A&O Shearman
Working at A&O Shearman
Working at A&O Shearman Culture and benefits Training and development Candidate charter Ways of working
A&O Shearman
Technology that powers global performance
Global IT at A&O Shearman is driving the technology that underpins a leading international law firm. Our strategy is centered on creating a connected, forward‑looking environment where secure, high‑performing platforms enable people to work seamlessly across our global network. We combine deep technical expertise with a sharp focus on business outcomes - ensuring technology is not just reliable, but a true enabler of growth and innovation. From cloud and infrastructure to data and security, we are continuously evolving our technology landscape to meet the demands of a fast‑paced, global business. It’s an environment where ideas are valued, standards are high, and impact is tangible.
- Job ID
- 11201BR
- Location
- London, United Kingdom
- Job Family
- Business teams
- Practice Area
- Information technology
- Job Type
- Permanent
- Working Arrangement
- Hybrid
Job description
We are currently recruiting for a Principal AI Engineer to join our IT team in London. Reporting to the AI Platform Owner, this Manager level role will be a senior technical leader responsible for the strategy, design, and implementation of advanced AI and ML use cases across the firm. The role is a member of AI leadership and is responsible for managing and motivating a team of skilled IT professionals and directing external third-party service providers.The role is accountable for the implementation of the full lifecycle of AI solutions including model development, validation, deployment, and integration into other systems while providing feedback to continue to evolve the AI platform.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in machine learning, data analysis, and software development. The role will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing AI solutions to solve complex problems and enhance our products and services resulting in improved experiences for our fee earners and business teams.
Role & responsibilities
- Maintain strong customer relationships with fee earners and business teams to manage the delivery of driving the technical strategy for AI solutions, ensuring scalable architecture and alignment with best practices.
- Work as part of the Enterprise Architecture & Technology Platforms leadership team to collectively define, implement and operate the firm’s technical strategy for AI solutions, ensuring scalable architecture and alignment with best practices.
- Work with senior stakeholders from business teams to understand AI use cases mapping to business outcomes.
- Act as the focal point for matters related to driving the technical strategy for AI solutions, ensuring scalable architecture and alignment with best practices, providing expert guidance to other teams when required.
- Performance management of AI Engineering, providing mentorship and ensuring alignment with HR standards and policies.
- Facilitate regular service provider reviews to assess performance against service targets, drive innovation and ensure any remediation activities are being delivered.
- Own the technical strategy for AI solutions, ensuring scalable architecture and alignment with best practices budget and benefits delivery, balancing priorities and clearly demonstrating the value that the firm’s AI solutions deliver whilst working with IT Business Operations to ensure alignment.
- Actively identify and pursue opportunities for continuous improvement in driving the technical strategy for AI solutions, ensuring scalable architecture and alignment with best practices, whilst assessing the viability and business value for the firm.
Key requirements
Experience- Extensive experience in machine learning, deep learning, and AI model development, preferably within the legal or professional services sector.
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or C-Sharp.
- Experience with AI frameworks and libraries such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or scikit-learn.
- Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure), experience with Azure a plus.
- Experience leveraging AI code-writing assistants (e.g., GitHub Copilot, Claude Code, Codex) with appropriate engineering controls (code review, testing, security) in professional environments.
- Knowledge of IT strategic planning, design, and operations processes.
- Proven project and program management capabilities.
- Strong knowledge of current IT and data market trends and technology innovations.
- Proven track record of managing large globally dispersed teams.
- Extensive background in the IT industry. With significant experience leading ML/data science teams.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
- Excellent business acumen and understanding of how the firm is positioned in the market.
- Ability to lead and develop teams.
- Promotes the firm's values at all times and fosters collaborative working relationships with a wide range of people and departments.
Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any adjustments as required.
We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
Our approach to hybrid working seeks to combine and maximise the benefits of effective remote working with the benefits of being in the office. Our current hybrid working arrangements require office based working for a minimum of 30% of your time (i.e. three days per two weeks for a full time role) in accordance with our hybrid working policy.
NO AGENCIES PLEASE - A&O Shearman does not accept unsolicited CVs. For further information, please see our UK Recruitment Agency Policy and our commitment to direct sourcing here.
The technology you’ll work with
In global IT, you’ll be supported by a modern, enterprise‑grade technology ecosystem designed to enable performance, security and innovation. Our environment brings together best‑in‑class platforms, cloud infrastructure and specialist tools that underpin a leading global law firm. From collaboration and knowledge sharing to advanced security and data capabilities, we ensure our teams have what they need to deliver at pace. Alongside access to the latest technologies, you’ll benefit from strong technical communities, structured learning and ongoing investment in our IT landscape - empowering you to build expertise and drive meaningful impact.
Built to excel
In global IT, excellence is built through a combination of technical expertise, curiosity and a drive to continuously improve. Our strongest performers bring a pragmatic, solutions‑focused mindset and take ownership of delivering high‑quality outcomes. They collaborate effectively across teams, adapt quickly to change and stay focused under pressure. With a clear understanding of how technology enables the business, they balance innovation with reliability. Above all, they are committed to raising standards - contributing ideas, refining approaches and consistently delivering impact in a fast‑moving, high‑performance environment.
- Technically credible
- Solution focused
- Accountable
- Collaborative
- Resilient
- Innovation minded
Why us?
As a leading global law firm, we rely on our global IT function to keep us at the forefront - enabling our people with secure, innovative and high‑performing technology.
Our IT teams play a critical role in ensuring the business runs seamlessly and adapts to change. You’ll work in a collaborative, international environment where your expertise has real impact, supporting lawyers and business teams across the firm.
Shaping your career
You can build a career here with clear expectations, regular development conversations, and ongoing access to training. We tailor development to your role and strengths, helping you build leadership, management, and business skills to reach your potential.
You’ll benefit from a wide range of learning via our platform, supported by regular check-ins through our compass approach to align priorities and development goals.
We support internal progression, including moves that aid growth. Many colleagues explore varied roles, secondments, or international opportunities - so being proactive, owning your development, and sharing your goals is key to making the most of these possibilities.
Your journey, our commitment
We believe recruitment should feel clear, respectful and genuinely engaging at every stage. Our approach is built around open communication, meaningful conversations and giving you a true sense of who we are - how we work, what we value and where you could fit. We ask for professionalism and openness in return. It’s a partnership, grounded in trust and transparency, designed to help you make confident, informed decisions about your career while enabling us to get to know you at your best.
EXPLORE OUR CANDIDATE CHARTERBenefits
Our range of benefits is designed to meet your changing needs, providing support for physical, mental and financial well-being. We regularly review our reward and benefits programs to ensure they remain relevant and competitive. We believe it’s important for our people to share in the success of the firm and be recognized for their contributions. We do that through a range of salary, discretionary bonus plans and market-competitive benefits.
Our benefits packages vary by location but are guided by the same global principles:
Health and wellness
Access to check-ups, insurance cover, extra support when needed, and well-being platforms.
Remuneration and rewards
We recognize contribution to client work, or business teamwork, as well as to the firm and the community. We share the financial success of the firm in a fair and transparent manner.
Financial benefits
We look to provide financial peace of mind, which can include insurances, assurances, and saving for retirement (market-dependent.)
Family and lifestyle
We aim to support you in managing your demands and commitments effectively alongside your working life, as well as providing perks and discounts to assist with travel, fun and well-being.
Learning and development
We invest in your performance and progression by giving you access to top-quality training and development through an ongoing blend of structured and informal learning opportunities.
Social impact
With us, you’re encouraged to volunteer your time and skills, whether you’re a lawyer or business professional, junior or senior. You’re free to choose a cause that matters to you, or to support our chosen global charity.
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