A new leadership role at the intersection of law and AI
Artificial intelligence is transforming industries far beyond traditional technology companies, and the legal profession is becoming an important area of investment.
On November 9, 2026, Davis Polk & Wardwell announced that Nicola Shaver will join the firm as its first Chief AI and Knowledge Officer.
Shaver, who co-founded legal technology information company Legaltech Hub in 2020, is expected to begin the role in December.
Her appointment reflects a broader shift among major law firms toward establishing dedicated leadership positions responsible for AI adoption, innovation and knowledge management.
From entrepreneurship to executive leadership
Shaver has spent recent years helping legal professionals understand and evaluate emerging technology.
As a co-founder of Legaltech Hub, she contributed to a business focused on legal technology information and analysis.
Before establishing the company, she worked at law firms including Paul Hastings.
Her move to Davis Polk represents a return to working inside a law firm, this time in a senior position dedicated to technology strategy.
Legaltech Hub co-founder Jeroen Plink has been named CEO following her departure.
Why law firms are investing in AI leadership
Law firms manage substantial volumes of documents, research, contracts and specialized knowledge.
AI tools offer potential applications in information retrieval, document review, drafting support and workflow management.
However, introducing these technologies into professional services involves more than purchasing software.
Organizations must assess confidentiality, accuracy, security, professional obligations and how technology integrates with existing work.
A dedicated AI executive can help coordinate these responsibilities across legal, technology and business teams.
Davis Polk’s decision to create this position suggests that AI adoption is becoming an organizational leadership priority rather than simply an isolated technology project.
A growing competition for AI talent
The appointment comes amid substantial technology commitments across the legal industry.
According to Reuters, A&O Shearman has outlined a $1.1 billion AI strategy over five years, while Kirkland & Ellis has committed significant resources to developing a custom AI platform.
Cooley has also established a technology subsidiary focused on developing internal tools.
These announcements reflect organizational plans and investment commitments; they do not establish that all anticipated spending has already occurred or that the resulting technologies will achieve their intended benefits.
The trend nevertheless indicates growing demand for professionals who can connect technical capabilities with operational strategy.
What this means for women in technology
Shaver’s appointment illustrates a career pathway that combines entrepreneurship, industry expertise and technology leadership.
AI leadership roles do not necessarily require a career spent exclusively developing machine-learning models.
They can also depend on understanding how organizations operate, evaluating technology, managing change and helping teams adopt new systems responsibly.
Relevant career areas include AI governance, product strategy, legal operations, knowledge management, cybersecurity and technology transformation.
For women seeking leadership positions in emerging technology, Shaver’s career demonstrates how specialized industry knowledge can translate into broader executive responsibilities.
The next stage of legal AI
The legal industry’s long-term AI transformation will depend on whether firms can improve productivity while maintaining professional standards.
Technology may accelerate certain workflows, but human review and accountability remain essential.
Shaver’s new role at Davis Polk reflects the increasing importance of leadership capable of navigating both sides of that equation.
As AI adoption spreads, organizations across industries may follow a similar approach: appointing executives who understand not only the technology itself, but also the people, processes and responsibilities involved in using it.
Sources and further reading
Reuters — Davis Polk hires AI executive as law firms jockey for talent, November 9, 2026
Davis Polk & Wardwell — Official website
Legaltech Hub — Official website
Looking for Your Next Opportunity in STEM?
Fems in STEM Career Connections highlights women-led innovation, career opportunities, and emerging technology developments.
Subscribe to Fems in STEM Career Connections for curated updates.
This article is independent editorial coverage based on publicly available information. It is not sponsored by or affiliated with the organizations mentioned.
Discover more from Fems in STEM
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
