Knowledge & Innovation Program Manager

The Knowledge & Innovation Program Manager will play a key role in advancing how the firm leverages artificial intelligence to enhance the delivery of legal services to key clients. This role bridges legal practice, business operations, and technology to design, implement, and measure AI-powered solutions that improve efficiency, quality, and client value.

The successful candidate will combine expertise in AI solution engineering, business process analysis and program management to identify opportunities where AI can create measurable improvements in client outcomes.

As a member of the Knowledge & Innovation (K&I) team, the K&I Program Manager may be called upon to contribute to other K&I and Technology department efforts.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

These essential functions are primary job duties that incumbents must be able to perform unassisted or with some reasonable accommodation.

AI Strategy & Solution Design

• Partner with legal teams to identify opportunities to integrate AI into client workstreams.

• Assess the relevant AI needs and opportunities, define and implement a plan to meet those needs, and establish mechanisms for regular review of the plan.

• Translate business and legal needs into AI solution requirements; facilitate proof-of-concept development.

• Design and deploy scalable AI tools and workflows in collaboration with K&I, data, e-discovery and other technology teams.

• Ensure AI solutions align with the firm's governance, ethics, and risk standards for responsible AI.

Program Management & Execution

• Lead end-to-end delivery of AI-enabled client projects from concept through implementation.

• Capture feedback for continuous improvement of AI workflows and processes.

• Develop frameworks to track AI solution performance, including time saved, cost impact, and quality metrics.

• Maintain a portfolio dashboard highlighting adoption, client outcomes, and return on innovation

• Coordinate across practice groups, pricing, technology, and K&I teams to align priorities and resources.

Client Engagement & Reporting

• Serve as a strategic advisor to client relationship teams on how AI solutions can be positioned as value-added differentiators.

• Create client-facing materials and outcome reports that demonstrate measurable value from AI initiatives.

• Facilitate knowledge sharing and education sessions to keep client teams informed about emerging AI capabilities.

• Develop and lead engaging presentations with the client and client teams as needed.

• Participate in client conversations about the use and impact of AI technologies on legal services delivery.

• Respond to client surveys and other requests for information related to AI, in collaboration with marketing, client relationship and K&I teams.

Change Management & Enablement

• Partner with Learning & Development to upskill lawyers and staff in AI literacy and practical application.

• Build awareness and adoption programs that integrate AI into daily legal workflows.

• Promote a culture of experimentation, measurement, and continuous improvement across client teams.

• Perform other duties, as assigned.

• Be present at work during regularly scheduled working hours and as needed in the position, consistent with the firm's attendance expectations.

SPECIFIC SKILLS PREFERRED

• Demonstrated experience in process improvement through the strategic application of AI or other technologies.

• Strong understanding of the legal industry, service delivery models, the economics of law firm operations and legal technology trends.

• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, capable of engaging with both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Strong leadership skills, excellent project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to meet tight deadlines.

• Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and productive relationships across the firm.

• Ability to analyze a problem/project quickly, make decisions accurately, and develop creative solutions.

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to exercise independent judgment and self-direct; identify and secure resources to meet competing demands; and quickly learn new skills and technologies and apply existing knowledge to new problems.

• Receptiveness to feedback and coaching; growth mindset.

• Fluency in standard MS Office applications and ability to quickly master new collaboration and similar software and tools. Knowledge of other Microsoft apps, including Power Apps, Power BI, and SharePoint is a plus.

EDUCATION, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree required; JD or other advanced degree (MBA, or MS in Data/Technology field) a plus.

• 5-plus years of experience in legal operations, innovation, consulting, or technology program management (experience in a law firm or legal service organization strongly preferred).

• Demonstrated experience designing or managing AI or automation solutions within professional services or technology-driven environments (legal services preferred).

• Familiarity with AI tools (e.g., LLMs, document automation, workflow orchestration) and data analytics concepts. Familiarity with legal-specific AI applications is a plus.

• Successful track record in client service.

At Perkins Coie, we look for self-motivated individuals dedicated to providing value and superior service and who have a high degree of integrity and enthusiasm for their work. We have created a company culture based on collaboration, devotion to serving our clients, and mutual respect. Perkins Coie is committed to advancing diversity and inclusion both within the firm and throughout our collective communities. Work with one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For and receive great health insurance, tuition reimbursement, and paid sabbaticals.

This position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, 401(k) plan, medical, dental, and vision insurance, accrued paid time off plan starting at 20 days annually, personal medical and parental leave, up to 10 paid holidays, and family care benefits. More information regarding benefits and programs may be found here.

This position may be filled in the following location(s). The listed compensation range reflects the typical pay for this role, though it is rare for new hires to receive an offer at the top of the range. Actual compensation may vary depending on experience, skills, market conditions, and internal equity.

San Francisco Bay Area compensation range: $176,710 to $279,380 annually

Colorado compensation range: $138,450 to $218,880 annually

Illinois compensation range: $146,110 to $231,010 annually

Los Angeles compensation range: $161,230 to $254,900 annually

San Diego compensation range: $159,180 to $251,670 annually

New York compensation range: $160,640 to $253,980 annually

Washington state compensation range: $146,040 to $230,890 annually

Washington, D.C. compensation range: $157,720 to $249,360 annually