Location:
Belfast
Workplace:
Hybrid
The opportunity:
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.
Working at Baker McKenzie:
Baker McKenzie is the world’s leading law firm with offices all over the world. Our Belfast Centre is home to over 400 colleagues in both legal and professional services.
We offer one of the best workplace benefits packages in the business with comprehensive private health cover, income protection, life assurance and a full employee assistance plan. These and a host of other benefits make us one of the most desirable companies to work for in Belfast.
We are committed to promoting inclusion, diversity, and equity for all and are confident we can provide a career as individual and as exceptional as you.
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