
About the awards
The Running Legal Like a Business Awards recognize exceptional achievements in legal department management, innovation, and technology. Award winners have demonstrated remarkable success in transforming the legal landscape.
Submissions are carefully evaluated by industry experts, and winners are selected based on specific criteria, showcasing the impactful outcomes achieved by these outstanding individuals and teams.


2025 Awards Information

Overview
Categories include recognition opportunities for individuals and teams in the corporate legal world, including in‑house, law firms, other service providers, and technologies.
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Key 2025 dates
March 3
Nominations open
May 2
Nominations close
Sept 2–6
Awards presented at RLLB annual conference,
held at Fontainebleau Las Vegas
Legal Operations Innovator of the Year
In-house only
Recognizing an individual or team that has led groundbreaking initiatives in legal operations – leveraging technology, process improvements, or data analytics to enhance efficiency, scalability, and impact.
GC/CLO of the Year
In-house only
Recognizing an individual who has successfully led their legal department with a focus on operational efficiency, business alignment, and tangible results, exemplifying how legal operates as a strategic, business-focused function.
Best Legal Transformation Project
Open to all
Honoring a standout project that has successfully revolutionized legal operations by enhancing efficiency, streamlining workflows, and delivering measurable impact.
Pioneering Use of AI
Open to all
Recognizing professionals or teams that have effectively integrated artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, enhance decision-making, and transform legal service delivery.
Excellence in Mentorship and Leadership
Open to all
Honoring individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and mentorship, shaping the next generation of legal professionals through guidance, advocacy, and innovation.
Rising Legal Operations Leaders Under 40
In-house only
Celebrating in-house rising stars under 40 who are driving innnovation, leadership, and operational excellence in the legal industry.
Intellectual Property Operations Excellence
In-house & Law Firm only
Recognizing outstanding contributions to intellectual property management by optimizing workflows, leveraging technology, and aligning IP strategy with business objectives.
Litigation Operations Excellence
In-house & Law Firm only
Honoring individuals or teams who have transformed litigation operations through innovation, strategic execution, and efficiency-driven solutions.
Legal Technology and Service Provider Innovation
Providers only
Recognizing technology providers and service firms that have pioneered innovative solutions to enhance, support, and transform legal operations.
HERizon Women & Allies Leadership Award
Open to all
Celebrating women and allies in legal leadership who are breaking barriers, driving innovation, and fostering the next generation of professionals.
Data-Driven Legal Department of the Year
In-house only
Honoring a legal team that has successfully leveraged data analytics, metrics, and reporting to improve decision-making, resource allocation, and overall legal performance.
2025 Categories

2024
Winners

Best Transformation Project
Flex (Justin Schwartz)
Mercedes-Benz USA Legal Team
UBS (Vincenzo Purificato)
Vonage (Carol Hopperton and Marco Salcedo)
Pioneering Use of AI
DHL (Mark Smolik)
Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders (Andrew Medeiros)
Workday (Greg Bennett and Kristi Johnson, Evisort)
Intellectual Property Operations Excellence
Meta (Jeremiah Chan and the Patent, Licensing & Open‑Source Team)
Litigation Operations Excellence
FedEx Corp. (Jason Norris and Paula Allan)
Excellence in Vendor Management
Wells Fargo (Ashley Woodill)
Excellence in Mentorship and Leadership
Docusign
Innovation Excellence Award
Equinix (Marcelo Peviani)
GoPro, Inc. (Michelle Shores)
Innovation in Removing Barriers
Mike Binns, Meta
Mercedes-Benz USA Legal Team
Rising Legal Operations Leaders Under 40
Aisleigh Mc Gann, Aon
Angie Nolet, Redfin
Chris McCloy, Citigroup
Dolapo Olushola-Uwaifo, Baker Donelson
Emily Teuben, PayPal
Jessica Vander Ploeg, Belron
Sandy MacDonnell, Docusign
Tom Kelly, Equinix
Premier Provider Award
Fulcrum GT
Tonkean
QuintoAndar




