Leading global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has appointed Ilona Logvinova as its global Chief AI Officer, ensuring it remains at the forefront of legal technology and AI. An accomplished innovation leader and AI expert, New York-based Logvinova has a strong track record of implementing major AI and digital transformation initiatives in legal and corporate environments.

Logvinova has previously been Global Head of Innovation for McKinsey Legal and managing counsel for McKinsey Digital. She was also Senior Counsel at Mastercard, focusing on technology builds and tech transactions. She joins HSF Kramer from Cleary Gottlieb, where she led its legal innovation and transformation.

Announcing the appointment, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Global CEO, Justin D’Agostino, said: “Ilona will drive the firm’s global strategy to further leverage the potential of AI and legal technology in the service of our clients.”

“The question is no longer whether AI will disrupt the legal sector, but how fast and how well we can harness it to deliver value. This means having the best people using the best technology underpinned by robust oversight. Ilona is already known for her expertise, and her extensive experience in digital transformation and innovation make her an exceptional fit for this newly-created role. We are delighted to have her join us at this time of change,” D’Agostino added.

Commenting on her appointment, Logvinova said that she is excited to join HSF Kramer, with its reputation for excellence, ambition, and innovation: “HSF Kramer believes, as I do, that legal innovation isn’t about asking ‘what can tech do?’ but rather, ‘what do our clients and people need today and tomorrow?’ Innovation succeeds when it’s tied directly to client outcomes. It’s a critical time for embedding leading-edge AI into legal services. Having sophisticated emerging technologies and the best-trained lawyers to use them will identify and differentiate the world’s leading global law firms.