AI Governance & Program Manager

Job Description

At Norton Rose Fulbright has a long-standing commitment to leveraging technology to enhance legal services and streamline operations.

We are seeking an experienced AI Governance and Program Manager to lead and operationalize the firm's AI governance framework across U.S. operations.

This role is responsible for developing and implementing a scalable, firmwide governance model that enables the safe, responsible, and compliant use of AI tools. As generative AI has moved from pilot programs to broader adoption, the focus is on transitioning from tool-specific guardrails to a cohesive framework that supports enterprise‑wide use without introducing unnecessary complexity or friction. Positioned at the intersection of governance, program management, and legal operations, this role serves as a key liaison among the Innovation function, Office of General Counsel, IT, Information Governance, Compliance, and global stakeholders.

The role reports to the U.S. Director, Head of Innovation, and collaborates closely with legal teams, Knowledge Management, and business services functions, as well as the firm's U.S. and Global AI Committees. The successful candidate will bring strong legal acumen, a practical understanding of AI technologies, and the ability to lead complex, cross‑functional initiatives.

The role is ideally in Texas, but can be located in any city where the firm has a U.S. office. The position may be remote on a regular basis, but flexibility to come to the office as needed for meetings, training, or other business requirements pursuant to our hybrid working policy is required.

• Partner across Client Value & Innovation, General Counsel, IT, and Information Security to advance the firm's AI governance and program strategy.
• Lead the execution of initiatives that enable responsible, ethical, and sustainable adoption of generative AI tools.
• Build strong relationships with attorneys and business services professionals to drive alignment, trust, and adoption across the firm.
• Support the measurement of ROI and value for AI‑enabled technologies across the firm.

• Evolve and operationalize a firmwide AI governance framework that enables safe, responsible use of AI while meeting client, regulatory, and ethical expectations.
• Establish, in collaboration with IT and Compliance, a repeatable governance and operating model for AI agents and workflows, including standing up guardrails and infrastructure controls, and monitoring/surfacing use cases for prioritization.
• Draft, refine, and operationalize the firm's AI policies, working with Information Governance and General Counsel to set clear expectations on benefits, risks, required training, prohibited uses, escalation paths, and consequences for non‑compliance.
• Manage ongoing governance responsibilities, including responding to RFPs, RFIs, and Third‑Party Risk Management (TPRM) questionnaires; managing the global AI opt‑out list; and responding to emerging governance needs related to user behavior and AI tools.
• Ensure legal and ethical compliance of AI tools, particularly in areas of data privacy and confidentiality.
• Consult on client engagement letters and other governance questions raised by partners and the General Counsel's office.

• Manage the AI Champion Network to drive adoption, build capabilities, and unlock value from the firm's AI tools by enabling peer support, validating use cases, and building an evidence base for ongoing AI investment, while providing leadership with a clear structure covering communities, escalation paths, and decision‑making.
• Develop and deliver targeted AI training programs for attorneys and staff, with emphasis on supervision, disclosure, and appropriate AI use in day‑to‑day legal work, beginning with targeted audiences, and defining a broader rollout strategy based on feedback.
• Assist with evaluating use cases and feasibility analysis for generative AI tools and manage the use case development process including needs assessments, cross‑tool testing, documentation, and communication with stakeholders.
• Supp…