Counsel, AI Risk & Compliance

McDermott Will & Schulte LLP; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 167,000 - 235,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive bonuses

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

McDermott Will & Schulte LLP is seeking a Counsel specializing in AI Risk & Compliance to guide the governance of AI tools across the firm. This role requires a J.D., bar membership, and a strong background in technology transactions, privacy, or cybersecurity.

The ideal candidate will handle complex legal issues related to AI, providing guidance to various stakeholders while developing necessary policies and overseeing compliance frameworks. A competitive salary and benefits package are offered with significant total rewards.

Qualifications

• Significant legal experience in technology transactions or regulatory compliance.
• Experience advising on AI, data governance, or technology use in law.
• Strong ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.

Responsibilities

• Advise on AI tools and applications across the firm.
• Support vendor diligence and contracting for AI-related tools.
• Establish legal governance standards for AI practices.

Skills

Legal judgment

Communication skills

AI governance

Confidentiality

Cybersecurity

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Job description

Job Description

The Counsel, AI Risk & Compliance serves at the intersection of legal, technology, risk management, regulatory compliance, and professional responsibility. This role guides the evaluation, deployment, and governance of artificial intelligence tools and related technologies across the firm, partnering closely with business, technology, and risk stakeholders. The Counsel provides guidance on issues involving confidentiality, attorney‑client privilege, professional conduct obligations, client contractual commitments, and reputational risk, in addition to the legal, operational, cybersecurity, and regulatory issues associated with enterprise AI adoption.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary legal advisor for AI tools, applications, vendors, and initiatives being evaluated, implemented, or used across the firm.
• Partner closely with IT, Information Security, Procurement, Marketing and Business Development, Knowledge Management, and other stakeholders throughout the lifecycle of AI initiatives, from evaluation through deployment and ongoing governance.
• Provide practical legal guidance on how AI technologies interact with firm systems, internal data, client information, and operational infrastructure.
• Advise on legal issues involving data access, permitted use, privacy, cybersecurity, intellectual property, confidentiality, and professional responsibility.
• Support vendor diligence, contracting, and risk management processes for AI‑related tools and services, including issues involving data rights, model training, service improvement, testing, analytics, retention, subprocessors, and cross‑border data transfers.
• Establish legal and governance standards for vendor terms and AI‑related practices that align with client commitments, legal obligations, and firm risk expectations.
• Assess risks associated with emerging and agentic AI systems, including autonomy, workflow execution, unauthorized access, prompt manipulation, data leakage, privilege escalation, and operational disruption.
• Work with Information Security, Privacy, and other control functions to evaluate how AI capabilities may affect existing control environments and legal, regulatory, contractual, and ethical obligations.
• Review proposed uses of firm and client data in connection with AI development, testing, training, deployment, and related innovation initiatives.
• Identify and advise on restrictions applicable to sensitive or regulated data, including personal data, health information, and other categories of information subject to contractual, statutory, or ethical limitations.
• Monitor and interpret evolving AI‑related legal and regulatory developments at the federal, state, and international levels, translating those developments into practical guidance for the firm.
• Develop and deliver guidance, policies, and training for lawyers and business professionals regarding appropriate AI use, client restrictions, confidentiality obligations, and related compliance expectations.
• Partner with marketing and business development teams on AI‑related messaging, client communications, proposals, presentations, website content, and external representations regarding the firm’s AI capabilities and governance practices.

Job Specifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active bar membership in good standing.
• Significant legal experience in one or more relevant areas, such as technology transactions, product counseling, privacy, cybersecurity, data governance, regulatory compliance, or professional responsibility.
• Strong legal judgment and the ability to advise on complex, cross‑functional initiatives involving emerging technologies and evolving regulatory requirements.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to provide clear, business‑focused guidance.
• Ability to handle and maintain confidential information.
• Experience advising on artificial intelligence, machine learning, data use, or technology governance issues in a law firm, regulated industry, or sophisticated in‑house legal environment.
• Familiarity with AI governance frameworks, privacy and cybersecurity concepts, vendor risk review, and contractual allocation of data and intellectual property rights.
• Technical fluency sufficient to work effectively with technology, information security, and operational teams on how AI systems function in practice.
• Experience developing policies, training, templates, and scalable processes that support responsible innovation and compliance.

Compensation and Benefits

Target Hiring Range: $167,000 - $235,000. Full‑time positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and a comprehensive benefits package. Competitive total rewards and performance‑based bonuses are offered.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Required to sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stoop, talk and hear.
• Employee must occasionally lift up to twenty (20) pounds.
• Typical indoor office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer

The above statements describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or skills required for this job.