Director of OD Labs
Position Summary
OD Labs is Ogletree Deakins' applied AI and innovation unit, dedicated to developing cutting-edge legal service models, technology products, and client-facing capabilities. As part of the firm's ongoing commitment to AI, OD Labs is the next phase where we transform these investments into tangible products. The Director of OD Labs will oversee the creation and growth of this function, focusing on launching the AI Incubator, developing a client-facing product roadmap, and scaling OD Labs into a revenue-generating business unit.
Essential Functions
Build and lead OD Labs as a standalone function, ensuring strategic direction, prioritization, performance, and results.
Own the OD Labs product roadmap, incorporating insights from clients, attorneys, and firm leadership to identify and prioritize opportunities.
Design and launch client-facing services and products, managing the entire lifecycle from concept to deployment.
Run controlled pilots with clear metrics, making informed decisions about scale and discontinuation based on evidence.
Partner directly with attorneys, leadership, and key clients to understand needs and co-design solutions.
Engage the firm’s Client Services team to integrate OD Labs services into client pitches and relationships.
Present initiative results, roadmap updates, and resource requests to the OD Labs governance group and firm leadership.
Recruit, develop, and manage the OD Labs team; advocate for necessary headcount increases as the function matures.
Represent the firm externally as a thought leader in legal AI and innovation through conferences, client engagements, and industry publications.
Ensure AI governance and responsible data handling principles are integrated into all OD Labs initiatives, collaborating with the firm's cybersecurity, data privacy, and AI governance functions.
Requirements
10+ years of experience building and deploying technology solutions for law firms or legal services organizations.
5+ years of experience with AI, machine learning, or advanced automation systems, including recent production-grade work with large language models and agentic frameworks.
Deep expertise with one or more enterprise AI platforms at the production level, including hands-on experience across models, APIs, and agentic frameworks; familiarity with the Anthropic Claude platform is a significant advantage.
Demonstrated experience building AI systems in client-sensitive environments, with working knowledge of data governance frameworks, AI risk management, and enterprise security requirements.
Experience building and leading high-performing, cross-functional teams spanning engineering, data science, and design.
Strong executive presence and communication skills, with the ability to translate between legal, business, and technical audiences at senior levels.
Track record of running large-scale AI training and adoption programs, including hackathons, practice-area playbooks, and sustained attorney engagement.
Experience with legal operations, billing analytics, and data products is a significant advantage.
Benefits
Hybrid work option available.
Based in California, Colorado, or Washington.
Salary range: $240,000 to $300,000 annually, contingent on relevant experience and education.
Robust suite of benefits including Paid Time Off, Paid Sick Leave, a 401(k) matching program, Profit Sharing, Paid Holidays, Paid Parental Leave, affordable Health and Life Insurance, Health Savings Account / Flexible Spending Accounts, Tuition Reimbursement, and an Employee Assistance Program.
Contact Information
If you have questions, please e-mail Megan Becker at megan.becker@ogletree.com with “Director of OD Labs" in the subject line. Applications submitted via e-mail will not be considered.