Senior Counsel: Technology and AI Legal

Job description About the Role

Grant Thornton is on the lookout for a Senior Counsel: Technology and AI Legal to enhance our team in Chicago, IL.

This position is part of our Risk, Regulatory and Legal Affairs (RRLA) division.

As a business-minded attorney, you will provide expert legal advice to our leaders and client-facing teams on key innovation and digital transformation initiatives. Your focus will be on a...rtificial intelligence and our intellectual property strategy, allowing the firm to innovate confidently while managing regulatory and contractual risks.

In collaboration with Product, Technology, Risk, Privacy, Security, and Commercial teams, you will assist in designing frameworks for AI adoption, safeguarding our intellectual property, and supporting our go-to-market strategies within a dynamic professional services environment.

Key Responsibilities

• AI and Emerging Technology Counseling: Guide the ethical use of AI/ML tools by carrying out risk assessments, governance strategies, privacy measures, and compliance with transparency requirements.

• Draft and negotiate AI-related contract terms across a multinational framework.

• Stay updated on global AI regulatory changes, transforming these insights into practical policies and training for stakeholders.

• Contribute to the establishment and operational efficiency of AI and data governance workflows.

• Create user-friendly guidance, templates, and checklists for non-legal team members.

• Intellectual Property: Provide advice on a comprehensive IP strategy covering services, content, software, and data assets, with focus on copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, and some experience with patents is beneficial.

• Manage and structure licensing and SaaS agreements.

• Support brand protection and content usage, assisting marketing and communications initiatives.

• Product Counseling and Commercial Contracting: Offer practical legal counsel for products from conception to market launch.

• Review and negotiate MSAs, SOWs, and licensing agreements involving AI and technology elements.

• Coordinate with external legal counsel and internal subject matter experts, contributing to internal knowledge bases and playbooks.

Qualifications:

• J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to practice in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.

• 5 to 8+ years of experience in-house or in a law firm focused on technology transactions, IP licensing, or AI/ML usage.

• Understanding of AI governance frameworks and trends in global AI regulations is preferred.

• Strong knowledge of copyright, trademark, and trade secret protections.

• Ability to translate complex legal challenges into practical and business-friendly advice.

• Experience in reviewing and negotiating various legal agreements in the technology space.

• Demonstrated aptitude in risk mitigation and providing legal solutions aligned with business goals.

• Adaptability to changing priorities and unforeseen challenges.

• Experience in professional services or B2B technology environments is advantageous.

Salary: The base salary range for this position in Chicago, IL is between $243,800 and $325,000 annually.

About Us

At Grant Thornton, we prioritize personal connections and instill trust in every outcome.

We offer a career path filled with opportunities, flexibility, and support—making our approach unique and our service better.

Grant Thornton comprises two specialized entities: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed CPA firm providing audit and assurance services, and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC, which exclusively offers non-attest services, including tax and advisory support.

In 2025, we created a multinational platform with Grant Thornton Ireland, enhancing our advisory and tax capabilities and delivering a unified client experience across borders.

Joining Our Team

This role offers flexibility regarding work location and schedule, requiring in-person attendance at least two days weekly in our Chicago office or at client sites.

We are committed to supporting your overall well-being and personal obligations with comprehensive benefits tailored to meet your diverse needs.

Diversity and Inclusion: We are committed to fostering a diverse workforce and supporting equity and inclusion across all aspects of our organization.

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, we encourage you to apply and look forward to connecting with you!

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