The new global role, Ashurst says, is a sign of the firm's intention to “consolidate its position at the forefront of NewLaw transformation”
Ashurst has snapped up a senior leader from Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) to serve as global COO and partner in its NewLaw division Ashurst Advance.
Hilary Goodier directed HSF’s alternative legal services business (ALT) in Australia, as well as its ALT global technology practice. She has worked extensively in technology and legal services, and is an advisory board member at the Centre for Legal Innovation. Last year, she was awarded the Chief Executive Women’s Harvard Business School Disruptive Innovation Scholarship.
“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,” Goodier said.
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The new global role, Ashurst said, is a sign of the firm’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.”
Goodier will operate from the firm’s Melbourne office, and will concentrate on strengthening the Ashurst Advance offering in the APAC region. She will also focus on developing “integrated client solutions combining the firm's market leading capability across law, consulting and delivery,” Ashurst said.
The firm’s leaders praised Goodier’s appointment, with Ashurst Advance head Chris Georgiou highlighting her technology and innovation expertise.
“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,” Georgiou said. “Hilary is strongly focussed on operational execution and her exemplary background and skillset will be instrumental in the growth of Ashurst Advance.”
Meanwhile, global managing partner Paul Jenkins underscored the NewLaw division’s strong performance in its debut year.
“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,” he said. “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.”
The firm outlined its key priorities for the NewLaw division as follows:
- 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
- helping clients with their own legal transformation