AI Solutions Architect

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP is a national law firm headquartered in Chicago, with approximately 600 lawyers. Founded in Chicago in 1934, the firm now has 27 offices in 17 states.

Job Summary

The AI Solutions Architect is responsible for maximizing the business value of the firm’s investments in artificial intelligence by identifying, designing, delivering, and ensuring adoption of AI and automation solutions that enhance legal workflows, client service, and operational efficiency. Reporting to the Chief Information Officer (CIO), this role provides technical leadership in the adoption of AI technologies and works closely with attorneys, practice support, knowledge management, risk management and compliance, and business teams to translate the firm’s strategy into secure, scalable, and responsible AI capabilities. The AI Solutions Architect will optimize and integrate the firm’s existing AI platforms (e.g., Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Studio, Harvey, LexisNexis Protégé) and evaluate emerging AI agents and large language model (LLM)–based tools. The goal is to deliver measurable improvements in productivity, work product quality, and innovation that keep the firm competitive, while rigorously managing the unique risks and ethical considerations of AI in a legal environment.

Essential Job Functions

• Identify high-impact use cases: Identify, evaluate, and prioritize high-impact AI use cases that improve legal service delivery, internal operations, and client value – focusing on solutions that drive measurable improvements in efficiency, quality, and competitive advantage.
• Architect and implement AI solutions: Design and lead the architecture, selection, and implementation of AI and workflow automation solutions across the firm. This includes deploying and configuring tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot and Copilot Studio, developing agentic AI workflows (i.e. AI “agents” that perform tasks), and integrating various AI products into cohesive systems.
• Lead AI platforms integration: Serve as the firm’s technical lead for commercial legal AI platforms (e.g., Harvey, LexisNexis Protégé, and other AI solutions), ensuring they are effectively integrated into practice workflows and fully leveraged by attorneys and staff.
• Translate requirements to design: Translate legal and business requirements into scalable, secure, and compliant AI solution designs aligned with firm-wide risk governance and security standards. Ensure all AI initiatives adhere to the firm’s data governance, privacy, security, and responsible AI policies to mitigate risks associated with AI adoption in legal matters.
• Optimize AI investments: Optimize and rationalize existing AI and automation investments to maximize return on investment (ROI). Recommend enhancements or consolidation of tools to reduce duplication and focus resources on high-value, proven solutions (while eliminating low-value efforts).
• Pilot new AI capabilities: Pilot and operationalize new AI capabilities in collaboration with attorneys, Practice Support, Knowledge Management, Risk Management, and Business Services teams. Oversee prototypes and proof-of-concepts from development through production deployment and firm-wide rollout.
• Drive user adoption & training: Drive user adoption and change management for new AI tools by developing training programs and user guides. Ensure attorneys and staff learn to use AI technologies effectively and responsibly (for example, by mentoring “AI champions” within practice groups).
• Measure impact & iterate: Define and track key performance metrics (e.g., adoption rates, usage, efficiency gains, quality improvements, ROI) to measure the impact of AI initiatives. Use data-driven insights to refine solutions and clearly demonstrate value to stakeholders.
• Governance & risk management: Establish and enforce AI governance and risk management practices in partnership with the CIO, Office of General Counsel, Risk Management, and Information Security. Develop policies and controls for ethical and responsible AI use, addressing concerns like data privacy, client confidentiality, model bias, and compliance with legal industry regulations, while balancing innovation with legal and ethical obligations.
• Thought leadership: Serve as a subject matter expert and advisor on AI and emerging legal technology in interactions with firm leadership, practice groups, clients, and industry forums. Stay abreast of industry trends and innovations (especially among Am Law 100/200 firms) to inform the firm’s AI strategy and ensure continued competitive positioning.

Minimum Job Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field. An advanced degree (M.S. or J.D.) is highly desirable, reflecting the intersection of technology and legal knowledge in this role.
• Experience: 7+ years of experience delivering enterprise technology solutions, including significant hands-on work with AI/ML, automation, or advanced analytics projects. Prior experience in a law firm or professional services environment is strongly preferred, due to the need to understand legal workflows and risk considerations.
• Technical Skills: Proven hands-on experience with AI platforms and tools such as Microsoft 365 Copilot (and Copilot Studio), Azure AI/OpenAI services, or similar large language model–based technologies. Must have direct experience designing or deploying AI agents or workflow automations using LLM technologies (e.g., GPT-based tools). Familiarity with prompt engineering, natural language processing (NLP), and AI orchestration frameworks (such as LangChain or Semantic Kernel) is a strong plus.
• Strategic & Analytical Skills: Demonstrated ability to translate complex legal and business problems into practical, scalable AI solutions. Solid understanding of data governance, privacy, and security as they relate to AI and cloud services in a regulated industry. Experience implementing responsible AI principles and managing AI risks (such as bias mitigation and compliance with client data requirements) is highly valued.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. Able to convey complex technical concepts in plain language to attorneys and executive leadership. Experience leading cross-functional initiatives or project teams, with a proven ability to influence and guide senior professionals in adopting new technologies.
• Innovation Mindset: A track record of staying current with emerging technologies (AI/ML, data analytics) and initiative in applying new tools to solve business problems. Must also exhibit a high degree of professionalism, discretion, and judgment in dealing with sensitive firm and client information.

This job description outlines the general nature and key responsibilities of the AI Solutions Architect role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. The firm may modify or add to these requirements as needed.

As an EEO/AA employer, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran or disability status or any other factor prohibited by law.