Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has appointed Lisa McLaughlin as managing partner of its Digital Legal Delivery (DLD) practice, made up of the international law firm’s alternative legal services, operations, transformation and emerging tech teams. McLaughlin succeeds Libby Jackson MBE, who retires at the end of the financial year.
McLaughlin is currently the firm’s Belfast Office managing partner, a position she has held since 2022. Belfast, opened in 2011 was the first near shore alternative legal services offering launched by an international law firm. DLD was launched in 2024 to effectively bring together the firm’s back end and front facing client service tech and transformation operations.
Commenting on her appointment, McLaughlin said: “The pace of change in legal technology, especially GenAI, creates huge opportunities for our clients and our teams. Over recent years we have built a truly world‑class digital capability. I look forward to building on the strong foundation Libby has established and working with colleagues globally to take the practice into its next phase.”
The challenge for HSF Kramer will be to bed in the recent merger of Herbert Smith Freehills and Kramer Levin and to create a cohesive, firm wide strategy for the expanded DLD function.
Jackson retires after a long and successful career with HSF Kramer. She was a driving force in the creation of the firm’s alternative legal services team and its digital & legal transformation ambitions. She received an MBE for services to the Northern Ireland economy and innovation in law in 2019.
Jeremy Walden, executive partner for HSFK in the UK and EMEA, commented: “Lisa is an amazing leader with a great track record of building teams, driving innovation, and delivering impact for our clients. She has played a central role in growing our Belfast office and developing our digital and alternative legal services business worldwide.
“We also thank Libby Jackson MBE for her outstanding contribution over many years. Her vision and leadership have shaped our Belfast office and digital practice from its earliest days, and she leaves a remarkable legacy. We wish her every success in her well-earned retirement from the partnership.”
Lyn Harris will assume the role of Belfast Office managing partner from 1 May 2026, while Emily Coghlan continues in her regional leadership role for Digital Australia.
