI, and address new or complex AI risk issues not covered by existing resources
• Promote global consistency by ensuring Firm‑wide adherence to the approved approach for handling client AI queries
• Support client onboarding processes by reviewing and advising on AI risk‑related provisions within client agreements and engagement letters
• Assist with the delivery of client training and awareness sessions on AI risk, compliance, and ethical considerations

AI Risk - Procurement & Vendor Management:

• Oversee the risk assessment of AI tools, technologies, and vendors, ensuring alignment with the Firm’s risk appetite and regulatory requirements
• Collaborate with Procurement and Technology teams to develop and implement robust due‑diligence processes for AI vendors and third‑party providers
• Review and advise on contractual terms relating to AI risk, data protection, and the ethical use of AI within supplier agreements
• Monitor vendor compliance with agreed AI risk standards and escalate issues as appropriate
• Support ongoing vendor management by conducting periodic reviews and risk reassessments of AI providers

Firm AI Risk - Risk Management:

• Collaborate with key stakeholders, such as the Office of General Counsel, Chief Innovation Officer, Technology, and General Security, to resolve novel issues, adopt Firm‑wide positions, and manage risk effectively
• Integrate new developments, such as transparency disclosures and regulatory changes, into the Firm’s risk‑management processes and ensure these are reflected in guidance provided to clients
• Monitor trends and developments in the AI market and proactively develop proposals for the Firm’s stance on emerging issues affecting risk and the legal profession’s use of AI
• Track and analyze changes in AI regulation, bar rules, and case law impacting lawyers’ use of AI, providing insights to inform the Firm’s commercial strategy and risk decisions
• Assist in the development and maintenance of Firm policies, procedures, and training materials related to AI risk
• Contribute to internal investigations and incident‑response processes related to AI risk or compliance breaches
• Support the Office of General Counsel in responding to regulatory inquiries and audits concerning the Firm’s use of AI
• Maintain a list of all approved deviations from STEs / central position on use of AI.
• Maintain a list of all approved deviations from Standard Terms of Engagement (STEs) and the central position on the use of AI
• Support the Office of General Counsel with the team’s ongoing awareness, understanding, and upskilling of AI and its use in day‑to‑day work

Skills and experience: 

• A qualified lawyer with experience practicing and working in a law firm
• Strong experience in legal AI, technology, innovation, or risk management, preferably within a professional services or law firm environment
• Strong understanding of AI technologies, associated risks, and regulatory landscape as it relates to the legal sector
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills
• Able to handle multiple priorities and stakeholders across global teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the capacity to convey complex technical information to both legal and non-technical audiences
• Able to work collaboratively in a matrixed environment, building effective relationships across functions and geographies
• Proactive approach to monitoring industry developments and translating insights into actionable Firm guidance

Location: Belfast or Manila Center

Reports to: Practice GenAI Integration Lead

Position type: Specialist

Development framework: Senior Manager

At Baker McKenzie we are different in the way we think, work and behave. With our team of 13,000 people, including over 6,500 locally admitted lawyers, in over 70 offices worldwide, we have a passionately collaborative community of 60 nationalities and are committed to world-class career development to everyone in every job at every level. Baker McKenzie can offer you both the uncompromising commitment to excellence expected of a top firm paired with a passionately global and genuinely collaborative working environment.

Baker McKenzie is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion for all. Our unique international culture is reflected in the drawing together of a worldwide family of individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds in all of our offices. We encourage the best people - regardless of race, religion or belief if any, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or age - to fulfill their professional aspirations with us. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible experience for all candidates.