Description

At BCLP, we’ve built our firm on the foundations of thinking differently. Curious, inquisitive and unbound by tradition, we’re building change within our sector and beyond.

It starts with our people, which is why we need an Innovation Lawyer – Finance to join our team. Embedded within the Technology Dept, but aligned to our firm’s Corporate & Finance Transactions (CFT) Department and an integral part of the firm’s wider Taskforce for Legal Evolution in AI Program (LEAP), the role of Innovation Lawyer is to develop and drive forward AI strategy and enablement for transactional lawyers in our firm, with a particular focus on finance work.

Although this role is not predominantly fee earning, the role will require time recording, and some fee earning work is expected. This will be as an occasional timekeeper, with no set targets.

This is an excellent opportunity to take on a cutting-edge role within an innovative and forward-thinking firm, in an area of strategic priority. A chance to become involved in firm-wide projects and work collaboratively with other lawyers and business professionals to deliver AI transformation across the Firm’s global network. Remain current in the practice of law by performing some AI-enabled fee-earning work (as agreed for the role), and by working alongside and engaging directly with fee earners across (a) Finance Transactions, (b) Energy, Environment and Infrastructure, and (c) Restructuring and Insolvency/Special Situations (together “Finance Teams”).

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities of this role are set out below. While the jurisdictional focus of this role is mainly on the US, the successful candidate should have a global mind-set and proactively seek to support transformation efforts in BCLP offices outside the US, wherever possible.

• Work with practice group leaders and partners across the CFT Department, the Director of Practice Operations for CFT and LEAP Leadership to identify the highest value use cases for using AI across Finance Teams.
• Work with the LEAP Taskforce to identify and support pilots of the best AI platforms to support those use cases.
• Collaborate with existing practice-aligned Innovation Teams to maintain a consistent approach to Innovation activities.
• Where new AI technologies are implemented and approved by the firm:
  • Standardize and scale successful AI solutions across Finance Teams in close collaboration with the LEAP Taskforce.
  • Serve as a dedicated resource for lawyers seeking AI support, offering responsive, high-touch assistance with prompt design, refinement, and execution.
  • Assist Finance Teams in identifying and adopting AI-enabled workflows through proactive outreach and hands-on support developing and executing AI templated prompts that align with the work of the Finance Teams.
• In conjunction with Learning & Development and the LEAP Taskforce, ensure use of AI is embedded within associate training programs and identify where AI can be used as part of junior associate training.
• Prepare and deliver technology presentations and trainings related to creative and practical uses for AI across Finance Teams, and assist in the development of web content that highlights strategies for leveraging AI throughout matter cycles.
• Develop a detailed understanding of the firm’s other technologies that support delivery of client work within Finance Teams, and ensure that these are promoted and used appropriately alongside any new AI-enabled practice technologies.This includes close collaboration and working with the firm’s Knowledge Solutions and Innovation teams.

• A finance lawyer with at least 5 years’ experience of practice in a large US national or international law firm.

  Either:

  • experience in a legal technology role (preferred) OR
  • a keen interest in AI and proven track record of using technology to support legal practice, with ambition to drive AI transformation.
   
• Detailed understanding of key workflows that exist in legal finance work and a process-driven mind-set.
• Gravitas to win the respect of partners and other colleagues, the ability to establish a rapport with all team members, and ability to persuade and influence people to change their established working practices.
• Be a strong communicator with excellent inter-personal skills and experience of internal and external training.
• A can-do attitude, with a driven, enthusiastic and energetic approach, willing to roll sleeves up to learn new skills and set an example to others.
• Strongly service-oriented with enthusiasm for the challenges of driving change in a large, multi-office law firm setting.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to support priorities and strategies of the firm in its AI strategy.
• An understanding of product development and management, UI/UX concepts, user testing and/or process mapping is highly desirable.
• This position may require intermittent travel domestically and internationally

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state law. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on BCLP. Please inform the Firm's personnel representative if you need an accommodation to assist in completing this application or to otherwise participate in the application process.