Ashurst eyes technology transformation with new global partner

Hilary joins from Herbert Smith Freehills, where she held senior leadership positions in HSF's alternative legal services business. She has extensive experience in both the technology and legal services industries and will strengthen Ashurst Advance's fast-growing NewLaw offering.
 
Hilary was the 2019 recipient of the highly coveted Chief Executive Women’s Harvard Business School Disruptive Innovation Scholarship and was named “Innovator of the Year” at the Lawyer’s Weekly Partner of the Year Awards. She is an Advisory Board Member of the Centre for Legal Innovation and is a frequent commentator on the impact of technology on the delivery of legal services.
 
The new global role is a sign of Ashurst's intention to consolidate its position at the forefront of NewLaw transformation by using innovative technology-enabled legal solutions to deliver significant efficiencies and cost savings for clients. Key NewLaw priorities for Ashurst include:

• developing world class digital solutions for clients;
• increasing the firm's use of alternative resourcing and technology to provide efficient and flexible delivery of legal services; and 
• helping clients with their own legal transformation.

A key focus for Hilary will be the development of integrated client solutions combining the firm's market leading capability across law, consulting and delivery. Based in the firm's Melbourne office, Hilary will also be strongly focussed on the growth of the Ashurst Advance offering across Asia Pacific.
 
Head of Ashurst Advance, Chris Georgiou, commented:
 
"Hilary has the ideal mix of demonstrated excellence in leadership and legal technology to drive our next phase of growth. Her expertise in innovation and technology-enabled legal solutions will significantly bolster our ambitious strategy to materially enhance client experience, efficiency and flexibility. Hilary is strongly focussed on operational execution and her exemplary background and skillset will be instrumental in the growth of Ashurst Advance."
 
Global Managing Partner, Paul Jenkins added:
 
"We are thrilled that Hilary has been appointed to this global leadership role for the firm. Ashurst Advance has had an impressive first year as a core division of the firm, with 34% increase in revenue and its headcount growing by 25% to over 120 people globally, including 4 partners. This growth underlines demand from clients for our integrated services. As Chief Operating Officer, Hilary will help drive our investment in NewLaw offerings and position Ashurst at the forefront of the future legal services market."
 
Hilary said:
 
"I am delighted to take on the role of Chief Operating Officer of Ashurst Advance. Ashurst is developing a very strong global platform and reputation for the highest standard of client service. I am excited by the opportunity to lead and execute on the optimisation of this platform, and to inspire growth across the firm through implementing world-class technology-enabled legal solutions for clients."