Lead AI Engineer

About Latham & Watkins

Latham & Watkins is one of the world’s leading global law firms advising the businesses and institutions that drive the global economy. We are the market leaders in major financial and business centers around the world. Our investment in people, commitment to innovation, and focus on the future empower you to build an incredible career and thrive as an exceptional professional in a supportive culture. If you aspire to be the best, and work with the best, this is where you belong.

About the Role

The Lead AI Engineer is an integral part of Latham’s Technology & Information Services team. This role will be responsible for leading the architecture, design, and development of full-stack Machine Learning (ML) and Generative AI (GenAI) applications that enhance legal and business processes, while designing and architecting full-stack solutions for ML/GenAI workflows, integrating both frontend and backend components to deliver robust and scalable solutions. This role will be located in our Global Services Office. Please note that this role may be eligible for a flexible working schedule that allows for a hybrid and in-office presence.

Responsibilities & Qualifications

Other key responsibilities include:

• Acting as a technical authority, bringing deep industry expertise to guide architectural decisions and implementation, and ensuring high-quality implementation of AI/ML solutions
• Leading cross-functional initiatives by collaborating with Innovation Attorneys, stakeholders, and the engineering team to define technical requirements and deliver solutions that align with organizational goals and strategies
• Providing technical leadership by mentoring team members, offering expert advice, and establishing engineering best practices
• Working with and making recommendations to the leadership regarding the maintenance and enhancement of existing Latham production applications
• Overseeing the end-to-end lifecycle of AI/ML applications from conceptualization and design, through delivery and ongoing support
• Protecting and maintaining any highly sensitive, confidential, privileged, financial, and/or proprietary information that Latham & Watkins retains 

We’d love to hear from you if you:

• Exhibit demonstrated experience leading the design and implementation of enterprise software architectures, including microservices, serverless, and monolithic patterns, with the ability to evaluate tradeoffs and select approaches based on business and technical requirements
• Possess advanced proficiency in modern web development frameworks and languages, including React, Typescript, and Node.js with experience architecting, building, and maintaining full-stack applications
• Display familiarity with alternative web frameworks such as Vue.js and a strong understanding of component-based architecture, state management, and responsive design principles

And have:

• A master’s degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or a related field, preferably
• A minimum of ten (10) years of industry experience in software development and AI
• A minimum of ten (10) years of experience leading projects and architecting solutions in industry settings
• A minimum of seven (7) years of experience working with agile teams
• Experience building and productizing real-world AI models and systems
• A minimum of six (6) years in industry roles focused on machine learning, applied AI, or data science roles, preferably

Benefits & Additional Information

Successful candidates will not only be provided with an outstanding career opportunity and welcoming environment, but will also be provided with a generous total compensation package with bonuses awarded in recognition of both individual and firm performance. Eligible employees can participate in Latham’s comprehensive benefit program which includes:

• Healthcare, life and disability insurance
• A generous 401k plan
• At least 11 paid holidays per year, and a PTO program that accrues 23 days during the first year of employment and grows with tenure
• Well-being programs (e.g. mental health services, mindfulness and resiliency, medical resources, well-being events, and more)
• Professional development programs
• Employee discounts
• Affinity groups, networks, and coalitions for lawyers and staff

Latham & Watkins is an equal opportunity employer. The Firm prohibits discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status (including veterans of the Vietnam era), gender expression, marital status, or any other characteristic or condition protected by applicable statute.

Latham & Watkins LLP will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO)​.  Please click the link below to review the Ordinance.

Please click here to review your rights under U.S. employment laws. #MidSenior #LI-JG2

Pay Range