Northern Trust

Head of Legal - Technology and Procurement

Northern Trust$240K — $350K *
Legal & Accounting
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • JD from an accredited law school with a valid Illinois license.
  • 15+ years of experience in technology law and procurement matters.
  • Proven track record leading complex AI and technology projects.
  • Expertise in drafting and negotiating technology contracts, including AI and SaaS agreements.
  • Strong understanding of financial regulations affecting contracts.
  • Excellent communication skills for conveying complex legal issues clearly.

Responsibilities

  • Provide executive legal leadership for AI adoption aligned with legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Lead and manage a team focused on technology and procurement legal matters.
  • Oversee legal support for enterprise tech initiatives including cloud and cybersecurity contracting.
  • Offer strategic legal guidance on technology transactions and operational risks.
  • Advise on emerging technology risks and opportunities in financial services.
  • Develop and execute the Legal Department’s AI adoption strategy.
  • Maintain a legal intake framework for AI and procurement matters.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, and vision.
  • 401k retirement plan with employer contributions.
  • Paid time off and parental leave policies.
  • Discretionary bonus program with possible equity component.
  • Additional well-being benefits and life insurance.
Full Job Description
As a senior leader in Northern Trust’s Legal Department, this attorney will be responsible for leading the department’s global technology and procurement practice with an emphasis on artificial intelligence, emerging technology, complex vendor contracting, outsourcing, and strategic third-party engagements.  The attorney also will lead the development and execution of the Legal Department’s strategy to responsibly adopt artificial intelligence tools in the department’s legal operations. The ideal candidate will be an attorney with deep experience in technology and procurement matters for a global financial organization with a focus on vended artificial intelligence (AI) tools, SaaS, APIs, and other technology applications employed by large global financial institutions. The candidate will lead the Global Technology and Procurement Legal team, provide executive level legal support for Northern Trust’s AI initiatives and advise business partners and executive management across the enterprise on a wide range of legal issues related to technology solutions and the evolving regulatory requirements that apply to global financial institutions. The key responsibilities of the role include: • Provide executive legal leadership to ongoing efforts to accelerate Northern Trust’s responsible adoption of AI consistent with legal and regulatory requirements and client and supervisory expectations. • Lead and manage a team of technology and procurement lawyers. • Oversee legal support for enterprise technology initiatives, including cloud, data platforms, automation, digital tools, software licensing, cybersecurity-adjacent contracting, and advanced analytics.  • Provide strategic legal guidance on technology transactions, product implementation, intellectual property ownership, usage rights, data rights, service levels, operational resiliency, and exit obligations. • Advise senior stakeholders on emerging technology legal and regulatory risks and opportunities in a highly regulated financial services environment.  • Lead the development and execution of the Legal Department’s AI adoption strategy. • Design and maintain a repeatable legal intake and review framework for AI, technology, and procurement matters. • Develop and update template contracts, playbooks, terms of use, and other terms and conditions related to technology initiatives and products and procurement contracting across the enterprise. • Support negotiation of complex commercial agreements and provide escalation guidance on high-risk or high-value vendor matters.  • Collaborate with and advise other cross functional teams and SMEs (e.g., Procurement, Data Privacy, Information Security, Risk, Compliance), including in other jurisdictions, as needed. • Represent the Legal Department on enterprise AI, technology, data, and vendor governance forums.  • Advise senior and executive management on legal and regulatory developments that impact Northern Trust’s procurement organization and technology initiatives. • Act as a trusted advisor to the General Counsel, Legal Leadership Team, senior business leaders, Technology, Risk, Compliance, and Procurement.  • Lead, mentor, and develop attorneys and legal professionals supporting AI, technology, and procurement, as applicable.  Knowledge / Skills • Deep expertise in technology law, AI governance, data usage, privacy, intellectual property, and commercial contracting.  • Strong understanding of financial services regulation, enterprise risk management, third-party risk, and legal governance frameworks.  • Demonstrated ability to design scalable legal processes, standards, playbooks, and operating models.  • Excellent judgment, executive presence, and ability to advise senior stakeholders on complex and ambiguous issues.  • Commercially pragmatic negotiation skills with ability to balance innovation, business enablement, and risk discipline.  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including ability to translate technical and legal issues into clear business guidance.  • Ability to lead through influence, build trusted relationships, and drive outcomes across Legal, Technology, Procurement, Risk, and Compliance.  Experience / Qualifications: • JD from an accredited law school; and must have a valid license to practice law in Illinois. • Minimum combined fifteen (15) years of experience at a nationally recognized law firm and/or in-house legal department advising clients in relevant areas. • Deep experience leading complex AI, technology and procurement projects and advising executive management. • Experience drafting, negotiating, and reviewing various types of technology contracts and agreements, including AI, software licenses, distributed ledger technologies, managed services, and on-prem and SaaS license agreements, with an appreciation of the issues on both the vendor and client sides. • In-depth experience with the legal and regulatory aspects that can impact contract requirements, including familiarity with the impacts of placing data in the cloud. Financial Industry regulations preferred (e.g., FRB SR13-19, PRA SS2/21, GDPR, CCPA, DORA, EU AI Act). • Experience working within a regulated industry, financial industry preferred. • Ability to work cooperatively with all levels of the organization and provide legal advice and counsel on a wide range of technology and procurement related matters. • Ability to conduct in-depth legal analysis and provide practical, solutions-oriented advice. • Excellent oral and written communication skills. • Experience managing a team of lawyers and managing relationships with business partners, clients, and outside counsel. • Deep knowledge of applicable existing and proposed AI, outsourcing and technology-related regulations impacting the banking industry highly desired. Working Model: Hybrid (LI-Hybrid) We have a balanced hybrid working model to ensure you get the flexibility you need, and the successful candidate will spend their time between working in the office and working from home. Salary Range: $240,000 - 350,000 Salary range is a good faith estimate of base pay. Northern Trust provides a comprehensive benefits package including retirement benefits (401k and pension), health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, spending accounts and disability), paid time off, parental and caregiver leave, life & accident insurance, and other voluntary and well-being benefits. Northern Trust also provides a discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component.

About Northern Trust

Northern Trust is a global leader in delivering innovative investment management, asset and fund administration, and fiduciary and banking solutions to corporations, institutions, and affluent individuals. They have evolved with the changing needs of their clients and their world.

Northern Trust Careers

Joining Northern Trust means becoming part of a global financial services institution that is dedicated to providing expert guidance and innovative solutions to its clients. At Northern Trust, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of leadership, diversity, and innovation, which makes us a premier destination for career growth in the financial industry.

Work You’ll Do

At Northern Trust, you will collaborate with some of the most talented professionals in the financial sector. Our team is committed to excellence and equipped with a diverse range of skills that contribute to our dynamic environment. Here, you will have the opportunity to lead projects that transform our services and drive significant value for our clients across the globe.

Explore Job Opportunities and Internships

Whether you are starting your career or looking to make a significant impact in the financial industry, Northern Trust offers a variety of job opportunities and internships that will help you achieve your professional goals. From entry-level positions to leadership roles, our company is actively hiring individuals who are passionate, curious, and driven to excel.

Innovative Work

Northern Trust is at the forefront of financial innovation. Our employees are encouraged to think creatively and leverage cutting-edge technologies to solve complex problems. By joining our team, you will work on pioneering solutions that redefine the standards of financial services.

Be Part of a Great Team

Our team at Northern Trust is more than just a group of employees – we are a community. We value collaboration, and our culture is built on mutual respect and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Working with us, you will experience a supportive network that is passionate about sharing knowledge and ideas.

Future-Proof Your Career

Northern Trust is dedicated to your professional development. We offer comprehensive benefits, diversity training, and numerous resources to help you grow your career. With our support, you can expand your skills, gain valuable experience, and achieve professional certifications that will enhance your career trajectory.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team

Discover the perfect role for you at Northern Trust by exploring our current job openings that match your skills and interests. We are looking for professionals who are solution-driven and eager to contribute to our legacy of financial excellence.

Keep Up to Date

Stay informed with the latest career tips, industry insights, and professional growth opportunities—all available through our careers blog. At Northern Trust, we ensure that our team members are always ahead in the industry.

Job Alert Emails

Customize your experience by subscribing to job alerts and insider tips tailored to your preferences. At Northern Trust, exciting and rewarding opportunities are always on the horizon, and we are eager to see where your talents can take us. Join Northern Trust today and be part of a company that values innovation, leadership, and a diverse and inclusive workplace. Here, every position is a chance to contribute to something bigger and to turn your job into a meaningful career.
Learn more about Northern Trust
Size
21,100 employees
Market Cap
$18.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1.2 billion
Founded
1889
5 Year Trend
+4.9%
Revenue
$6.1 billion
NASDAQ

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