Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer appoints Lisa McLaughlin as Managing Partner of Digital Legal Delivery

Leading global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has appointed Lisa McLaughlin as Managing Partner of its Digital Legal Delivery practice, effective 1 May 2026.

Lisa, who is currently the firm's Belfast Office Managing Partner, a position she has held since 2022, takes over at an exciting time for the practice as it focuses on broadening and deepening its services with clients to leverage the full benefits of GenAI.

In her role, Lisa will have oversight of the firm's Digital practice, working closely with partners Lyn Harris and Emily Coghlan. She will also continue in her leadership role for Digital China, working closely with Lucy Yao.

Lisa joined the firm as a trainee in 2003, before qualifying into the London International Arbitration practice. She returned to Northern Ireland to help establish the Belfast office and the firm's Alternative Legal Services business, which was launched as the Digital practice group in 2024. She became a partner in 2020. 

Commenting on her appointment, Lisa said:

“I am delighted to take on this role at such an important moment for our Digital Legal Delivery practice. 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.”

Lisa succeeds Libby Jackson MBE, who retires at the end of the financial year after a long and successful career with HSF Kramer. Libby was a driving force in the firm's Digital & Legal Transformation ambition, and its pioneering Alternative Legal Services team. She received an MBE for services to the Northern Ireland economy and innovation in law in 2019.

Jeremy Walden, Executive Partner, 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. I am delighted to see her take on this role.

"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.