Manager Knowledge and AI Solutions

Barnes & Thornburg LLP • Grand Rapids, MI

1d

About The Position

The Manager, Knowledge & AI Solutions, is responsible for leading the delivery, implementation, and operationalization of artificial intelligence solutions across the firm. Reporting to the Chief Information Officer, this role focuses on enabling practical, secure, and high-value use of generative AI, data, and advanced analytics to support attorneys and business services teams.
The Manager will work closely with practice groups, Knowledge Services, Legal Operations IT leadership, and operational departments to translate firm needs into scalable AI solutions. While strategic direction and governance are set at the executive level, this role plays a critical part in execution, adoption, and continuous improvement of AI capabilities across the firm.

Requirements

• Experience in a legal environment, such as a law firm, legal technology provider, or closely related legal services organization.
• Demonstrated experience delivering and supporting technology solutions in complex, professional-services environments.
• Strong understanding of how attorneys work and the importance of accuracy, confidentiality, and risk management.
• Proven ability to collaborate with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build credibility with attorneys and firm leadership.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with data, analytics, automation, or AI-enabled solutions.
• Prior responsibility for vendor coordination or solution implementation.
• Experience working with Knowledge Services, Innovation, or IT teams in a law firm.
• Exposure to change management, training, or technology adoption initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, deployment, and ongoing support of firmwide AI solutions, with a primary focus on attorney workflows and department needs.
• Deliver AI-enabled capabilities across document drafting, review, summarization, knowledge access, workflow automation, and analytics.
• Ensure solutions are practical, dependable, and aligned with how attorneys and business professionals work.
• Partner with attorneys, department leadership, Knowledge Services, IT, Legal Operations, and business services teams to identify use cases and prioritize AI initiatives.
• Serve as a bridge between technical teams and end users, translating business needs into effective AI solutions.
• Support both legal and operational departments while maintaining a heavier emphasis on attorney-facing solutions.
• Oversee day-to-day operational aspects of AI solutions, including performance monitoring, user feedback, and continuous improvement.
• Drive user adoption through training, documentation, and collaboration with change management and learning teams.
• Coordinate dotted-line resources supporting AI initiatives, with responsibility for planning future team growth.
• Manage operational engagement with AI and technology vendors, including pilots, evaluations, and solution implementation.
• Coordinate closely with executive leadership responsible for overall vendor relationships and contracting.
• Support tool selection and implementation decisions while ensuring alignment with firm standards.
• Support firmwide AI governance efforts led by the C-suite by implementing approved policies and standards.
• Coordinate with General Counsel, Information Security, Privacy, and Risk teams to ensure AI solutions meet firm requirements.
• Assist with risk assessments, usage guidance, and compliance considerations related to AI tools.
• Ensure data modernization practices meet the firm’s compliance standards.
• Contribute to AI, data, and emerging technology roadmap development and strategic planning in partnership with the CIO and firm leadership.
• Help define the operating model for AI delivery and support as the firm’s capabilities scale.
• Participate in initiatives to enhance the organization and accessibility of firm knowledge, templates, and data in support of efficient legal work.
• Prepare for the future build-out and leadership of a dedicated AI Enablement & Solutions team.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed