Data Science and Development Lead

Department/Division: Innovation
Duration: Permanent
Location: UK
Reports to: Innovation Lead
Direct Reports: None
Type of Role: Hybrid 
Rec ID: 6078

The Role

As our first internal Data Scientist hire, you will play a critical role in building this capability for the region in support of the UKIME strategy. Reporting to our Head of Innovation, you will be responsible for developing and implementing data-driven solutions and technologies, leveraging internal and external development resources to create tools that optimise legal process, enhance decision-making and deliver predictive insights that benefit our clients globally. This role requires a blend of technical expertise, legal industry understanding and project management skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Innovation: Lead the ideation, development and deployment of legal tech solutions utilising machine learning, artificial intelligence and data analytics to streamline operations and improve service delivery
• Data strategy: Collaborate with our data governance and information security teams to design and deliver a comprehensive data strategy for legal technology deployment, ensuring data integrity, compliance and security across all initiatives.
• Collaboration: Work closely with legal teams, IT and external partners to align technology solutions with business needs and existing tools ensuring seamless workflow integration and adoption
• Research: Keep abreast of current research into emerging technologies, trends and methodologies in legal tech.
• Analysis: Assess internal processes to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation.
• Stakeholder engagement: Engage with stakeholders across the firm to gather requirements, communicate progress and drive the adoption of new technologies.
• Development: Liaise with internal and external development resources, overseeing project timelines, deliverables and quality of work, ensuring alignment of projects to the UKIME Innovation strategy.
• Training and support: Develop training materials and provide support to ensure users are proficient in new technologies and tools.

Experience and Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science or a related field
• Proven experience in data science, AI or machine learning with a portfolio of projects demonstrating your ability to apply these skills in practical settings (ideally in a law firm, professional services firm or other highly regulated environment)
• Familiarity with the legal industry and its unique challenges is highly desirable
• Comprehensive programming skills in Python, Java and other popular languages with proven ability to select languages appropriate to the specific requirements of each project based on use case, performance needs and the development environment
• Experience of supervising and coaching developers and junior data scientists is highly desirable
• Knowledge and practical, project-based experience of using Large Language Models including evaluating their respective strengths, weaknesses and risks
• Knowledge of, and experience in using, the full suite of Microsoft tools and capabilities including Power Apps, Power Automate, Dynamics 365 and Dataverse
• Experience with database management and data visualisation skills
• Enhanced project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work collaboratively across teams
• Proven analytical and problem-solving ability with attention to detail
• Advanced communication and interpersonal skills, capable of explaining complex, technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
• Experience in working with front-end and full-stack developers on substantial projects is essential
• Basic front-end development experience is desirable for rapid prototyping 
• Full-stack development experience is desirable but not essential
• Experience of designing and implementing a data science strategy within a law firm or professional services firm is desirable but not essential

Firm Profile

Across over 80 countries, Dentons helps you grow, protect, operate, and finance your organization by providing uniquely global and deeply local legal solutions. Polycentric, purpose-driven and committed to inclusion, diversity, equity, and sustainability, we focus on what matters most to you. www.dentons.com

We undertake and support a number of internal and external initiatives aimed at increasing diversity within the profession and we encourage all our partners and staff to get involved. We welcome you to learn more about diversity and inclusion at Dentons. Inclusion and Diversity

Equal Opportunities

Dentons is committed to providing equal opportunities for all. We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities and support those in the workplace who have a disability. During the application process, any applicant has the opportunity to tell us about any adjustments they may require during the application process. Any disability disclosure will be dealt with confidentially and sensitively and if you want to speak directly to a member of our team, please email [email protected]. 

NO AGENCIES PLEASE

If you are interested in applying for this position, we welcome direct applications via our careers page, but if you have any questions beforehand please email [email protected] – Enquiries only please, applications will not be accepted via email.

Please note that we will not accept unsolicited CVs sent to the business, nor will we accept any associated terms of business.