Director of Data Science

Cooley is seeking a Director of Data Science to join the Knowledge Management & Innovation team.

Position summary: As the leading technology law firm in the world, Cooley takes a comprehensive and modern approach to data. The Director of Data Science is responsible for developing, leading and implementing the technology-aspects of Cooley's data function, which is a part of an Innovation department that is responsible for collecting, developing, analyzing, presenting, and deploying data assets enterprise-wide. Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Position responsibilities:

Data science leadership and strategy:

• Help define the vision and roadmap for the firm's data initiatives in conjunction with the innovation leadership team
• Establish and lead a high-performing data science team to support business goals
• Develop data-driven strategies to enhance decision-making, enable the application of AI solutions, and increase operational efficiencies

Data infrastructure and engineering:

• Build and scale the firm's data infrastructure into a modern, flexible, best-in-industry capability
• Oversee the implementation of robust data pipelines and workflows for efficient data collection, storage, and analysis
• Collaborate with IS teams to ensure proper data governance, security, and privacy protocols
• In collaboration with the data discovery team, identify, acquire, and integrate data sources (internal and external) to support analytics and other firm use-cases

Operationalization of data science solutions:

• Design and implement data insight products and services that can be operationalized at scale
• Ensure that data science outputs (models, dashboards, insights) are actionable and integrate seamlessly into day-to-day business operations
• Partner with cross-functional teams (E-Discovery, legal operations, business development, business strategy, digital platforms) to embed data-driven practices into business processes
• Drive innovation by supporting the product team in incorporating AI and machine learning in a data-first manner to automate legal processes and improve efficiency

Collaboration and stakeholder engagement:

• Collaborate with the other elements of the firm's data function, including data discovery, knowledge, and data services to drive the firm's data initiatives
• Serve as the primary liaison between business units and other technical teams to ensure the data strategy aligns with enterprise goals across the entire enterprise
• Communicate complex data science concepts and insights to non-technical stakeholders in a clear and actionable manner

Data ownership and integration:

• Serve as technical data owner for all of the firm's data assets and coordinate with responsible parties to establish a one-firm data approach
• Lead efforts to integrate various data systems and platforms to create a unified data ecosystem
• Implement data automation and analytics pipelines for continuous updates and analysis
• Facilitate the enforcement of the firm's data governance by designing systems and procedures to ensure enterprise-level compliance with data strategy

Legal and compliance awareness:

• Familiarity with legal industry-specific data requirements, such as E-Discovery processes, and compliance with regulatory standards (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.)
• International operational experience across geographic and regulatory environments for data

Team building and mentorship:

• Define team roles and responsibilities, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives
• Recruit, train, and mentor a diverse data science team, including data engineers, data analysts, and other roles as deemed appropriate
• Serve as direct supervisor and mentor to direct reports
• Provide day-to-day supervision of direct reports, ensure compliance with assigned work hours and monitor for compliance with all firm and department policies. Manage staffing coverage, review and process time logs/time off requests
• Support business professional development and continued educational opportunities
• In collaboration with immediate supervisor and CN HR, participate in hiring, performance appraisals, counseling, termination and other employee lifecycle events
• All other duties as assigned or required
• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and results-driven team culture
• All other duties as assigned or required

Skills and experience:

Required:

• After orientation at Cooley LLP, exhibit proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, iManage and other firm applications
• Ability to work extended and/or weekend hours, as required
• Ability to travel, as required
• Bachelor's degree
• 10+ of experience in data science and data engineering roles, 5+ years of management experience in relevant roles and with proven track record of effective leadership
• Experience in leading large-scale data initiatives, preferably within technology or highly regulated industry (e.g., finance, healthcare)

Preferred:

• Domain Knowledge

• Strong understanding of the legal industry, particularly around legal financial systems, legal analytics, and legal operations
• Experience in managing cross-functional projects involving engineering, data engineering, and operational business units
• Knowledge and experience with distributed systems and organizations

Competencies:

• Strong leadership experience in building, managing, and mentoring data science teams
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts to legal professionals and senior executives
• Ability to influence and collaborate with multiple stakeholders across various departments (legal, IS, etc.)

Cooley offers a competitive compensation and excellent benefits package and is committed to fair and equitable employment practices.

EOE.

The expected annual pay range for this position with a work schedule of 40 hours per week is $325,000 - $400,000. Please note that final offer amount will be dependent on geographic location, applicable experience and skillset of the candidate.

We offer a full range of elective benefits including medical, health savings account (with applicable medical plan), dental, vision, health and/or dependent care flexible spending accounts, pre-tax commuter benefits, life insurance, AD&D, long-term care coverage, backup care for children and/or adults and other parental support benefits. In addition to elective benefit options, benefited employees receive firm-paid life insurance, AD&D, LTD, short term medical benefits as well as 25 days of Paid Time Off ("PTO") and 10 paid holidays each year. We provide generous parental leave and fertility benefits. New employees will attend a detailed benefit orientation to learn more about our many benefits and resources.