The 10 Influential Women Leaders in the Legal Sector, 2024

W O R L D M A G A Z I N E VOL 11 | ISSUE 01 | 2024 “ I live by the principle that leading by example inspires others to follow. “ Marjan Hermkes Partner | Legal Tech Advisor | Seasoned Project and Business Change Manager L-IME Hermkes A Visionary Leadership Empowering the Change in Legal Tech

“In the legal eld, justice is not an abstract concept; it is the foundation of every decision and the goal of every process.”

Empowering Excellence in Law I n an era where justice and governance shape the core of societal progress, women in the legal sector are making remarkable contributions that resonate across industries and communities. Their journeys inspire, their expertise redefines benchmarks, and their leadership reshapes perspectives on equity and progress. this edition demonstrate an ability to balance technical mastery with a forward-thinking mindset, enriching the practice of law while influencing systemic advancements. As we delve into the profiles of these accomplished women, their stories reflect not only their professional milestones but also their impact on the communities they serve. Through perseverance and vision, they set the standard for leadership that resonates beyond their immediate spheres of influence. This edition celebrates women leaders who have contributed to the legal profession and driven meaningful change. These individuals have cultivated strategies that address contemporary challenges with creativity and precision. Their approaches blend insight, innovation, and resilience, setting a path for future generations. Editor's We are proud to present this special edition, The 10 Influential Women Leaders in the Legal Sector, 2024, a tribute to those driving change and shaping the future of the legal profession. Their legacies remind us of the endless possibilities when commitment meets purpose. Highlighting achievements within this demanding field sheds light on the broader importance of inclusion and diverse representation. Legal professionals who overcome barriers inspire a shared belief in the power of determined advocacy and thoughtful reform. The leaders featured in Note Have a great read ahead! -Michael Wayne

C O N T E N T S C O V E R S T O R Y Hermkes A Visionary Leadership Empowering the Change in Legal Tech A R T I C L E S 14 Challenges and Considerations The Role of Ethics in Modern Law 18 Legal Tech Startup Disrup?ng the Tradi?onal Law Firm Model

Company Name Featured Person Brief Rabin Schumann and Partners LLP rsaplaw.com Bonnie is a founding partner in the firm and a renowned trial and appellate lawyer who has concentrated exclusively in the field of matrimonial and family law for over 35 years. Bonnie Rabin Partner Globalvia A23 Beira Interior and Globalvia Transmontana globalvia.com Joana's leadership has been instrumental in navigating complex legal landscapes and fostering collaboration between stakeholders to advance Globalvia’s objectives. Joana Maltez Chief Legal Officer Kristen has deep experience in data breaches, health information exchange, data sharing for research and clinical integration initiatives, clinical research compliance, clinical trials contracting, biobanking and genomic privacy. Coppersmith Brockelman PLC cblawyers.com Kristen Rosati Partner Michael Wayne Marina has more than 10 years of experience of managing critical issues and giving legal advice to companies to run their business in the country (specially to companies of the life science sector). JTI (Japan Tobacco International) jti.com Marina Zago Legal Director Marjan Hermkes Partner | Legal Tech Advisor | Seasoned Manager Marjan has expertise within accountancy and the legal industry, including several large-scale projects for renowned national and international accountancy advisory, law firms and legal departments. L-IME l-ime.nl/onze-diensten Patricia Mendes Head of Legal and Compliance and Human Resources Patricia is dedicated to different areas of legal expertise as banking and finacing, anti-money laundering (AML) consumer protection, insurance intermediation, data protection, corporate, commercial, tax and civil laws. Volkswagen Financial Services vwfs.co.in Shahira works closely with significant domestic and multinational businesses in a variety of industries including sports, food & beverage, health care, pharmaceutical manufacturers, telecom, petrochemicals, etc. Shahira Khaled Partner Al Kamel Law Firm kamelaw.com November, 2024 Sindhura's leadership and insight have positioned her as a trusted advisor to businesses across diverse industries, ensuring their financial operations align with both local and global regulations. Sindhura Swaminathan Partner (Head of Finance, Paris) Eversheds Sutherland eversheds-sutherland.com www. x Sophia Sofferman Media and Entertainment Attorney Sophia is a licensed attorney in New York, New Jersey, and Florida with experience in entertainment law along with commercial transactions. Pryor Cashman pryorcashman.com We are also available on : Toni Jaramilla, A Professional Toni has over 28 years of experience and successfully litigated hundreds of cases representing workers in discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination. Law Corporation jaramilla.com Toni Jaramilla Attorney 2024

Hermkes A Visionary Leadership Empowering the Change in Legal Tech ‘‘‘ hours are paramount. ‘‘‘ Acknowledging the industry's conservative and risk-averse nature, change management strategies must address resistance carefully, particularly in environments where billable Marjan Hermkes Partner | Legal Tech Advisor | Seasoned Project and Business Change Manager L-IME

sectors.‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘ I Encouraging Team Collaboration and Autonomy n the legal sector, the drive for innovation is reshaping traditional practices and enhancing operational efficiency. Integrating advanced technologies, particularly in document and knowledge management, streamlines processes and improves accuracy. This transformation is not only addressing the demands for greater efficiency but also transforming how legal professionals approach their work. By automating routine tasks and providing sophisticated tools for data analysis, the legal industry is moving towards a future where technology plays a crucial role in delivering more effective and responsive services. L-IME is deeply committed to enhancing legal and accountancy operations through the use of innovative technology and process management. By focusing on document and knowledge management, L-IME is at the forefront of transforming legal practices, helping firms to efficiently adopt new technologies and improve their overall effectiveness. Marjan shares, “Collaboration and empowering teams are integral parts of my leadership.” “I prioritize open communication and teamwork, creating a supportive environment where team members feel motivated to excel,” she added. Marjan is direct and clear in her expectations, ensuring everyone knows where she stands. She believes, “Empowering my team by giving them the autonomy to make decisions and take ownership of their projects can leverage their unique skills.” “I live by the principle that leading by example inspires others to follow,” she emphasizes. My approach drives improved efficiency, effectiveness and success for our clients in the legal and accountancy Let’s discover how Marjan Hermkes’ innovative solutions and expert guidance have transformed legal practice: Journey Through Change Management and Business Consulting Marjan Hermkes, a Partner and Legal Tech Advisor at L-IME is a leading figure in the legal tech area. Harnessing Technology to Revolutionize Legal Practice Marjan’s passion for problem-solving and continuous improvement is a driving force in her career. With over 20 years in the professional services industry, primarily in law firms, she has found that consulting in these sectors involves tackling complex challenges, which she enjoys very much. Marjan believes, “Success requires not only an understanding of the industry and partner-led organizations but also navigating the blend of traditional practices with emerging technologies”—a dynamic and fascinating environment to thrive in. Her dedication to solving these challenges reassures clients and industry professionals of her commitment. Her role as a change management and business consulting professional is pivotal in guiding organizations through complex technological and organizational changes. Marjan’s strategic insight, dedication to problem-solving, and deep understanding of industry needs, combined with a strong client-centric focus, make her a standout leader. Her ability to drive meaningful improvements and implement effective solutions is not just impressive but also inspiring to both clients and those setting industry standards. necessary technological skills. Marjan believes, “Knowledge and document management technology will reshape the legal industry by boosting efficiency, accuracy and accessibility.” The most successful professionals and firms will integrate these technologies while maintaining the essential human touch in legal services. Technology has improved efficiency with advanced document management systems and AI-powered tools, streamlining labor-intensive processes and allowing legal professionals to focus on high-value tasks requiring human judgment. With the ability to analyze vast amounts of data more accurately and quickly, AI and machine learning have enhanced accuracy, reducing human error in contract review and research tasks. Cloud-based knowledge management systems have contributed to more accessible collaboration and information sharing within legal teams. Faster access to information and more efficient processes enables lawyers to deliver quicker and more comprehensive client service. Directing Change in the Legal Industry Leading large-scale projects in the legal industry requires a nuanced approach that balances respect for tradition with the need for change. Driving Efficiency and Innovation in Legal Tech Solutions Acknowledging the industry's conservative and risk- averse nature, change management strategies must address resistance carefully, particularly in environments where billable hours are paramount. It's crucial to emphasize value creation beyond billable time and to navigate the intricacies of partnership structures and professional autonomy. As a Partner and Legal Tech Advisor at L-IME, Marjan’s primary responsibilities are providing strategic advice on leveraging technology in legal and accountancy operations, focusing on document and knowledge management. She also guides clients through organizational changes, ensuring the successful adoption of new technologies or processes. Marjan also shares insights on legal technology trends at conferences to keep clients informed and competitive. Transformative technology has automated routine tasks, including tracking and reporting, managed documents efficiently and made legal services accessible through online platforms and AI-powered tools. Subsequently, it reduced costs for law firms and clients. Marjan usually applies the Prosci ADKAR model, with her own adaptations, to limit resistance and ensure successful outcomes. The word “ADKAR” is an acronym for the five outcomes an individual needs to achieve for a change to be successful—Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement. To ensure the best outcomes, Marjan puts emphasis on a client-centric approach, thoroughly assessing each client's unique challenges and goals. Marjan believes, “Technology, particularly in knowledge and document management, is set to transform the legal industry.” “While technology will play an increasingly significant role, it won't replace the need for skilled legal professionals,” she added. Instead, it will focus on tasks requiring complex problem-solving, emotional intelligence and strategic thinking. Marjan and her team collaborate closely to develop and implement customized or off-the-shelf solutions, emphasizing communication and collaboration. “My approach drives improved efficiency, effectiveness and success for our clients in the legal and accountancy sectors,” she stated. The Prosci ADKAR model effectively communicates the project goals and expected outcomes to all stakeholders. Legal professionals must adapt and embrace technological advancements to enhance their practice. Education and training will equip them with the At times, rigid plans fail in speedy transformative environments. In those cases, Marjan uses agile

Equipping Law Firms with AI-Driven Knowledge Management methodologies for flexible project planning. It fosters a culture of innovation and learning by encouraging openness to new ideas within the team. they attend key conferences such as ILTACON, Lexpo and KMWorld to gain insights and network with experts. In the coming years, Marjan aims to prepare law firms to be AI-ready by helping them understand their options, where to start and the potential impact of AI. She will also maintain a strong focus on knowledge management. This model prioritizes change management, helping people adapt to new processes or technologies and recognizing the legal sector's unique challenges. By breaking down silos, the model promotes cross- functional collaboration along with innovation and efficiency. It regularly assesses and mitigates risks in a volatile environment. To engage stakeholders, it keeps all relevant parties informed and involved throughout the project lifecycle. The Prosci ADKAR model utilizes project management and collaboration tools to streamline processes and communication. It demonstrates adaptability, resilience and a positive attitude toward change. Additionally, Marjan and her team build and maintain strong relationships with legal tech vendors, allowing them early access to new features and updates. Beyond staying informed, they focus on how new technologies can be practically applied to improve legal services and operations. By encouraging curiosity and innovation while balancing the practical needs of legal work, Marjan and her team ensure that the organization adopts technologies that deliver real value rather than just following trends. L-IME has recently partnered with ClearPeople, the developer of Atlas, an Intelligent Knowledge Platform based on Microsoft 365. Atlas is designed to make contextual knowledge easily accessible and empower employees to leverage credible sources when using AI. It has connectors to all common legal document management systems, optimizing often yearlong investments made in that area. This transformative solution aligns perfectly with the mission to equip legal and professional services organizations with technology that drives efficiency and growth. L-IME has high expectations for the value it will bring to its clients. Striking a Balance between Professional and Personal Life This approach ensures that change is managed thoughtfully, balancing the industry's traditional values with the need for progress. Marjan grumbles, “Unfortunately, the question about work-life balance is often directed at women more than men.” “Balancing professional responsibilities with personal life can be a challenge, but I set clear boundaries for my working hours and adhere to them as much as possible,” she added. She is mindful of when to disconnect and step away from work to recharge and maintain perspective. is another key strategy, breaking down silos between departments, encouraging knowledge sharing and forming interdisciplinary teams for complex engagements. Staying Ahead in Legal Tech Marjan and her team foster a continuous learning culture and prioritize professional development to stay ahead of the ever-evolving legal tech industry. They regularly engage with leading legal tech publications like Legal IT Professionals, LawSites and Artificial Lawyer. They also follow industry thought leaders on social media, such as Robert Ambrogi, Julia Montgomery and Nikki Shaver, to stay informed about the latest trends and innovations. Equally important, Most importantly, fostering a culture of continuous improvement is vital. Encourage team members to suggest process enhancements and invest in change management to make changes stick. It’s crucial to tailor their approach to each organization's unique context and involve key stakeholders in the process. Process optimization should be seen as an ongoing effort, with regular reviews and adjustments to maintain efficiency and effectiveness. Achieving work-life balance is an ongoing process that requires constant attention and adjustment. Marjan feels, “I’m grateful to be surrounded by people who support and look out for me, which makes it easier to maintain this balance.” ‘‘‘‘ technologies. ‘‘‘‘ Tailored Strategies for Legal and Accountancy Firms L IME Marjan applies effective strategies impactful in legal and accountancy firms to drive process optimization. She believes, “It is essential to fully understand what needs optimization, why it is necessary, and the expected outcomes.” It starts with thorough process mapping and analysis to document current workflows and identify bottlenecks, redundancies and inefficiencies. “A client- centric approach is also crucial—gathering and analyzing client feedback to ensure processes align with their needs and expectations,” Marjan points out. Cultivating Expertise and Networking for Success Success requires not only an understanding of the industry and partner-led organizations but also navigating the blend of traditional practices with emerging Marjan advises young professionals to “Develop a unique blend of legal knowledge, technological expertise and strong interpersonal skills.” “Be patient and persistent, as change in the legal industry can be slow,” she indicated. With the developing nature of the legal industry, aspiring professionals should embrace lifelong learning and refine their skills consistently. Marjan suggests, “Focus on a specific area of expertise, build a personal brand and make it a point to attend legal tech conferences and network strategically.” “This combination of skills and proactive engagement will set you up for success in this dynamic field,” she added. Marjan believes technology can be a powerful tool for optimization. However, it should be used only when necessary. Sometimes, standardization—such as creating templates, procedures and best practice guidelines—is sufficient. Cross-functional collaboration

Challenges and Considerations The Role of Ethics in Modern Law I governmental units in maintaining social order and being created by human conscience-the ethical aspect. The changing social mores and the law and ethics relationship continue to pose critical questions on fairness, justice, and individual rights. Most of the time, lawyers, legislators, and judges are left with a hard decision to make either to side with the statutes of law or the ethical principles, which are mostly at odds with each other. n modern society, law and ethics cross their ways to determine how to operate a justice system. It is the set of rules formulated and applied by the The Legal System’s Dependence on Ethical Principles In fact, the essence of the legal system resides in the fundamental fact that the laws must reflect what is just, fair, and equitable. Ethics plays its own significant role in the production of, application, interpretation, and laws, compared with laws being black and white. More often than not it is ethics that determine in practice how those laws are placed in life. For instance, in legislation formation, lawmakers weigh competing interests in a proposed policy against the gains and losses of a given policy on different groups of people in society. The ethical principles guide choices as to which policies are in the common good and protect the rights of individuals. In courts, judges and attorneys work towards having the rights of all parties observed, that legal processes are fair, and that justice is served. Legal practice is the major aspect where law encounters ethics. Attorneys must operate with a code of ethics. It can be a body such as the American Bar November 2024 | 14 | womenworldmagazine.com November 2024 | 15 | womenworldmagazine.com

society.S Association Model Rules of Professional Conduct that illustrates how attorneys ought to practice in representing their clients, functioning as officers of the court and as actors within the system of the judicial. However, sometimes, the legal duties of lawyers conflict with their obligations to the court, society, and, finally, justice. in matters that impact human lives, or do we stick to human oversight? Data privacy and confidentiality also arise with the increasingly digital nature of today’s world. A professional duty exists to keep his client’s confidential information private for a lawyer. This has, however, been made more complex with the advent of cloud computing and the increased use of digital communication. Professionals in law must find a way of balancing the convenience and efficiency of new technologies against their ethical responsibility toward protecting the privacy of clients and data security. A great example would be the case in which a lawyer undoubtedly knows that his client committed a crime but still has a responsibility to represent his client to the best of his abilities. The lawyer has an ethical responsibility to represent his client zealously. Also, they have to consider their duty before the court and to the idea of justice. Therefore, a point of tension can easily be created, particularly where the case may well be a high-profile criminal one in which public opinion is most likely split. Conclusion Ethics is the bedrock of most modern legal systems, shaping the activities of legal professionals and jurisprudential understanding and application. The ethical dilemma that best describes the experience for attorneys, judges, and lawmakers is that which is the underlying issue: how can legal decisions and actions be squared with moral principles in the execution of protection for human dignity, fairness, and justice? In addition, ethical questions arise in civil law, specifically with regard to corporations and personal injury claims. Attorneys often encounter a scenario where they would have to choose whether they should carry on their client’s interest or if they must hold onto their moral judgment. For example, a lawyer is entrusted with the task of defending a corporation accused of environmental malpractice. Still, in a situation where the lawyer is of the opinion that the company’s activities were patently unethical, then the lawyer might have to wrestle between completing the professional obligation and following his or her personal ethical sensibilities. With the continued growth of interconnected society and technological advancement, these ethical dilemmas that face the legal profession will surely grow in intensity. This calls for the alertness and care of legal professionals to ensure their actions meet both the letter of the law and the moral ethos behind it. This way, the integrity of the legal system will be served, and contributions will be made towards a just and fairer Technological Issues and Ethics of Modern Law Advances in recent times have transformed the practice of law for professionals by leaps and bounds. Digital tools, the internet, and AI afford a modern legal practitioner tremendous scrutiny on ethical concerns ranging from data privacy, cybersecurity, responsible use of technology, and much more. Consider AI in the practice of law. AI tools can help with legal research, automate mundane jobs, and even make judgments on cases. Yet AI algorithms suffer from many concerns over issues of fairness and bias. Should an algorithm be biased, then the result of such may well be generated because it sustains the prejudices that are extant and, hence, unfair. The ethical question is: do we have the right to entrust technology to make decisions November 2024 | 16 | womenworldmagazine.com

Legal Tech Startup Disrupting the Traditional Law Firm Model T he legal industry has long been associated with convention and routine, but recent innovations in technology are reshaping how law firms operate. Legal tech startups are pioneering solutions that challenge established norms, offering efficiency and accessibility in a traditionally exclusive sector. These changes promise to redefine legal services for clients and practitioners alike. Let’s embrace the new possibilities within the legal sector. Discover how technology is creating opportunities for more efficient and inclusive solutions. Streamlining Workflows One of the core benefits offered by legal tech startups is streamlined workflows. By automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks, such as document review and legal research, firms can focus more on their core services. This automation not only saves time but also reduces costs, making legal services more accessible. Advanced algorithms can sift through thousands of documents within minutes, identifying patterns and relevant information that would take a human team hours to uncover. Enhancing Client Engagement The adoption of technology has also improved client engagement. Platforms designed for communication and case tracking provide transparency and convenience. Clients can now access updates on their cases in real-time, eliminating the need for constant follow-ups. This shift towards transparency fosters trust and creates a more collaborative relationship between clients and their legal representatives. November 2024 | 18 | womenworldmagazine.com November 2024 | 19 | womenworldmagazine.com

“A leader in the legal world not only interprets the law but also leads the way in setting ethical standards.” Collaboration Between Tech and Legal Experts Such advancements make legal processes less intimidating and more approachable. The success of legal tech startups hinges on effective collaboration between technologists and legal professionals. By combining expertise from both fields, these startups create tools that are both practical and legally sound. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that new technologies align with legal standards and address the real-world challenges faced by practitioners. Cost Efficiency Through Innovation Legal services have traditionally been expensive, often alienating individuals and small businesses from seeking professional help. Legal tech startups address this issue by offering innovative pricing models, such as subscription-based services or pay-as-you-go platforms. These alternatives make high-quality legal services affordable to a broader audience. Additionally, the reduced reliance on manual labor due to automation translates to lower operational costs, which are passed on as savings to clients. In conclusion, as legal tech startups continue to gain traction, the industry must adapt to these new paradigms. Traditional law firms that resist change risk falling behind, while those that embrace innovation stand to benefit immensely. By integrating technology into their practices, firms can remain competitive and better serve their clients in an increasingly digital world. Data-Driven Decision Making With the integration of artificial intelligence and analytics, legal professionals can now make data-driven decisions with greater accuracy. Predictive analytics, for example, can assess the likelihood of a case’s success based on historical data and trends. This empowers clients and lawyers to make informed choices about their strategies, reducing uncertainty and increasing confidence in outcomes. Accessibility and Inclusion Legal tech startups are breaking down barriers to access by democratizing legal services. Online platforms and mobile applications provide users with legal information and resources at their fingertips. This development is particularly impactful for underserved communities, who often face challenges accessing traditional legal representation. By creating tools that cater to a diverse range of needs, these startups are making justice more equitable. Cybersecurity and Ethical Considerations As technology becomes more embedded in legal operations, the importance of cybersecurity and ethical practices cannot be overstated. Legal tech startups are investing in robust security measures to ensure client confidentiality and data protection. Additionally, ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI in legal decision-making are being actively addressed, ensuring fairness and accountability remain at the core of these innovations. November 2024 | 20 | womenworldmagazine.com

The 10 Influential Women Leaders in the Legal Sector, 2024

The 10 Influential Women Leaders in the Legal Sector, 2024

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