Director of Practice Technology - #443757

About Gowling Wlg

At Gowling WLG, our dedication to excellence and quality service begins with our people. As a global law firm with offices across Canada, the U.K., Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we pride ourselves on sourcing and retaining top talent who bring energy, passion and commitment to the delivery of outstanding client service.

Employee satisfaction is important to us. We work hard to ensure that our people are motivated, engaged and empowered. We are guided by our firm’s Core Values - The Power of Teamwork, Always Striving to be Better, We all Bring Something Different - in all that we do.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are an integral part of our firm’s core values. We are always striving to build a more equitable, engaging and rewarding workplace by attracting and retaining talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures and experiences. Our aim is to help everyone reach their full potential and achieve their personal and professional goals.

Our diverse group of legal professionals, law students, law clerks, paralegals, legal administrative assistants and business services team members work together, and are respected and valued for their individual contributions.

PROFILE

The Director of Practice Technology will be a key driver of the firm’s modernization strategy—building and leading a new national team focused on legal technology enablement, supporting both the firm’s lawyers and clients. Reporting to the National Director of AI, Innovation, and Knowledge, this strategic leader will drive the development and execution of a firm-wide vision for legal technology, working closely with practice groups, business services teams, and IT to deliver seamless, user-centered, and future-ready legal technology experiences. The Director will have full autonomy to assess gaps, define strategic priorities, recruit specialized talent, and champion the adoption of tools and workflows that elevate legal service delivery in the age of AI. This role is not only foundational to the firm’s innovation journey—it is central to its ability to adapt to the profound changes AI is bringing to legal practice.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Understand Practice-Specific Needs:
• Speak the language of lawyers and quickly understand legal processes, workflows and challenges.
• Direct practice group leaders and practitioners to identify pain points and opportunities for technology integration.
• Conduct regular consultations with practice groups to understand workflows and specific use cases for legal technology.
• Develop tailored menus of solutions and recommendations that align with each practice group’s unique needs and provide clarity around the best opportunities with the highest impact.
• Metrics and ROI Tracking:
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for technology adoption and usage.
• Track the return on investment (ROI) for legal technology tools, ensuring they deliver measurable value to the firm and its clients.
• Prepare regular reports and dashboards to communicate the impact of technology initiatives to leadership.
• Program Development and Adoption Strategies:
• Design and execute comprehensive programs to drive the adoption of legal technology tools.
• Work closely with the change management initiatives to develop training, onboarding, and support initiatives.
• Address resistance to change by highlighting success stories and demonstrating the value of technology solutions.
• Promotion and Advocacy:
• Act as a champion for legal technology within the firm, showcasing tools and their benefits to lawyers and business services professionals.
• Host workshops, webinars, and other events to promote technology awareness and adoption.
• Develop marketing materials and internal communications to highlight new and existing tools.
• Stay Abreast of Legal Technology Trends:
• Continuously monitor the legaltech landscape to identify emerging tools and trends that could benefit the firm.
• Evaluate new technologies through pilots and proof-of-concept projects, ensuring alignment with firm needs and priorities.
• Build relationships with legal technology vendors and attend industry conferences to stay informed about the latest advancements.
• Understand how tools work together and overlap to provide a streamlined menu of legaltech offerings to the practice.
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred with preference for JD/LLB or paralegal designation with practice experience.
• Experience with tools like Excel, PowerBI, MS Project, or other project management and reporting applications is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in legal technology, practice support, or a related field within a professional services environment with legal practice experience being an asset.
• Proven track record of successfully implementing and promoting technology solutions in a legal or similar professional services setting.
• Strong understanding of legal workflows and the specific technology needs of different practice areas.
• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret metrics and translate data into actionable insights.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and drive cross-functional collaboration.
  
  

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving.
• Detail-oriented with stellar organizational and administrative skills.
• Change management expertise.
• Familiarity with legal technology tools, practice management software, and AI-driven solutions.
• Ability to balance immediate needs with long-term strategic goals.
• Passion for innovation and continuous improvement.
  
  

WHY JOIN OUR TEAM?

This is a defining leadership opportunity for someone ready to shape the legal technology function of the future. As Director of Practice Technology, you will have the authority to build a high-performing national team, influence firm-wide transformation, and ensure our lawyers are empowered by technology—not hindered by it. You’ll be at the forefront of the firm’s response to the legal sector’s AI revolution, driving both immediate adoption and long-term strategy. Your work will directly impact our competitive edge, operational excellence, and client outcomes—cementing your role as a pivotal force in the firm’s evolution.

Gowling WLG employees benefit from a hybrid work environment.

Not sure if you meet all the requirements? If you are excited about this opportunity but your experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Gowling WLG is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation at any time during the recruitment process, please let us know.

While we appreciate all applications received, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.