Director – AI Governance & Risk

JOB SUMMARY:

The Office of General Counsel is responsible for overseeing all elements of the Firm's privacy compliance program. This program includes the Firm's privacy policies, notices, records of processing, impact assessments, transfer agreements, data processing agreements, data subject access requests and all other matters related to complying with applicable privacy and data security laws.

The Director, AI Governance & Risk will play a key role in maturing, implementing, and overseeing Simpson Thacher’s AI governance framework, policies and controls to ensure responsible, ethical, secure and compliant use of artificial intelligence. This role will report to the Chief Risk Officer and will be part of a multi-disciplinary team focused on accelerating the adoption of appropriate AI tools and technologies across the Firm.

The Director will bridge legal, risk, compliance, technology & business teams to manage AI-related risks across the full AI lifecycle – from ideation and development to deployment and monitoring.

As a senior leader, the Director will lead Firm-wide AI governance initiatives, align AI practices with regulatory requirements and industry standards, and serve as a key advisor to Partners and Senior Leadership on AI risk, ethics and controls.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, implement and maintain the Firm’s AI governance framework, including policies, standards, controls and operation procedures
• Establish governance processes for evaluating AI use cases, the selection of appropriate tools and technologies, assessing technology developments and vendor due diligence
• Ensure data and information governance aligns, enables and supports the adoption of AI tools and technologies
• Support the development and enhancement of AI user capability across the Firm, including the development of appropriate training for lawyers, professional staff and leaders
• Identify, assess and mitigate AI-related risks, including data privacy, cybersecurity, and third party/vendor risk
• Partner with the Office of General Counsel, Information Security, Information Governance and Knowledge & Innovation teams to integrate AI risks in existing risk frameworks
• Monitor and interpret global AI-related regulation standards and ensure AI systems and practices comply with applicable laws, regulations and internal policies
• Advise the Firm in relation to responsible AI principles and ethical guidelines
• Serve as a trusted advisor to Partners and Senior Leadership on AI risk and governance matters
• Drive AI governance awareness and training across the Firm
• Promote a culture of responsible AI use and accountability

EDUCATION:

• JD required

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

• Qualified lawyer, with 6-10 years of practicing experience at an international law firm
• Minimum 2-5 years of relevant experience in AI, risk and compliance
• Strategic thinking with strong execution capability
• Regulatory interpretation and policy development
• Demonstrated experience supporting and executing large-scale, firm-wide projects
• Cross-functional leadership and excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence the actions of internal stakeholders and manage relationships with external stakeholders
• Broad knowledge of information management and protection laws, regulations, and best practices
• Ability to balance innovation with risk management

POSTING DISCLOSURE:

Simpson Thacher will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.

Salary Information

Simpson Thacher will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.

Privacy Notice

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Simpson Thacher & Bartlett is committed to a collegial work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. The Firm prohibits discrimination or harassment based upon race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, marital or partnership status, sexual orientation, veteran’s status or any other legally protected status. This Policy pertains to every aspect of an individual’s relationship with the Firm, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, training and development, promotion, transfer, discipline, termination, and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment.

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