AI Governance & Risk Director: Lead Responsible Innovation

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP; New York (NY); On-site; USD 325,000 - 375,000; Full time

Job summary

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP seeks a Director, AI Governance & Risk within the Office of General Counsel to mature and oversee the Firm's AI governance framework, policies, and controls. The role reports to the Chief Risk Officer and collaborates across legal, risk, compliance, technology, and business teams to manage AI-related risks throughout the lifecycle.

The ideal candidate is a qualified lawyer with 6–10 years in a leading international law firm and 2–5 years in AI, risk and compliance,

Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer with JD and bar admission.
• 6-10 years of experience at an international law firm.
• 2-5 years of AI, risk and compliance experience.
• Strong strategic thinking with execution capability.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and maintain the Firm’s AI governance framework, including policies, standards, controls and procedures.
• Establish governance processes for evaluating AI use cases and vendor due diligence.
• Ensure data and information governance aligns with AI adoption.
• Develop AI user capability through training for lawyers and staff.
• Identify, assess and mitigate AI-related risks including privacy and cybersecurity.
• Collaborate with OGC, InfoSec, and other teams to integrate AI risks into risk frameworks.
• Monitor global AI-related regulations and ensure compliance with laws and policies.
• Advise Partners and Senior Leadership on AI risk and governance.
• Promote awareness and training on AI governance across the Firm.
• Foster a culture of responsible AI use and accountability.

Skills

AI governance

Legal risk management

Cross-functional leadership

Regulatory interpretation

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Education

JD degree

Job description

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP seeks a Director, AI Governance & Risk within the Office of General Counsel to mature and oversee the Firm's AI governance framework, policies, and controls. The role reports to the Chief Risk Officer and collaborates across legal, risk, compliance, technology, and business teams to manage AI-related risks throughout the lifecycle.

The ideal candidate is a qualified lawyer with 6–10 years in a leading international law firm and 2–5 years in AI, risk and compliance,