Herbert Smith Freehills strengthens its Digital Legal Delivery practice with senior appointments

Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) has further invested in its Digital Legal Delivery practice with a number of senior appointments across its global offices. 

Susannah Wilkinson has been appointed as Global Director of Generative AI (GenAI), and Alex Comyn has joined the firm as Associate Director of Legal Technology (Australia). 

Susannah joined HSF in 2006. Prior to this appointment, she led a team of specialist lawyers advising on cutting-edge issues arising from the adoption of emerging technologies in a rapidly changing world. She is a co-founder of the Digital Law Association and Deputy-Chair of the Digital Commerce Committee, Business Law Section of the Law Council of Australia, and a member of the Expert Advisory Group on Neurotechnology to the Australian Human Rights Commission. 

Susannah leads the firm’s adoption of Generative AI (GenAI) globally, focusing on seizing the opportunities presented by GenAI and strengthening the firm’s use of the technology, as well as its use in the services we deliver to clients, for a future shaped by digital innovation. 

On taking the role, Susannah said, “GenAI is transforming business processes in a way that was once considered impossible.   

“I am excited to be leading the firm's evolving GenAI strategy, guided by the needs of our clients and delivered by the best minds in the market.” 

Alex Comyn joined HSF from Deloitte, where he was a Principal in the Discovery and Data Management team. Alex has over 20 years of experience in the forensic technology sector, with skills in digital forensics, eDiscovery and investigations. He has worked with clients in the UK, Europe, Middle East, and more recently Australia, helping them to effectively tackle litigation, investigations, and regulatory challenges by leveraging innovative technology-enabled solutions. 

Following his appointment, Alex commented, “I am thrilled to have joined this forward-thinking team, especially driven by the clear focus on embracing technology to address our client’s business needs 

“This is especially crucial when dealing with exponentially increasing data volumes, evolving data sources, and new, emerging technologies.”   

The global Digital Legal Delivery practice’s growth is further bolstered by additional senior appointments. HSF has welcomed Amanda Fajerman as Head of Digital Change for Australia, and Ryan Cimino as Head of GenAI Operations for Australia and Asia. In the UK, Maguelonne de Brugiere has joined the practice as Head of Risk, Digital Legal Delivery and GenAI.  

Launched in May 2024, HSF’s Digital Legal Delivery practice brings together over 420 legal, tech and analytical minds to deliver market-leading digital services for its clients. Leveraging the strength of the firm’s global network, the practice is focussed on implementing the best technology solutions today while horizon scanning for how technology will facilitate business tomorrow, including New Law frameworks and generative AI.