CHIEF PRACTICE INNOVATION OFFICER
JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Chief Practice Innovation Officer (CPIO) is responsible for transforming how the firm delivers legal services by leveraging people, process, knowledge, and technology. This role leads firm-wide initiatives to develop, evaluate, and implement innovative legal service delivery models using generative AI solutions and knowledge management systems. The CPIO will implement practice-group-facing solutions that drive competitive advantage, client value, and operational excellence. The CPIO partners with firm leadership, practice group chairs, and attorneys to align innovation efforts with strategic priorities, ensuring the firm remains forward-thinking and adaptable in a rapidly evolving legal marketplace. In particular, the CPIO will champion the use of Artificial Intelligence, and other innovations, in our legal practices and firm operations to ensure that the firm remains competitive and continues its tradition of providing exceptional legal representation and client service.
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
REPORTS TO: Chief Operating Officer (COO), with direct access to and regular engagement with the CEO and Executive Committee
SUPERVISES: Innovation Team Staff, including Legal Technology Professionals, Knowledge Management Staff, Project Managers, and Legal Operations Specialists
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Develop and execute a comprehensive practice innovation strategy aligned with firm goals, long-term vision, and client expectations, including managing a firm-wide innovation pipeline from idea generation through scaled execution.*
2. Identify emerging trends, technologies, and market developments in the legal industry to drive growth, competitive positioning, and service differentiation.
3. Lead cross-functional collaboration across practice groups, business services, and firm leadership to design, test, and implement innovative legal services, processes, and delivery models.
4. Develop, own, and execute the firm's generative AI strategy, including responsible adoption of AI tools, attorney-facing applications, AI governance frameworks, and firm-wide training programs.*
5. Evaluate, pilot, and manage legal technology vendor relationships, including AI-assisted tools, contract review platforms, practice management systems, document management systems, e-discovery tools, and legal research platforms.*
6. Lead the firm's knowledge management (KM) strategy, including precedent libraries, form repositories, matter management systems, and attorney-facing knowledge-sharing platforms.
7. Collaborate directly with clients to co-develop customized legal service delivery models, technology solutions, and value-based engagement frameworks; partner with Business Development and Marketing to communicate the firm's innovation capabilities in pitches and RFP responses.*
8. Design and scale legal project management (LPM) capabilities across practice groups and collaborate with Finance and Practice Group Leaders to develop alternative fee arrangements (AFAs), matter budgeting tools, and pricing analytics capabilities.*
9. Oversee the development of legal analytics capabilities, including matter performance data, client reporting dashboards, and predictive analytics tools; establish KPIs and reporting mechanisms to measure innovation ROI, efficiency gains, and client outcomes.*
10. Lead change management efforts for the introduction of new tools, processes, and service delivery models; design and deliver attorney and staff training programs on innovation, legal technology, and AI tools.*
11. Ensure all innovation initiatives and AI deployments align with regulatory, ethics, compliance, and risk management requirements, including bar rules, client confidentiality obligations, and data security standards; maintain the firm's AI governance framework.*
12. Build and maintain partnerships with external stakeholders, including legal technology companies, startups, and academic institutions.
13. Secure and allocate resources to support innovation initiatives, including budgeting, staffing, and talent development.
14. Participate in firm leadership discussions, contribute to overall business strategy, and represent the firm at legal industry events and conferences, such as ILTA, LegalWeek, CLOC, and ABA TechShow.
15. Perform other duties as assigned.
*Denotes essential functions of the position
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
1. EDUCATION:
Bachelor's degree in Law, Business Administration, Library and Information Science, Technology, or a related field required. J.D. (Juris Doctor) or advanced degree (MBA, M.L.S., or equivalent) strongly preferred. Legal operations certification (e.g., CLOC, IILPM, or similar) a plus.
2. WORK EXPERIENCE:
Minimum of 10–15 years of progressive leadership experience in legal innovation, knowledge management, legal operations, legal technology, or practice management within a law firm or professional services environment. Demonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional initiatives and driving cultural change in a consensus-driven or partnership-model organization.
PREFERRED: Prior experience as a practicing attorney or in a law firm leadership role. Demonstrated experience leading generative AI strategy and governance in a legal context. Hands-on experience with legal technology ecosystems, including practice management platforms, document management systems, AI-assisted tools, contract review platforms, and e-discovery platforms. Experience in knowledge management, LPM methodologies, and AFA structures. Strong understanding of legal ethics, bar rules, and client confidentiality as they relate to technology and AI. Established presence in the legal innovation community through conference speaking, publishing, or advisory board service (ILTA, CLOC, ABA). Experience in data analytics and performance measurement in a law firm context.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:
Deep knowledge of the legal industry, law firm business models, and the legal technology landscape. Expertise in change management in an attorney-led partnership culture. Strong executive presence with the ability to communicate effectively with managing partners, practice group chairs, and clients. Demonstrated ability to translate legal and business requirements into scalable operating models and measurable outcomes. Strong program management skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills, including thought leadership and external representation.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
PHYSICAL EFFORT:
Primarily sedentary work requiring extended periods of sitting, working on a computer, and participating in meetings. Regular travel is required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Office-based or hybrid work environment. Regular interaction with firm leadership, practice group chairs, attorneys, clients, and cross-functional teams. Travel is expected for major legal industry conferences and events (ILTA, LegalWeek, CLOC, ABA TechShow, and similar), client meetings, and innovation initiatives. May involve extended hours during critical projects, strategic planning cycles, or client-driven deadlines.
JOB STATUS: Exempt, Full-Time
The above primary job duties and responsibilities describe the level and nature of work performed by the employee(s) assigned to this job. The description should not be construed as an exhaustive listing of all job duties and responsibilities performed by this job.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- leadership in legal innovation: 10 years (Required)
- practice management within a law firm: 10 years (Preferred)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Columbus, OH 43215
