Pioneers of Digital Acumen: Integrating Technical Skills in the Realm of Legal Profession
In the ever-evolving world of law, technology is no longer a distant concept but an integral part of the profession. A host of pioneering lawyers are leading the charge, combining their legal expertise with coding skills to revolutionize the legal sector.
Orlando Conetta, head of research and development at Pinsent Masons, has been working on the intersection of law and coding for over two decades. His efforts ensured the firm was well prepared for the latest breakthroughs in AI.
Joe Cohen, director of advanced client solutions at Charles Russell Speechlys, has expanded his firm's team to over 20 legal technology specialists. He also launched Russell Up, a scheme where trainees propose ideas for automation.
Gareth Stokes, partner and global co-chair of technology at DLA Piper, is co-chairing the firm's 450-strong international AI working group. He has developed a two-day modular AI workshop for clients, covering subjects such as EU regulations and governance frameworks.
José Rodríguez Coching, head of legal innovation and technology at KPMG Abogados, is the winner of the Innovative Lawyers 2025 award. He set up AI Legal Ninjas, a scheme that encourages work on integrating, implementing, and extending new tech. In 2019, he created KPMG Katalyst, a platform used by about 400 organizations in more than 90 jurisdictions.
Oliver Bethell, chief technology officer at Travers Smith, has made significant strides in the legal tech field. His team has developed products such as Jylo, an AI assistant used daily by more than two-thirds of the firm. They have also launched YCNBot and Etatonna, tools designed to offer safe access to large language models in the legal sector.
Mehreen Malik, Head of Pro Bono - Europe at Mayer Brown, has helped reshape the firm's European pro bono culture since joining in 2017. Since 2019, the number of pro bono hours completed by Mayer Brown's lawyers in London has risen by nearly 70%, and the number of individual lawyers undertaking pro bono work has increased by 30%.
Lucía Elizalde-Bulanti, Director of Behavioural Innovation at Dechert, is graduating with a master's degree in behavioural sciences. She devised a "radical thinking programme" in 2024 to encourage unconventional thinking in the legal field. Her "behavioural change programme" aims to tackle unproductive work habits by identifying and mitigating root causes of obstacles to good practice.
In Spain, Joaquín Ruiz Echauri, Partner at Pérez-Llorca, set up a pioneering insurance practice dedicated to Spain's insurance sector at Pérez-Llorca in 2020. The new-style insurance practice at Pérez-Llorca has greater breadth than other law firms serving the sector in Spain and even some international competitors.
Ian Bagshaw, managing partner in London at Perkins Coie, is fostering entrepreneurial spirit and widening career opportunities at his firm. He has also set out to help students from less advantaged backgrounds through his role as chair of Zero Gravity.
Gareth Stokes is working on a long-term project to develop a high-accuracy generative AI contract review system. His efforts are a testament to the growing role of AI in the legal sector, where automation and innovation are transforming traditional practices.
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