BakerHostetler
Senior Director of Practice Innovation and Legal Tech Consulting
BakerHostetler, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
Senior Director of Practice Innovation and Legal Tech Consulting
The Senior Director of Practice Innovation and Legal Tech Consulting is a strategic leadership role responsible for driving legal technology innovation both for clients and within the firm. This role will oversee IncuBaker’s Legal Tech Consulting practice, the Digital Innovation & Data Science team, and the Practice Innovation Attorneys, ensuring a balanced focus on external client consulting and internal practice innovation. The Senior Director will manage a portfolio of innovation projects and client engagements – from implementing privacy management systems and Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) tools (e.g. Conga, iCertis, OneTrust) for clients to championing change management and technology adoption within the firm. Success in this role requires deep expertise in legal technology, outstanding leadership and project management skills, and the ability to bridge the gap between legal professionals and tech solutions to deliver business value. The Senior Director will serve as a hands‑on leader, fostering collaboration in a high‑demand environment and ensuring innovation initiatives align with the firm’s strategic goals and deliver measurable outcomes.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Provide overall leadership and direction to the Legal Tech Consulting group, Digital Innovation & Data Science team, and Practice Innovation Attorneys. Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture across these multidisciplinary teams to meet growing internal and client demands.
Define and maintain an innovation roadmap; oversee a portfolio of innovation projects (both client-facing and internal) from ideation through execution. Prioritize initiatives based on impact and strategic value, allocate resources, and ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget. Develop metrics to evaluate the portfolio’s performance (e.g. number of initiatives implemented, on‑time delivery rate, ROI) and adjust strategy as needed.
Drive the firm’s legal technology consulting services for clients, acting as a senior advisor on technology solutions. Scope and lead consulting engagements such as implementing contract lifecycle management systems (e.g. Conga, Icertis) and privacy management platforms (e.g. OneTrust) for corporate legal departments. Ensure high client satisfaction by delivering practical solutions that improve efficiency, compliance, and risk mitigation in legal operations.
Internal Practice Innovation: Champion innovation within the firm’s legal practice groups. Work closely with Practice Innovation Attorneys and firm leadership to identify opportunities where emerging technologies or process improvements can enhance service delivery, reduce costs, or increase efficiency. This includes initiatives like workflow automation, AI‑assisted legal research, knowledge management enhancements, and process re‑engineering.
Promote adoption of new technologies across the firm’s lawyers and staff. Develop and execute change management plans for rolling out tools and processes including communication strategies, training programs, pilot projects, and feedback loops. Monitor user engagement and technology utilization rates to identify and address adoption barriers. A successful candidate will drive measurable increases in technology uptake (e.g. percentage of attorneys using new tools, reduction in manual process time) and overall digital proficiency within the firm.
Establish clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to gauge the success of innovation initiatives and technology implementations. Track metrics such as user adoption rates (e.g. what proportion of the firm or client users actively use a new tool after launch), process efficiency improvements (time or cost savings achieved through innovation), and ROI on technology projects. Regularly collaborate and report on these metrics to the CIO using data to demonstrate value and inform decision‑making.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with other teams in Information Services, practice group leaders, and other departments to align technology efforts with business needs. Ensure the innovation team works hand‑in‑hand with attorneys, clients, and external vendors, effectively translating legal requirements into technical solutions and vice versa. Build partnerships inside and outside the firm to leverage additional expertise or resources when needed (for example, coordinating with outside technology vendors or alternative legal service providers on joint initiatives).
Stay at the forefront of legal tech trends and emerging technologies (AI, data analytics, automation, etc.). Evaluate and identify “best fit” legal tech solutions for various use cases, maintaining a technology‑agnostic approach focused on client and firm needs. Cultivate strong relationships with legal tech vendors (including key platforms like Conga, iCertis, and OneTrust) to keep abreast of product updates and influence future features. Negotiate vendor agreements and ensure delivered solutions meet quality, cost, and functionality expectations.
Promote a culture of continuous improvement in both client services and internal operations. Oversee efforts to streamline legal processes through technology (e.g., automating routine tasks, implementing document assembly tools, or optimizing workflow for matter management.) Ensure that innovation projects deliver tangible improvements such as faster turnaround times, improved accuracy, risk reduction, or cost savings for the firm and its clients.
Mentor and develop the skills of the innovation team members (which may include attorneys, analysts, data scientists, and technologists). Encourage knowledge‑sharing and professional growth, ensuring the team remains adaptable and skilled in cutting‑edge technologies. Provide regular feedback, conduct performance evaluations, and recruit talent as needed to build a world‑class innovation team capable of meeting high demand.
Communicate the progress and impact of innovation initiatives to firm leadership and key stakeholders. Prepare compelling updates, case studies, and presentations that highlight successes, lessons learned, and value delivered (e.g., improved client outcomes, efficiency gains, new revenue opportunities from consulting engagements). Articulate how the innovation strategy supports the firm’s broader business objectives and competitive positioning in the legal industry.
Act as a positive representative for the firm’s innovation capabilities. Work directly with major clients to understand their needs and propose solutions as part of business development and client service. Internally, engage partners and practice leaders to champion innovation projects, securing buy‑in and input. The director should be comfortable interfacing with C‑level client executives and firm management, demonstrating thought leadership in legal tech and innovation.
Education and Experience
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field is required. Juris Doctorate (J.D.) is strongly preferred, reflecting the value of legal domain expertise in this role. An advanced degree in technology or business (MBA, MS in Information Systems) is a plus.
Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in legal technology, innovation, or related consulting roles, with at least 8 years in a leadership or management position. Demonstrated track record of leading complex projects or programs that implement technology solutions in a legal or professional services environment. Law firm or legal department experience is highly desirable, especially experience working closely with attorneys on technology initiatives.
Technical and Industry Expertise: Deep knowledge of legal tech tools and trends is required. Hands‑on experience with contract lifecycle management systems (such as Conga or iCertis) and privacy program platforms (such as OneTrust) is expected, including successful implementation or adoption campaigns for these or similar systems. Familiarity with additional domains such as document management, e‑discovery, knowledge management, AI in legal, and workflow automation is important. The candidate should have proven ability to evaluate and deploy technology to solve business problems in the legal context.
Leadership and Soft Skills: Exceptional leadership, people management, and organizational skills. Able to inspire and guide a team of professionals, set clear goals, and manage performance in a fast‑paced setting. Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities – capable of effectively presenting to all levels of firm leadership and client executives, and of translating between technical jargon and legal/business language. Strong project management skills with attention to detail and the ability to juggle multiple high‑priority projects. A collaborative, client‑service oriented mindset with the “visionary leadership and practical execution” balance needed to drive innovation in a pragmatic way.
Metrics for Success
Innovation Adoption: Increases in internal technology adoption rates (e.g. percentage of attorneys actively using new tools) and positive shifts in user engagement metrics.
Efficiency Gains: Tangible improvements in process efficiency or cost savings from innovation projects (for instance, reduction in average time to complete a task or decreased overhead for certain legal services).
Client Impact: Successful delivery of client consulting projects (on‑time implementations, meeting project objectives) and resulting client satisfaction, repeat engagements, or new business generated.
ROI and Value Creation: The return on investment of key initiatives – demonstrated through KPI dashboards showing benefits like ROI on tech investments, improvement in productivity, or revenue enabled by new solutions.
Team and Stakeholder Feedback: High performance and cohesion of the innovation team, and positive feedback from practice groups and clients regarding the innovation support provided.
The expected annual salary range for this position is $300,000- $350,000. The salary offered in any location will be determined by a wide range of factors, including, but not limited to, experience level, education/training, geographic region, and relevant skills. BakerHostetler offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits program, including group health, dental and vision insurance, paid holidays (11 days), 401(k) plan, parental leave, family care program, wellness program, life and accident insurance, and short and long‑term disability.
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Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Provide overall leadership and direction to the Legal Tech Consulting group, Digital Innovation & Data Science team, and Practice Innovation Attorneys. Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture across these multidisciplinary teams to meet growing internal and client demands.
Define and maintain an innovation roadmap; oversee a portfolio of innovation projects (both client-facing and internal) from ideation through execution. Prioritize initiatives based on impact and strategic value, allocate resources, and ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget. Develop metrics to evaluate the portfolio’s performance (e.g. number of initiatives implemented, on‑time delivery rate, ROI) and adjust strategy as needed.
Drive the firm’s legal technology consulting services for clients, acting as a senior advisor on technology solutions. Scope and lead consulting engagements such as implementing contract lifecycle management systems (e.g. Conga, Icertis) and privacy management platforms (e.g. OneTrust) for corporate legal departments. Ensure high client satisfaction by delivering practical solutions that improve efficiency, compliance, and risk mitigation in legal operations.
Internal Practice Innovation: Champion innovation within the firm’s legal practice groups. Work closely with Practice Innovation Attorneys and firm leadership to identify opportunities where emerging technologies or process improvements can enhance service delivery, reduce costs, or increase efficiency. This includes initiatives like workflow automation, AI‑assisted legal research, knowledge management enhancements, and process re‑engineering.
Promote adoption of new technologies across the firm’s lawyers and staff. Develop and execute change management plans for rolling out tools and processes including communication strategies, training programs, pilot projects, and feedback loops. Monitor user engagement and technology utilization rates to identify and address adoption barriers. A successful candidate will drive measurable increases in technology uptake (e.g. percentage of attorneys using new tools, reduction in manual process time) and overall digital proficiency within the firm.
Establish clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to gauge the success of innovation initiatives and technology implementations. Track metrics such as user adoption rates (e.g. what proportion of the firm or client users actively use a new tool after launch), process efficiency improvements (time or cost savings achieved through innovation), and ROI on technology projects. Regularly collaborate and report on these metrics to the CIO using data to demonstrate value and inform decision‑making.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with other teams in Information Services, practice group leaders, and other departments to align technology efforts with business needs. Ensure the innovation team works hand‑in‑hand with attorneys, clients, and external vendors, effectively translating legal requirements into technical solutions and vice versa. Build partnerships inside and outside the firm to leverage additional expertise or resources when needed (for example, coordinating with outside technology vendors or alternative legal service providers on joint initiatives).
Stay at the forefront of legal tech trends and emerging technologies (AI, data analytics, automation, etc.). Evaluate and identify “best fit” legal tech solutions for various use cases, maintaining a technology‑agnostic approach focused on client and firm needs. Cultivate strong relationships with legal tech vendors (including key platforms like Conga, iCertis, and OneTrust) to keep abreast of product updates and influence future features. Negotiate vendor agreements and ensure delivered solutions meet quality, cost, and functionality expectations.
Promote a culture of continuous improvement in both client services and internal operations. Oversee efforts to streamline legal processes through technology (e.g., automating routine tasks, implementing document assembly tools, or optimizing workflow for matter management.) Ensure that innovation projects deliver tangible improvements such as faster turnaround times, improved accuracy, risk reduction, or cost savings for the firm and its clients.
Mentor and develop the skills of the innovation team members (which may include attorneys, analysts, data scientists, and technologists). Encourage knowledge‑sharing and professional growth, ensuring the team remains adaptable and skilled in cutting‑edge technologies. Provide regular feedback, conduct performance evaluations, and recruit talent as needed to build a world‑class innovation team capable of meeting high demand.
Communicate the progress and impact of innovation initiatives to firm leadership and key stakeholders. Prepare compelling updates, case studies, and presentations that highlight successes, lessons learned, and value delivered (e.g., improved client outcomes, efficiency gains, new revenue opportunities from consulting engagements). Articulate how the innovation strategy supports the firm’s broader business objectives and competitive positioning in the legal industry.
Act as a positive representative for the firm’s innovation capabilities. Work directly with major clients to understand their needs and propose solutions as part of business development and client service. Internally, engage partners and practice leaders to champion innovation projects, securing buy‑in and input. The director should be comfortable interfacing with C‑level client executives and firm management, demonstrating thought leadership in legal tech and innovation.
Education and Experience
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field is required. Juris Doctorate (J.D.) is strongly preferred, reflecting the value of legal domain expertise in this role. An advanced degree in technology or business (MBA, MS in Information Systems) is a plus.
Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in legal technology, innovation, or related consulting roles, with at least 8 years in a leadership or management position. Demonstrated track record of leading complex projects or programs that implement technology solutions in a legal or professional services environment. Law firm or legal department experience is highly desirable, especially experience working closely with attorneys on technology initiatives.
Technical and Industry Expertise: Deep knowledge of legal tech tools and trends is required. Hands‑on experience with contract lifecycle management systems (such as Conga or iCertis) and privacy program platforms (such as OneTrust) is expected, including successful implementation or adoption campaigns for these or similar systems. Familiarity with additional domains such as document management, e‑discovery, knowledge management, AI in legal, and workflow automation is important. The candidate should have proven ability to evaluate and deploy technology to solve business problems in the legal context.
Leadership and Soft Skills: Exceptional leadership, people management, and organizational skills. Able to inspire and guide a team of professionals, set clear goals, and manage performance in a fast‑paced setting. Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities – capable of effectively presenting to all levels of firm leadership and client executives, and of translating between technical jargon and legal/business language. Strong project management skills with attention to detail and the ability to juggle multiple high‑priority projects. A collaborative, client‑service oriented mindset with the “visionary leadership and practical execution” balance needed to drive innovation in a pragmatic way.
Metrics for Success
Innovation Adoption: Increases in internal technology adoption rates (e.g. percentage of attorneys actively using new tools) and positive shifts in user engagement metrics.
Efficiency Gains: Tangible improvements in process efficiency or cost savings from innovation projects (for instance, reduction in average time to complete a task or decreased overhead for certain legal services).
Client Impact: Successful delivery of client consulting projects (on‑time implementations, meeting project objectives) and resulting client satisfaction, repeat engagements, or new business generated.
ROI and Value Creation: The return on investment of key initiatives – demonstrated through KPI dashboards showing benefits like ROI on tech investments, improvement in productivity, or revenue enabled by new solutions.
Team and Stakeholder Feedback: High performance and cohesion of the innovation team, and positive feedback from practice groups and clients regarding the innovation support provided.
The expected annual salary range for this position is $300,000- $350,000. The salary offered in any location will be determined by a wide range of factors, including, but not limited to, experience level, education/training, geographic region, and relevant skills. BakerHostetler offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits program, including group health, dental and vision insurance, paid holidays (11 days), 401(k) plan, parental leave, family care program, wellness program, life and accident insurance, and short and long‑term disability.
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