Chief AI Officer

Chief AI Officer

Location: Flexible (Hybrid/Remote)

Position Overview

Vortex Legal has been retained by an AmLaw firm to identify a visionary Chief AI Officer who will lead the firm’s enterprise artificial intelligence strategy and oversee the responsible adoption of AI technologies across legal and business operations.

Reporting directly to executive leadership, the Chief AI Officer will serve as a strategic advisor responsible for developing the firm’s long-term AI vision while partnering with attorneys, administrative leadership, Information Technology, Innovation, Knowledge Management, Risk, and Practice Group leadership to deliver transformative business outcomes.

This executive will play a critical role in positioning the firm at the forefront of legal innovation through thoughtful governance, strategic implementation, and measurable business impact. As AI leadership becomes an increasingly important differentiator within the legal industry, firms are investing in executives capable of translating emerging technologies into practical solutions that enhance client service, attorney productivity, operational efficiency, and competitive advantage.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the firm’s enterprise AI strategy in alignment with business objectives.
• Establish governance frameworks and policies for the responsible, ethical, and secure use of artificial intelligence.
• Identify opportunities to leverage AI across legal practice, business operations, client service delivery, knowledge management, and administrative functions.
• Partner with executive leadership to prioritize strategic AI investments and evaluate emerging technologies.
• Lead cross-functional AI initiatives from concept through implementation and adoption.
• Collaborate with Information Technology, Innovation, Knowledge Management, Risk Management, Information Security, and Practice Group leadership to ensure successful deployment of AI solutions.
• Build and mentor a high-performing AI, innovation, and product team as the firm’s AI capabilities continue to expand.
• Develop KPIs and success metrics to measure adoption, utilization, operational efficiencies, and business value.
• Serve as the firm’s internal and external thought leader on AI strategy, governance, and innovation.
• Monitor developments in generative AI, legal technology, regulatory requirements, and market trends to ensure the firm remains an industry leader.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; JD, MBA, or advanced technical degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in AI, legal technology, innovation, digital transformation, product strategy, or enterprise technology.
• Demonstrated success leading enterprise AI initiatives within a law firm, professional services organization, or complex enterprise environment.
• Strong understanding of generative AI, large language models (LLMs), AI governance, machine learning applications, and emerging legal technology.
• Experience presenting strategy and business cases to executive leadership and governing committees.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence across all levels of an organization.
• Proven ability to lead organizational change and enterprise-wide technology adoption initiatives.

Preferred Experience

• Prior experience within an AmLaw firm or global professional services organization.
• Experience overseeing AI governance, vendor selection, technology implementation, and enterprise change management.
• Familiarity with legal workflows, knowledge management, document automation, and attorney-facing technology solutions.

Why This Opportunity

This is a rare executive opportunity to shape the future of AI within one of the nation’s leading law firms. The successful candidate will have the ability to influence firm strategy, build a best-in-class AI program, and define how emerging technologies enhance both the practice and business of law for years to come.