Herbert Smith Freehills Elevates Libby Jackson to Inaugural Managing Partner Role for Digital Legal Services

Herbert Smith Freehills Elevates Libby Jackson to Inaugural Managing Partner Role for Digital Legal Services

In a significant move, Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) has appointed Libby Jackson, the longstanding head of its alternative legal services arm, as the inaugural managing partner of its digital legal services practice.

This strategic decision reflects HSF's recognition of the growing importance of digitalisation in the legal industry and its commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation.

To expand its digital advisory services and harness the collective expertise of its existing teams and digital talent, HSF has established this new role for Jackson, who has been with the firm for over two decades. She will consolidate her leadership of the firm's digital strategy, legal transformation initiatives, and global legal operations team.

Herbert Smith Freehills CEO Justin D'Agostino commended Libby Jackson for her impressive track record in transforming ideas into tangible outcomes.

“Her blend of digital savvy and legal expertise will combine to ensure our clients can quickly realise the opportunities afforded to them as digital transformation becomes a byword for business as usual,” D'Agostino said.

Since 2020, Jackson has served as the head of HSF's alternative legal services arm, overseeing a team consisting of nearly 400 technologists, legal assistants, and lawyers. HSF underlined that her appointment as a leader in the digital legal services practice is a vital component of their Ambition 2025 strategy, which was unveiled last spring.

The Ambition 2025 strategy primarily focuses on digital innovation and legal transformation, in addition to enhancing transactional capabilities and leveraging the firm's longstanding expertise in the Asia-Pacific region.

In a statement, the firm stressed that the creation of the new role signifies its dedication to assisting clients in effectively navigating and adapting to the evolving regulatory landscape resulting from digital transformation. Jackson's responsibilities will extend beyond legal advisory services as she takes the lead in guiding clients to comprehend the commercial prospects presented by digital transformation.

Her role will involve spearheading initiatives aimed at providing clients with insights and strategies to leverage the benefits arising from digital advancements while effectively managing associated challenges.

According to Jackson, there is a disconnect between the creative chaos of digital transformation and how, in practice and with prudent investment in mind, the business community gets ready for the changes we all face.

“Our clients need teams who are not just capable of understanding the ramifications of technological advances; they want lawyers who are commercial and able to apply their digital knowledge and understanding of the law to an environment that is changing with breakneck speed,” Jackson said.

Having started her journey with HSF as a trainee solicitor in 1994, Jackson has been an integral part of the firm's growth and success.

Initially focusing on significant commercial litigation cases, she transitioned to legal practice management in 2003, taking on a broader role within the organisation. Jackson's contributions to the legal field were recognised in 2019 when she was honoured as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her innovative contributions to the practice of law.