Director, AI Governance & Risk

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

Job summary

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is seeking a Director of AI Governance & Risk to mature a firm-wide AI governance framework, policies and controls. You will bridge legal, risk, compliance, and technology teams to manage AI risks across ideation, development, deployment and monitoring.

The role reports to the Chief Risk Officer and leads firm-wide AI governance initiatives, aligning practices with regulatory standards and serving as a trusted advisor to Partners and Senior Leadership on AI risk

Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer with 6–10 years of international law firm experience.
• Experience in AI, risk and compliance is required.
• Strong strategic thinking and execution capability.
• Ability to interpret regulations and develop policy.
• Experience leading large, firm-wide projects and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and maintain the firm’s AI governance framework, including policies and controls.
• Establish governance processes for evaluating AI use cases and vendor due diligence.
• Ensure data governance supports AI adoption and risk minimization.
• Provide training for lawyers and staff on AI governance and ethics.
• Advise Partners on AI risk, ethics and controls across the AI lifecycle.
• Monitor global AI regulations and ensure compliance with policies.

Skills

Legal experience 6-10 years

AI risk & compliance

Strategic thinking

Regulatory interpretation

Cross-functional leadership

Verbal & written communication

Information governance knowledge

Risk management balance

Education

JD required

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:The Office of General Counsel is responsible for overseeing all elements of the Firm's privacy compliance program. This program includes the Firm's privacy policies, notices, records of processing, impact assessments, transfer agreements, data processing agreements, data subject access requests and all other matters related to complying with applicable privacy and data security laws.The Director, AI Governance & Risk will play a key role in maturing, implementing, and overseeing Simpson Thacher’s AI governance framework, policies and controls to ensure responsible, ethical, secure and compliant use of artificial intelligence. This role will report to the Chief Risk Officer and will be part of a multi-disciplinary team focused on accelerating the adoption of appropriate AI tools and technologies across the Firm.The Director will bridge legal, risk, compliance, technology & business teams to manage AI-related risks across the full AI lifecycle – from ideation and development to deployment and monitoring.As a senior leader , t he Director will lead Firm-wide AI governance initiatives, align AI practices with regulatory requirements and industry standards, and serve as a key advisor to Partners and Senior Leadership on AI risk, ethics and controls.JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:Develop, implement and maintain the Firm’s AI governance framework, including policies, standards, controls and operation proceduresEstablish governance processes for evaluating AI use cases, the selection of appropriate tools and technologies, assessing technology developments and vendor due diligenceEnsure data and information governance aligns, enables and supports the adoption of AI tools and technologiesSupport the development and enhancement of AI user capability across the Firm, including the development of appropriate training for lawyers, professional staff and leadersIdentify, assess and mitigate AI-related risks, including data privacy, cybersecurity, and third party/vendor riskPartner with the Office of General Counsel, Information Security, Information Governance and Knowledge & Innovation teams to integrate AI risks in existing risk frameworksMonitor and interpret global AI-related regulation standards and ensure AI systems and practices comply with applicable laws, regulations and internal policiesAdvise the Firm in relation to responsible AI principles and ethical guidelinesServe as a trusted advisor to Partners and Senior Leadership on AI risk and governance mattersDrive AI governance awareness and training across the FirmPromote a culture of responsible AI use and accountabilityEDUCATION:JD requiredSKILLS & EXPERIENCE:Qualified lawyer, with 6-10 years of practicing experience at an international law firmMinimum 2-5 years of relevant experience in AI, risk and complianceStrategic thinking with strong execution capabilityRegulatory interpretation and policy developmentDemonstrated experience supporting and executing large-scale, firm-wide projectsCross-functional leadership and excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence the actions of internal stakeholders and manage relationships with external stakeholdersBroad knowledge of information management and protection laws, regulations, and best practicesAbility to balance innovation with risk managementPOSTING DISCLOSURE:Simpson Thacher will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.Salary InformationNY Only: The estimated base salary range for this position is $325,000 to $375,000 at the time of posting.The actual salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. This role is exempt meaning it is not overtime pay eligible.Simpson Thacher will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.Privacy NoticeFor information about how Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP collects and processes your personal information, please refer to our Privacy Notice available at https://www.stblaw.com/other/privacy-notice .Simpson Thacher & Bartlett is committed to a collegial work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. The Firm prohibits discrimination or harassment based upon race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, marital or partnership status, sexual orientation, veteran’s status or any other legally protected status. This Policy pertains to every aspect of an individual’s relationship with the Firm, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, training and development, promotion, transfer, discipline, termination, and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment.#LI-Hybrid