Director of Risk Management, AI & Technology Governance

Job ID: 9052

Updated: Nov 5, 2026

Location: Chicago, IL, United States

Category: Risk Management

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About Kirkland & Ellis

At Kirkland & Ellis, we don't just meet the standard for legal excellence - we set it. Our culture is built on teamwork, ingenuity and an unwavering commitment to continuous growth. We tackle the most sophisticated legal challenges with bold ideas and innovative solutions, powered by the exceptional experience and ambition of our 7,000+ people, including 4,000+ attorneys, across 24 offices worldwide. Our dedicated professionals share our lawyers' commitment to excellence and show up each day to do meaningful work that helps drive global business, investment and innovation forward.

What You'll Do

Are you energized by the challenge of enabling artificial intelligence innovation while building the governance, controls, and risk frameworks that help an organization adopt new technology responsibly?

As Director of Risk Management (AI & Technology Governance), you'll play a senior leadership role at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI), technology, risk, and Information Governance (IG). You'll partner closely with Risk Management and IG leadership, the Office of the General Counsel, Innovations, Information Security, Information Technology (IT), senior attorneys, and third-party vendors to assess emerging technologies, establish practical guardrails, and help design systems and controls aligned with firm policies and standards.

You'll lead and contribute to cross-functional initiatives spanning the lifecycle of electronic information within commercial and custom-built AI technologies. While this role does not initially have direct reports, you'll provide functional leadership to employees and contractors supporting AI and technology risk initiatives, while coaching IG colleagues and helping strengthen capabilities across the team.

Preference will be given to candidates based in Chicago or New York.

The schedule for this position is:

• Standard Hybrid: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday in the office, with remote work available on other standard workdays.
• Shape AI risk strategy: Evaluate complex AI, information governance, and technology risks and translate findings into practical recommendations, controls, and solutions.
• Guide responsible AI adoption: Serve as a core stakeholder on the firm's Responsible AI (RAI) committee and other governing forums, contributing Risk Management and IG expertise as emerging technologies are evaluated and implemented.
• Lead technology assessments: Partner with IT, Innovations, Risk Management, and IG teams to assess and document new technology solutions, including AI-driven applications and information repositories.
• Design effective guardrails: Help develop systems, processes, architectures, and controls that support responsible technology adoption while aligning with Risk Management and IG policies and standards.
• Partner across the firm: Work with the Office of the General Counsel, administrative leaders, legal practitioners, senior attorneys, and technology stakeholders to identify requirements, address information-management risks, and automate governance processes where appropriate.
• Advance information lifecycle management: Advise on operational and compliance requirements governing client and administrative information throughout its lifecycle, regardless of media or format.
• Develop policy and guidance: Draft and maintain Risk Management policies related to AI and Information Governance, and communicate the function's vision and guiding principles to stakeholders across the firm.
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments: Lead and review research into the evolving impact of AI on information governance, compliance, file retention, and disposition requirements, translating developments into actionable recommendations.
• Strengthen governance and documentation: Maintain accurate records of technology assessments, risk decisions, project activity, policies, and supporting materials across document management and collaboration platforms.
• Lead through influence: Provide functional leadership across multidisciplinary teams, coach IG colleagues in technology and risk management capabilities, and drive continual improvement without relying on direct reporting relationships.
• Communicate with impact: Develop and present project plans, status updates, recommendations, and other materials in formats tailored to audiences ranging from project teams to practice groups, partners, and administrative leaders.

What You'll Bring

• Education: Undergraduate degree in a field related to artificial intelligence or Large Language Models (LLMs), information technology, law, compliance, information management, and/or records management. An advanced degree in information management, computer science, artificial intelligence, or law is preferred.
• Experience: At least 10 years of experience leading a Legal, Risk Management, Information Governance, or professional services function or team within a law firm or corporate environment.
• AI and technology risk expertise: Demonstrated experience assessing risks associated with emerging information technologies and evolving enterprise AI applications, with the ability to develop practical governance approaches and controls.
• Strategic and technical capability: Strong aptitude in systems design, critical thinking, change management, and project management, with the ability to connect technical concepts to legal, compliance, and business considerations.
• Leadership and collaboration: Experience influencing cross-functional stakeholders, leading complex initiatives, mentoring colleagues, and communicating effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Technology knowledge: Working knowledge of Anthropic Claude, Harvey AI, Legora, the Intapp legal software suite, and/or iManage and document management systems is a plus.
• Microsoft expertise: Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.

If you're excited to help shape how AI and emerging technologies are governed, assessed, and responsibly adopted in a sophisticated professional services environment, we'd love to hear from you for this Director of Risk Management (AI & Technology Governance) opportunity!

Compensation

The base salary range below represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position in Chicago. This range may differ based on your geographic location and cost of living considerations. At Kirkland & Ellis, we consider compensation more than just a base salary. We offer an exceptional range of flexible benefits including comprehensive healthcare, paid time off, and retirement. We also offer personal support and tailored learning and development opportunities all designed to help you realize your full potential both in life and at work.

Compensation Range:

Chicago: $233,000-$320,000

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in Kirkland & Ellis LLP. To complete an application and submit your resume, please click "Apply Now."

Don't meet every job requirement? That's okay! If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't perfectly fit every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right person for this role or others at Kirkland.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee's race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law. #LI-Hybrid #LI-LB1

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