Firm Information

Reed Smith is a global relationship law firm with more than 1,700 lawyers in 30 offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Founded in 1877, the firm represents leading international businesses, from Fortune 100 corporations to mid-market and emerging enterprises. Its lawyers provide litigation and other dispute resolution services in multi-jurisdictional and other high-stakes matters; deliver regulatory counsel; and execute the full range of strategic domestic and cross-border transactions. Reed Smith is a preeminent advisor to industries including financial services, life sciences, health care, advertising, entertainment and media, shipping and transport, energy and natural resources, real estate, manufacturing, technology, and education. For more information, visit reedsmith.com.

Position Summary

Essential Functions

• Shapes, advances and executes the Labs vision and strategy.
• Contribute to the development ofand drive the execution ofnew internal and client-facing service offerings for the Lab.
• Lead team members in applying design thinking methods to the law firm context to support the launch of the Innovation Lab.
• Introduces ideas, improves existing processes, and creates a culture of innovation within the Firm.
• Embraces an innovation strategy to define objectives and measures aligned with overall Firm goals to add value to stakeholders.
• Implements innovation projects and oversees resources and budgets.
• Works with partners and firm leadership on initiatives that support innovation.
• Provides training and resources to promote a culture of innovation that encourages and supports experimentation and rewards new ideas and ways of thinking.
• Manages a portfolio of projects from start to finish, ensuring that they are completed on time, to the highest quality and in an inclusive and collaborative manner. Responsible for final deliverables.
• Designs, conducts, and oversees ethnographic and other research: interviews, virtual and in person observation, and artifact analysis.
• Leads the design and facilitation of in-person and virtual collaborative workshops.
• Manages and contributes to insight development from primary (firm data) and secondary (external trends) research.
• Maintains an awareness of current and upcoming legal innovation trends.
• Drives collaboration with internal business groups to complete projects that leverage the resources available to the firm.
• Ensure that the work produced by the team meets the firm's quality standards by reviewing work products, providing feedback, and identifying areas for improvement.
• Manage and develop staff by assigning tasks, providing feedback, mentoring and coaching team members, and conducting performance evaluations.
• The ideal candidate will have experience, knowledge, and/or great interest in legal tech, as well as a passion for empathy and precision.

Job functions included are not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. Reed Smith reserves the right to revise or modify job functions at any time.

Requirements

Education: Bachelors degree in a relevant field, such as design thinking, social sciences, technology, or business. Masters degree preferred.

Experience: Ten plus years experience. Expertise in human-centered design (HCD), leading qualitative and ethnographic research, project and team management, and with senior level stakeholder management. Expertise designing and facilitating collaborative in-person and virtual workshops. Professional services firm experience strongly preferred. Familiarity with legal technology and the legal industry

Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build relationships with Lab stakeholders (including attorneys and staff) and team members
• Design thinking methodology, specifically in the research, synthesis and ideation phases
• Front of Room or lead facilitator experience
• Developing and executing vision, strategy, and implementation roadmaps
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with excellent problem-solving skills
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and deliverables in a dynamic environment
• Passion for innovation and creativity, with a keen eye for detail and precision
• Proficiency in relevant software and technology tools, such as database management, project management software, and design thinking software

Other

Supervisory Responsibilities: Innovation Lab Supervisor and other team resources.

Equipment To Be Used: Personal computer and other office equipment such as telephone, calculator, fax, machine, copier, scanner, etc.

Typical Physical Demands: Manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office equipment.

Typical Mental Demands: Able to work effectively in a fast paced environment. Make judgment decisions and adapt to changing work situations. Grasp and apply new ideas. Communicate with various personalities at all levels.

Working Conditions: You will be required to work in the office at minimum 3 days per week. The details of your weekly schedule will be discussed further with your direct supervisor. Occasionally called upon to work hours in excess of your normal daily schedule.

Reed Smith offers a challenging work environment, business casual dress code and a total compensation package that includes a competitive salary, flexible benefits program, tuition assistance, and generous 401 (k) plan.

Reed Smith is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reed Smith's success depends heavily on the effective utilization of qualified people, regardless of their race, ancestry, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, veteran's status, or any characteristic protected by law. As a firm, we adhere to and promote equal employment opportunity for all.

Reed Smith provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, including in the application and interview process.

Qualified candidates only. No search firms.