Legal AI Engineer

Russell McVeagh; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing support

Flexible working

Family support

Making life easier

Job summary

Russell McVeagh in Auckland is seeking a Legal AI Engineer to join the AI Transformation team. You will work with lawyers, business services and tech providers to design AI-enabled legal tools and processes that improve outcomes.

This role blends law, technology and innovation, requiring strong legal experience and a passion for practical AI applications. You will lead building, testing and adoption of new tools, with training and guidance for teams.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years' PQE as a lawyer.
• Strong understanding of legal practice and workflows.
• Experience in AI, legal tech and process improvement.
• Ability to translate business needs into practical solutions.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement AI-enabled legal solutions, workflows and process improvements.
• Partner with lawyers to identify opportunities to improve efficiency and client outcomes.
• Design, test and optimise tools including prompt libraries, document automation and knowledge solutions.
• Support the firm's AI transformation initiatives and responsible AI adoption.
• Deliver training and guidance to help teams embrace new technologies.
• Monitor emerging legal technology and AI developments and identify opportunities for the firm.

Skills

Legal workflows

AI in law

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Problem solving

Commercial judgement

Confidentiality & privacy

Job description

We're looking for a Legal AI Engineer to help transform how legal services are delivered at Russell McVeagh.

This newly created role sits within our AI Transformation team and combines legal expertise, technology and innovation. Working closely with lawyers, business services teams and technology providers, you'll identify opportunities, design solutions and support the adoption of AI and legal technology across the firm.

What you'll do

• Develop and implement AI-enabled legal solutions, workflows and process improvements.
• Partner with lawyers to identify opportunities to improve efficiency and client outcomes.
• Design, test and optimise tools including prompt libraries, document automation and knowledge solutions.
• Support the firm's AI transformation initiatives and responsible AI adoption.
• Deliver training and guidance to help teams embrace new technologies.
• Monitor emerging legal technology and AI developments and identify opportunities for the firm.

About you

You'll be an experienced lawyer (ideally 3-5 years' PQE) who is excited by the intersection of law, technology and innovation.

You will bring:

• Strong understanding of legal practice and legal workflows.
• Passion for AI, legal technology and process improvement.
• Ability to translate business needs into practical solutions.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Strong commercial judgement and problem-solving ability.
• Organised, adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-moving environment.
• Understanding of confidentiality, privacy and professional obligations.

This is a rare opportunity to move beyond traditional legal practice and play a key role in the future of a leading New Zealand law firm. You'll work alongside lawyers, technology specialists and business leaders to build tools and solutions that make a real impact for our people and clients.

We offer a range of benefits designed to support our people to perform at their best:

• Wellbeing support – An annual allowance to invest in what matters most to you, alongside access to confidential counselling services and a range of wellbeing resources.
• Flexible working – Support to work your way, including a home office allowance to help set you up for success wherever you work.
• Family support – Generous parental leave and structured support to help you transition into and out of parenthood with confidence.
• Making life easier – Public transport benefit through our employee platform, plus late-night travel support and meals when you need it.
• Time off, your way – The flexibility to swap public holidays to suit your cultural celebration preferences, and the option to purchase up to five additional days of annual leave.
• Tools to thrive – High-quality, firm-provided technology, including a mobile and plan, so you can stay connected and do your best work.

We are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace.

Our firm is invested in achieving transformational change and having a positive impact. Our 2025 Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Overview outlines our firm's progress on our commitment towards helping to shape a sustainable and thriving Aotearoa New Zealand.

For more information, or to have a confidential discussion about this position please email our Talent Acquisition Manager, Sarah Carrel.