Innovation Counsel (Practice Innovation Team)
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (Blakes), one of Canada’s largest and most successful law firms, is currently looking for an Innovation Counsel to work in the emerging field of practice innovation. This is a hybrid position from any of our Canadian offices.
Reporting to the Senior Innovation Counsel, the successful candidate will be responsible for managing innovative Firm projects related to legal technology and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for legal practice. This includes using the technology to prepare a legal work product, such as prompt banks across practice groups and precedent document-automation solutions. The candidate will also have the opportunity to contribute to novel initiatives related to client service delivery and other knowledge management initiatives that require both legal knowledge and strong technological expertise.
Primary responsibilities of the Innovation Counsel include, but are not limited to:
- Engaging with lawyers nationally on integrating AI and other legal technology into their work, and providing substantive support on AI-related tasks, such as prompting to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of work processes.
- Collaborating closely with lawyers on generative AI pilots, refining internal best practices, creating AI-related internal resources, and testing the technology on substantive legal work to determine the value and risks associated with its broader deployment.
- Working with the practice groups to identify pain points and opportunities that can be addressed with AI or other legal technology.
- Regularly evaluating the Firm’s legal technology stack, conducting research and recommending other legal technology solutions that improve collaboration and efficiency.
- Implementing client-facing or knowledge-management-focused solutions that require the application of substantive legal knowledge and legal technology expertise, such as creating document automation solutions.
- Working closely with other key functions within the Firm, such as inSource, on legal process improvement initiatives and other mandates requiring a novel approach to client service delivery.
- Continuing to develop new skill sets applicable to emerging technology, such as prompt engineering, and serving as a mentor in this area to junior Innovation team members and others at the Firm.
Qualifications
Education/Experience:
- An LLB or JD is required.
- Must be called to the bar in Ontario or another Canadian jurisdiction.
- Two to three years of experience at a leading law firm is preferred.
- Experience working with legal technology in a law firm environment or with a legal technology vendor is an asset.
- AI experience is an asset.
Skills/Abilities:
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the proven ability to build relationships and work closely with lawyers and business stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
- A strong understanding of legal technology products, such as Closing Folders, Relativity, Kira, HighQ and Contract Express, would be an asset.
- Demonstrated self-starter.
- Excellent analytical skills and ability to solve complex problems.
- Extremely well organized with superb attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Team player with a demonstrated ability to support others in a collaborative and flexible manner.
- Ability to work autonomously and execute tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Fluency in both English and French would be an asset.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please submit your application, including your cover letter and résumé, directly to our application portal.
Blakes wishes to thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Who We Are
At Blakes, we care about our people. We are committed to providing exceptional experiences for our clients and employees by fostering an open and inclusive workplace culture. As a winner of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and Greater Toronto’s Top Employers awards, we understand the importance of fostering an environment that brings out the best in each person. Our success as a firm starts with hiring, training and retaining top talent.
Blakes welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. The Firm is committed to maintaining an inclusive work environment comprised of people with diverse perspectives, backgrounds, identities and cultures.
The Firm provides accommodation for applicants with disabilities and in respect of other protected grounds during the recruitment process in accordance with applicable laws. Please contact us to request accommodation.