Director Knowledge Management & Innovation - Transactional Practices

Nashville, Tennessee

Job Description

The Director, Knowledge Management & Innovation will lead the Knowledge Management & Innovation function for many of our transactional business units, serving as a strategic partner for these specific business units and practice leadership in advancing knowledge sharing, operational excellence, and AI-enabled legal service delivery.  This role is responsible for developing and executing the firm’s KM and innovation strategy for their designated Global Business Units, managing a multidisciplinary team of Knowledge Lawyers, Innovation Managers, and Knowledge Engineers, and driving initiatives that enhance legal workflows, matter intelligence, precedent management, and practice operations.  This role also serves as a key driver of cultural and operational transformation, promoting collaboration, continuous improvement, and adoption of modern legal technologies and processes across the firm.  Success in this position requires the ability to build credibility with attorneys and firm leadership, influence change effectively, and foster an environment where innovative and efficient ways of working are integrated into day-to-day legal practice. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy & Leadership

• Lead the development and execution of the business unit’s Knowledge Management & Innovation strategy, including long-term vision, operational framework, investment planning, and prioritized delivery roadmaps.
• Collaborate with practice group leaders, and business services stakeholders to align KM & Innovation initiatives with the firm’s strategic objectives, operational priorities, and client service goals.
• Serve as a strategic advisor and representative for the KM & Innovation function, providing data-driven recommendations and guidance regarding technology, process improvement, staffing, and operational initiatives.
• Establish and monitor key performance metrics related to adoption, efficiency, quality, knowledge utilization, and operational effectiveness, and provide regular reporting and insights to firm leadership and practice groups.

Team Development

• Lead, develop, and mentor a multidisciplinary team of Knowledge Lawyers, Innovation Managers, and Knowledge Analysts across multiple offices and geographic locations.
• Recruit and retain high-performing talent by establishing clear performance expectations, providing ongoing coaching and feedback, and supporting professional growth and career development initiatives.  
• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and business-focused team culture centered on continuous improvement, strong client service, and operational excellence.

Engagement Across the Firm

• Serve as a strategic voice to business unit leadership by participating in practice leadership discussions, understanding business priorities, and aligning KM and innovation initiatives with practice and client needs.
• Lead and support the adoption of knowledge-sharing, process improvement, and AI-enabled practices across the firm through effective stakeholder engagement, communication, and change management strategies.
• Build credibility and foster collaboration with attorneys and firm leadership by addressing operational challenges, gathering feedback, and demonstrating the value and impact of KM and innovation initiatives.
• Develop and facilitate cross-functional knowledge-sharing programs, training sessions, pilot showcases, and collaborative forums that promote innovation, best practices, and continuous learning.
• Promote and represent the firm’s KM and innovation capabilities internally and externally through client engagement, industry participation, recruiting efforts, and professional networking opportunities.

KM, Innovation, & AI Delivery

• Establish and maintain quality standards for the business unit’s knowledge management assets, including precedent libraries, model documents, playbooks, expertise resources, matter insights, and practice-specific know-how.
• Lead process improvement and AI-readiness initiatives across the business units by identifying strategic opportunities, overseeing pilot programs, and scaling successful solutions into broader operational capabilities.
• Collaborate with IT, Legal Operations, Practice Management, and other stakeholders to evaluate, implement, and govern knowledge management and AI-enabled technology platforms and solutions.
• Oversee the capture, organization, and utilization of matter and practice data to support meaningful reporting, dashboards, and operational insights for practice and firm leadership.
• Monitor emerging trends, technologies, and best practices within the legal, AI, and professional services markets to support innovation, competitive positioning, and continuous improvement initiatives.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school and significant experience practicing law within a major law firm, corporate legal department, or government legal environment.
• Substantial experience within knowledge management, practice innovation, professional support lawyer (PSL), or comparable legal operations function, preferably within a sophisticated law firm or legal organization.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing and developing high-performing teams, including talent acquisition, coaching, performance management, and organizational development.
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate effectively with partners, attorneys, and senior business stakeholders in a highly matrixed professional environment.
• Deep understanding of the legal technology and AI landscape, including generative AI platforms, document automation, contract lifecycle management, knowledge management systems, and matter intelligence solutions.
• Demonstrated success leading organizational change initiatives, including pilot programs, technology adoption efforts, process improvement initiatives, and operational transformation projects within a partnership environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across executive leadership, attorneys, and business professionals.
• Strong strategic, operational, and problem-solving capabilities, with a demonstrated ability to drive innovation, operational excellence, and measurable business outcomes.

PREFERRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Legal practice experience aligned with one or more of the firm’s core practice or industry sectors, including technology, life sciences, energy, financial services, real estate, construction, intellectual property, regulatory, or complex litigation.
• Prior leadership experience overseeing knowledge management, innovation, practice support, or legal operations function within an AmLaw 100 or similarly sophisticated legal environment.
• Experience supporting teams and initiatives across multiple offices, jurisdictions, and geographic regions.
• Active involvement in the legal knowledge management, legal technology, or innovation community through professional organizations, industry participation, speaking engagements, or peer netwroks.
• Familiarity with law firm economics and operational metrics, including utilization, realization, leverage, alternative fee arrangements, and the business impact of KM and innovation initiatives.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds.

The expected salary range for this position is $260,000 - $390,000.  Final compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to, relevant experience, qualifications, skill set, and geographic location.

Qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for the position in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act.

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If you require an accommodation in order to apply for a position, please contact us at [email protected].