Innovation & Emerging Technology Strategist

We invite you to review our current business services professionals openings to learn about the opportunities available across the firm.

About Us

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP has forged a reputation as one of the most prestigious law firms in the world. Relying on innovation, intellect, teamwork and tenacity, our lawyers deliver the highest quality advice and novel solutions to our clients’ legal issues. We are known for handling the most complex transactions, litigation/controversy issues, and regulatory matters, as well as for the strong partnerships we build with clients and each other. Our attorneys, who reflect a broad range of experiences and perspectives, work together seamlessly across 50-plus practices and 21 offices in the world’s major financial centers.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an Innovation and Emerging Technology Strategist to support the Firm's strategic and tactical goals to improve the attorney practice experience and enrich client service and efficiency through the identification, enhancement, and adoption of available and emerging technology solutions, processes, and best practices. This position will be based in our New York office and has an in-office working schedule. Please note that the Firm will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.

Monitoring for Intelligence:

• Connects with lawyers across all levels of seniority and practice groups to understand current workflows, identify pain points, and to assess the feasibility, impact, and ROI of potential technology innovations.
• Documents and disseminates feedback, prioritizes appropriately, and defines solutions.

Proof of Concept Management:

• Designs and leads pilots and product evaluations from start to finish with minimal oversight, including: defining objectives, scopes, timelines, budgets, metrics, success criteria, and manages stakeholders, risks, and issues.
• Provides support to pilot groups, solicits and incorporates feedback for continuous improvement. 
• Develops and maintains project plans, manages resources effectively to meet project milestones. 
• Creates business cases justifying the acquisition of legal technology products. 
• Collaborates with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment with security, policies, best practices, strategic goals, feasibility of execution, and KM Lawyers on practice-specific initiatives. 
• Escalates risks and issues appropriately.

Product Implementation & Adoption:

• Leads the implementation and deployment of selected legal technology solutions, partners with various technology, knowledge, operations and other internal groups as appropriate.
• Addresses challenges and ensures smooth integration into existing workflows. 
• Develops strategies for successful product launches within the Firm and mechanisms for building champions and gathering quantitative and qualitative feedback. 
• Collaborates with lawyers, practice groups, and team members and other groups to socialize new technology and facilitates adoption and change management. 
• Drives demand and user adoption for new and existing technology resources by partnering on effective communication, training, and support initiatives.

Relationship Management:

• Works with, identifies, develops, and maintains relationships with vendors and internal attorney and professional staff groups.

Culture of Innovation:

• Continually seeks to improve the attorney practice experience.
• Fosters a culture of innovation and continuous learning within the Firm by elevating the voice of the attorney, sharing insights, best practices, and lessons learned. 
• Stays abreast of new technology, trends, and best practices in the legal industry and beyond, shares insights and recommendations with the team and opportunities to share across the Firm. 
• Proactively identifies needs, potential solutions, and novel approaches to technology intended to benefit attorneys of all levels. 
• Creates a 'web-of-influence' within the Firm to ensure broad, timely, and diverse feedback.

Strategic Planning:

• Contributes to the development and maintenance of the Firm's technology innovation strategy, roadmap, and portfolio. 
• Leads special projects as assigned, as activities evolve and shift based on the needs of the Firm.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrates effective interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills to facilitate effective work relationships with others.
• Manages Firm resources responsibly.
• Complies with and understands Firm operation, policies and procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Knowledge of relevant firm computer software programs (e.g., Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), with the ability to learn new software and operating systems
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal and communication skills, both verbally and in writing
• Demonstrates close attention to detail
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, organizational, and planning skills
• Ability to handle multiple projects and shifting priorities
• Ability to handle sensitive matters and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to organize and prioritize work
• Ability to work well in a demanding and fast-paced environment
• Ability to work well independently as well as effectively within a team
• Ability to use discretion and exercise independent and sound judgment
• Flexibility to adjust hours and work the hours necessary to meet operating and business needs

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum of five years prior experience at a law firm or legal technology vendor as an attorney or paralegal
• Experience with legal practice process improvement
• Experience with formal strategic enterprise sales and change management processes and procedures

Culture & Life at Skadden
What makes Skadden special is our people and the culture, community and spirit of collaboration we have created. We believe in teamwork and inspiring each other to be our best in an atmosphere that promotes professionalism and excellence in all that we do. We know that inclusion and drawing on the strength of a wide spectrum of talent only make us better and is vital to the firm's success. Our goal is for everyone at the firm to enjoy a challenging career with opportunities for development and growth and to support the well-being of our attorneys and business services professionals.

Benefits

The overall well-being of our team is important to us.  We offer generous benefits to help you achieve wellness in all areas of your life. 

• Competitive salaries and year-end discretionary bonuses.
• Comprehensive health care (medical, dental, vision), savings plan/401(k) and voluntary benefits.
• Generous paid time off.
• Paid leave options, including parental.
• In-classroom, remote, and on-demand learning and professional development opportunities.
• Robust well-being classes and programs.
• Opportunities to give back and make an impact in local communities.

For further details, please visit:  https://www.skadden.com/careers/staff/employee-benefits

The starting base salary for this position is expected to be within the range listed under Salary Details.  Actual salary will be determined based on skills, experience (to the extent relevant) and other-job related factors, consistent with applicable law.

Salary Details

$200,000 - $225,000

EEO Statement

Skadden is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  It does not discriminate against applicants or employees based on any legally impermissible factor including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, alienage or citizenship status, marital or familial status, domestic partnership status, caregiver status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, change of sex or transgender status, genetic information, medical condition, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual and reproductive health decisions, disability, any protected military or veteran status, or status as a victim of domestic or dating violence, sexual assault or offense, or stalking.

Applicants who require an accommodation during the application process should contact Lara Bell at (212) 735-2794.

Skadden Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Skadden Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Applicants Have Rights Under Federal Employment Law

Applicants Have Rights Under Federal Employment Law

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