Innovation Lab Strategist

Reed Smith LLP; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Reed Smith LLP is seeking an innovation lab strategist to apply human-centered design to research, analyze, and develop solutions that improve processes, collaboration, and client service across the firm. The role works with attorneys, business services, and stakeholders to translate insights into practical, user-centered solutions that advance the firm’s innovation priorities.

The strategist conducts ethnographic research, facilitates workshops, and supports project execution in a hybrid

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years applying human-centered design methodologies (qualitative/ethnographic)
• Experience supporting project management with senior stakeholders
• Experience designing/facilitating in-person and virtual workshops
• Experience in a law firm or professional services environment preferred
• Experience with legal technology preferred

Responsibilities

• Apply design thinking within the law firm context to drive Innovation Lab goals
• Lead/execute projects from planning through implementation with quality outcomes
• Design and conduct ethnographic research including interviews and observation
• Facilitate in-person and virtual collaborative workshops
• Analyze findings to develop insights and recommendations for initiatives
• Monitor emerging legal innovation trends and identify opportunities
• Collaborate with internal teams to support project execution
• Review work products to ensure quality and consistency
• Contribute to team knowledge sharing
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills

Relationship-building

Design thinking

Facilitation

Presentation

Project management tools

Strategy development

Problem solving

Communication

Hybrid collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in design thinking / social sciences / technology / business

Tools

Project management platforms

Design thinking platforms

Job description

Position summary

The innovation lab strategist supports Innovation Lab initiatives by applying human-centered design (HCD) and design thinking methods to research, analyze, and develop solutions that improve processes, collaboration, and client service across the firm.

This role contributes to the execution of innovation projects and exercises independent judgment in evaluating research findings, developing insights, and recommending approaches that support project objectives.

Working closely with attorneys, business services professionals, and other stakeholders, the strategist conducts research, facilitates collaborative workshops, and translates insights into practical, user-centered solutions that advance the firm\'s innovation priorities.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the Innovation Lab\'s vision by applying design thinking methods within the law firm context
• Execute innovation projects from planning through implementation, ensuring timely completion and high-quality outcomes
• Design and conduct ethnographic research, including interviews, observation, and artifact analysis
• Support the design and facilitation of in-person and virtual collaborative workshops
• Analyze research findings and develop insights and recommendations to inform innovation initiatives
• Maintain awareness of emerging legal innovation trends and identify opportunities for application within the firm
• Collaborate with internal business groups to support project execution and leverage firm resources
• Review project work products and provide feedback to maintain quality standards
• Contribute to team collaboration and knowledge sharing
• Perform other duties as assigned

Education

Bachelor\'s or master\'s degree in a relevant field such as design thinking, social sciences, technology, or business

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience applying human-centered design methodologies, including qualitative and ethnographic research
• Experience supporting project management and collaborating with senior-level stakeholders
• Experience designing and facilitating in-person and virtual workshops
• Experience in a law firm or professional services environment strongly preferred
• Experience working with legal technology preferred

Skills

• Strong relationship-building skills with attorneys, staff, and stakeholders
• Proficiency in design thinking methodology, including research, synthesis, and ideation
• Strong facilitation and presentation skills
• Proficiency in relevant tools such as project management and design thinking platforms
• Ability to contribute to strategy development and implementation roadmaps
• Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability in a dynamic environment
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid environment

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Essential Job Functions

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform tasks requiring prolonged and/or extensive computer use
• Ability to use computers, telecommunications, and digital collaboration tools to perform core job responsibilities
• Ability to engage in effective and professional communication
• Ability to analyze information, maintain attention to detail, manage multiple priorities, and exercise sound judgment
• Ability to access, use, and safeguard confidential and sensitive information while performing job responsibilities in work environments that support confidentiality, privacy, and information security requirements
• Ability to travel for meetings, training, and conferences as required
• Ability to work extended hours or in office as required to meet project, client, or business needs

Working conditions

Hybrid role with an expectation of at least four days per week in the office

Pay ranges

This represents the presently anticipated low and high end of Reed Smith\'s pay range for this position. Actual pay may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, location and experience.

• Philadelphia: $112,000 – $126,000
• Washington, DC: $120,000 – $135,000

Employee Benefits Overview

• Our comprehensive benefits package includes:
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Medical insurance
• Health savings account (HSA)
• Virtual health services
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Accident insurance
• Hospital indemnity insurance
• Critical illness insurance
• Life insurance
• Short-term disability coverage
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
• Lyra Health employee assistance program (EAP)
• Paid family leave (for eligible exempt and non-exempt staff)
• Transportation benefit
• Back-up child care services
• College coach program
• Pet insurance
• Paid sick time (for exempt staff)
• Paid time off (available to all full-time, non-temporary employees)

Reed Smith offers a challenging work environment, business casual dress code, and a total compensation package that includes a competitive salary, flexible benefits program, tuition assistance, and a generous 401(k) plan.

Reed Smith is an equal opportunity employer with core values of integrity, excellence, teamwork and respect, innovation, and impact. Reed Smith provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable law, including in the application and interview process.

Qualified candidates only. No search firms.