Data and AI Architect, Professional Services

Intelance helps organisations make clear, evidence based decisions about technology. We are looking for a freelance Data and AI Architect to join a short enterprise architecture review for a large UK professional services firm. You will map the firm’s data platform and AI tools, working alongside our Lead Enterprise Architect. Intelance’s engagement partner stays accountable for the engagement and the client relationship.

The work needs around 8 to 10 days, mainly in November and early December 2026, with up to 2 more days if the client takes the follow on work. The work is mainly remote within the UK, with occasional client meetings in England agreed in advance.

Tasks

• Map which business tools contain AI features, what each one does and where they overlap. This includes Microsoft 365 Copilot, AI inside line of business products and an AI assistant the firm built itself.
• Trace how firm and client data reaches each AI tool, using existing records and conversations with the people who own them.
• Review what feeds the central data platform, and what does not.
• Work with the Head of Data and the information security and data protection teams, building on the governance they already have.
• Produce the AI and data capability map, and contribute findings to the risk report and the costed options.
• Check every finding with the owner named on it before it goes into the report.

Requirements

• You have designed or reviewed a central data platform or data warehouse in a regulated organisation.
• You have mapped AI features across a Microsoft 365 estate, including Copilot, and you understand how Azure OpenAI is used to build internal tools.
• You understand client confidentiality and why it matters in a law firm or other professional services firm.
• Experience in legal or professional services is a strong plus.
• You work as a peer alongside a Head of Data and senior technology leaders, without competing with them.
• You write clear findings that non technical leaders can act on.
• Independent of software vendors. You must not currently work for, or resell products from, a legal software supplier, a Microsoft partner or an IT services provider to the client.
• Based in the UK with the right to work here, and willing to complete the background checks the client requires.

Benefits

• £600 to £700 per day, depending on relevant experience. Rates exclude VAT where applicable. Contracting route and tax status are confirmed before work starts.
• Around 8 to 10 days, mainly in November and early December 2026, with up to 2 more days if the follow on goes ahead.
• A defined scope, clear outputs and Intelance templates, so your time goes on the work itself.
• Direct work with our Lead Enterprise Architect and Intelance’s engagement partner.
• Potential for further data and AI assignments by mutual agreement. No minimum volume of work is guaranteed.

Apply with your CV and answer the short screening questions. No cover letter is needed. Shortlisted candidates will join a working session with our engagement partner to talk through how they would approach the AI and data map. The work starts once the client confirms the engagement. We will agree availability, rate and contract terms in writing before then. Please do not include confidential client documents.