Innovation Project Analyst

Job Description

At K&L Gates, we are looking for smart, imaginative and hard-working people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and ideas to join us. Perhaps our search for talented visionaries and your search for important and impactful work lead to the same place.

We are seeking a Innovation Project Analyst to join the firm. Working closely with the Director of Practice Innovation (Director, PI), this position is responsible for supporting and coordinating the portfolio of global innovation projects, identifying opportunities for practice improvement, development and innovation in support of the practice innovation function. Projects may include evaluation and implementation of generative AI tools.
This position focusses on making sure strategic practice innovation business initiatives are followed through to completion, outcomes are measured and evaluated, processes are continually improved and communication with stakeholders is maintained. This role will be required to participate in global projects, and may be required to assist with regional based projects from time to time.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS
This role reports to the Director of Practice Innovation.
Other key stakeholders are:
Chief, Legal Operations and Directors of Practice Operations
Practice Innovation and Knowledge Managers
Practice Support Lawyers (globally)
Members of AI Solutions Group, the global IDEA Group, , and Australian Innovation Committee
Partners, lawyers and allied professionals
Project sponsors, project team members and project stakeholders (global)
Directors and Senior Managers of allied professional teams globally (eg IT, PASS, Legal Operations, Client Growth, Finance, Human Resources)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES
•Support the Director, PI in driving the implementation of the global practice innovation, AI and KM strategy globally - promote awareness and inclusion of practice innovation, and coordinate and project manage the portfolio of global innovation projects;
•Support the global IDEA Group in its processes and project portfolio, including (but not limited to):
•actively participating in IDEA Group meetings, as required; and
•advancing, monitoring and reporting as to progress, the practice innovation project portfolio and strategy.
•With the Director, PI, identify opportunities for practice improvement, development and innovation globally, and work with key stakeholders to implement improvements. This may include but is not limited to:
•working with members of the AI Solutions Group and global IDEA Group to progress initiatives;
•coordinating and working on multiple cross-functional and cross-team legal innovation projects;
•analyzing the business's needs when addressing identified opportunities, including using data analytics to surface insights;
•conducting environmental and competition scans around technology available in the market to meet business needs;
•designing and extracting legal data reports and analytics (e.g. from iManage, Compass etc.) to drive informed decisions around practice innovation;
•supporting design sprints, hack days, hackathons (internal and external focused) using design thinking, to encourage innovation;
•process mapping/ journey mapping to identify and implement business improvement opportunities;
•working collaboratively with other shared services groups as required to improve workflow across functions to improve efficiency, reduce duplication and manage risk;
•coordinate all practice innovation project management activities including analyzing, planning, preparation of project documentation, status reports, after action reviews, evaluation of completed projects, and coordination/integration of major projects across offices and departments;
•ensure communication for each project is prioritized and is clear, regular and targeted appropriately to relevant stakeholders;
•provide assistance as required to the Director, PI, and other practice innovation team members - listen, help troubleshoot/brainstorm solutions;
•perform other duties and responsibilities as directed.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES
•Participate in global project meetings, which may fall outside standard business hours;
•Facilitate development of a creative, open and collaborative culture in which empowering innovation for the benefit of our clients, our people and our firm is genuinely valued;
•Demonstrate a flexible approach to understanding and balancing competing priorities for practice innovation globally;
•Maintain a detailed knowledge of practice innovation methodologies and technology systems; and
•Maintain internal and external networks.

EXPERIENCE SKILLS REQUIRED
•3-5 years' experience at a technical level in a law firm or professional services environment in project management, legal technology, innovation or knowledge management;
•experience in coordinating and supporting large and small projects (preferably at a global level);
•tertiary qualifications preferable in project management, change management, design thinking or knowledge management;
•working knowledge of (and interest in) legal technology applications in a law firm/professional services context, including AI;
•ability to adopt and apply project management disciplines as appropriate to small or large/complex projects, and to apply design thinking to problem solving;
•ability to initiate, organise, prioritise and reliably follow through on numerous tasks to a deadline without direct supervision;
•design thinking, problem solving, time management and delegation skills - excellent eye for detail is essential;
•advanced communication, facilitation and presentation skills (verbal and written) - ability to communicate technical information to non-technical business users, and to communicate business requirements to technologists;
•demonstrated ability to build effective working relationships with stakeholders at all levels - able to work across multi-disciplinary teams to achieve collective outcomes; sensitive to global cultural and diversity issues;
•creative and collaborative approach to innovation; willingness to explore options for improvement; a growth mindset; openness to productive change; and
•must observe confidentiality on all firm and client matters and issues, and adhere to procedures and guidelines set by all departments.

Salary: $79K - $118K

ABOUT THE FIRM

K&L Gates is a fully integrated global law firm with lawyers located across five continents in more than 40 offices. We have experienced dramatic growth in the past decade and now rank among the largest U.S. based law firms in the world. We take pride in constantly striving for innovation, imagination and an entrepreneurial spirit. We come up with big ideas and then roll up our sleeves to get the job done, guiding our clients through their most complex issues in a variety of industry sectors and across multiple regions of the world.

The industry recognition the firm has garnered emanates from the foundation of a global community aligned on behalf of our clients. The people at K&L Gates are committed to working together to create a legacy for each other, the firm, our clients, and the communities in which we serve. We thrive in an inclusive and socially conscious environment that embraces diversity and takes a holistic approach to the career evolution of all our professionals.

For more information or to view other job opportunities, please click here to go back to our careers page.

Notice: We participate in E-Verify in certain Firm locations for purposes of verifying employment eligibility.

BENEFITS

K&L Gates offers our personnel a comprehensive suite of benefits to help meet your needs now and in the future. Depending on your eligibility, options for full-time personnel include:

• Medical/Prescription Drug Coverage (including a Health Savings Account feature)

• Back-up Child/Elder Care and access to a caregiving concierge

• Dental Insurance

• Wellness Program

• Vision Insurance

• Pre-tax Commuting Benefits

• 401(k) Retirement Plan and Profit Sharing

• Business Travel Accident Insurance

• Short- and Long-term Disability Protection

• Pet Insurance

• Life Insurance (including Basic, Supplemental, Spouse, Child, and Accidental Death and Dismemberment)

• Health Advocacy Services

• Paid Time Off (25-30 days per year)

• Identity Protection/Restoration and Fraud Insurance

• Parental Leave (18 weeks of which 6 are paid; short-term disability may provide additional paid time off)

• Student loan refinancing options and access to a student loan concierge service

• Paid Holidays (12)

• Addiction Resources

• Family Building Benefits

• Breast Milk Delivery and Lactation Support Services

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Employees also may be eligible to receive bonuses and certain expense reimbursements

• Employee Assistance Program

• Professional Development and CLE Credit Opportunities

• 529 Deductions

• Relocation

• Accident Insurance

• Employee Referral Program

• Critical Illness Insurance

• Hybrid/Remote Work Opportunities

• Hospital Indemnity Insurance

• Perks including: Technology, Entertainment, and Travel Discount Programs

• Bereavement Leave

• All other benefits (such as leaves of absence) required by law

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Firm is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions will be based on merit, qualifications, competence, and business need. Employment practices will not be influenced or affected by a person's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions), national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. This policy governs all aspects of employment including, without limitation, recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotion, assignment, and dismissal. In addition, it is the Firm's policy to provide an environment that is free of all unlawful harassment including, without limitation, that based on sex, race, age, disability, or national origin. The Firm complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please contact askHR@klgates.com.

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