Manager of Applied AI and Data Sciences (Hybrid)

We are a Firm where people truly believe in what they do and strive to achieve the highest standards of performance and success.

This position can be based in our global operations center in Tampa, FL, or at one of the Firm’s offices: Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Jacksonville, Orlando, or Miami.

General Description:

The Manager of Applied AI and Data Sciences is responsible for the development and management of the Firm’s applied data sciences and artificial intelligence (AI) tools, projects and engagements, and related processes. This role contributes to the implementation and on-going support of the firm’s investments and partnerships to develop and scale data sciences and AI tools to our lawyers and business departments.

The Manager collaborates closely with our technology, knowledge, business services, and practice teams to assess data sciences and AI needs, develop and communicate plans for implementation, develop and support the firm’s AI custom solutions, execute technical implementation of data sciences and AI applications, and provide ongoing service, support, and planning for continued enhancements and user engagement.

This role within our Data Strategy team will partner closely with the Information Technology department and Knowledge & Innovation teams in the development and delivery of the firm’s innovative AI solutions. This role contributes to digital transformation programs, provides technical and business process support, and serves as the primary contact for internal resources, such as the Information Technology department, as well as external resources including vendors and consultants. While maintaining a practice in data sciences and AI development, provide technical leadership on external project engagement and internal product evaluations. In this hybrid position, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues both in person and virtually.

Key Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions:

• Oversee the design, development, and maintenance of the applied data sciences and AI program, including inception-to-adoption of the firm’s custom AI solutions and projects.

• Support the custom development and implementation of proprietary Machine Learning, LLM and AI enabled products, including the selection and engagement of solutions partners, development of grounding, RAG, vectorizing, and related technical protocols and procedures. Support with use-case evaluation and product design and implementation.

• Build cross-functional relationships with software engineers, solutions engineers, and other business stakeholders to collaboratively create solutions, development standards, and support business processes.

• Provide technical leadership and strategic direction to align data sciences initiatives with business objectives.

• Develop and mentor technology and innovation staff throughout the firm on emerging data sciences and AI trends and key issues.

• Partner with IT staff, vendors, and other third parties to address system-level technical issues, manage internal and external integrations, and implement upgrades and enhancements.

• Establish standard metrics reporting and analyze trends to measure the quality and quantity of data used within, and developed by, data sciences and AI tools.

• Partner closely with the firm’s change teams to ensure adoption and ongoing enhancements to the platforms. Develop configuration documentation and related guides for data consumers. Collaborate to design end-user training, onboarding, and user adoption programs and communications.

• Along with our KM and IT teams, this role will consult on the evaluation of vendor products for interoperability, security, and functionality.

• Special projects and duties as assigned.

Required Skills:

• Expert coding skills in Python.

• Proficiency in Databricks, SQL, Apache Spark, Microsoft Azure Data Factory, Microsoft Fabric, and related products and platforms.

• Proficiency in common AI and ML applications, data mining and statistical tools and techniques, scripting, and programming experience required.

• Experience building LLM workflows using cloud services such as Azure, Google Cloud, and AWS.

• Proficiency in GenAI, LLM fine-tuning, knowledge graphs and reinforcement learning.

• Excellent experience in people management skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Excellent organizational, teamwork, customer service and critical thinking skills required.

Required Qualifications & Education:

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field.

• 10+ years of experience in a law firm, corporate legal department, or professional services environment.

• 5+ years of experience managing and leading data sciences and applied AI teams.

• Excellent proficiency in data warehousing, application development, and data visualization.

• Strong understanding of legal technology, including trends, tools, and industry standards.

• Deep understanding of law firm business practices, as well as practice-specific terminology.

• Experience working with a broad array of legal practices.

• Proficiency with cybersecurity best practices and compliance requirements in the legal industry and for clients such as financial and governmental institutions.

• Ability to develop effective and collaborative relationships among business teams, lawyers, firm administrative departments, and vendors.

• Champion for change management, process improvement, user adoption, and the constant evolution of complex data strategies and needs.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex assignments with competing deadlines and priorities.

Preferred Qualifications & Education:

• Master’s or related coursework or certifications strongly preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.

• Moderate or advanced keyboard usage.

This position may be filled in Illinois. The base salary range for this position in this location is $138,000 - $207,000/yr. This range may not be applicable to other locations.  An individual's actual compensation will depend on the individual's qualifications and experience. In addition to the base compensation, Holland & Knight provides bonus opportunities and an exceptional benefits package.

Benefits: Our goal is to promote a work environment in which individuals have access to the resources they need to be their best both professionally and personally, which includes resources that encourage individuals to focus on their health and well-being.

Below is a list of just some of the benefits we offer: comprehensive medical (PPO and HDHPs), dental and vision plans including coverage for domestic partners; life and AD&D insurance; short and long term disability insurance; tax-advantaged accounts for health care expenses, including FSAs and HSAs; FSAs for dependent care; health advocacy services; behavioral health and counseling resources for all family members; 401(k); profit sharing; pre-tax transit and parking program; backup dependent care; senior care planning support; resources for individuals with development disabilities and their caregivers; and paid holidays and other paid time off, including paid leave for new parents.

Benefits may vary by position and office.

Holland & Knight is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions, transgender status, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status or any other factor prohibited by law.

Personal Information collected from applicants will be used for the purpose of processing the application throughout any recruitment or employment process, as well as inclusion in a personnel file. Categories of data collected may include name, address, phone numbers, email, Social Security Number, and signature. Holland & Knight may collect further information if you consent to a background check. This includes criminal background, employment, and certifications. Please visit Legal Information Portal for Holland & Knight LLP’s privacy policies.