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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.

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2025 Awards Information

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Overview

Categories include recognition opportunities for individuals and teams in the corporate legal world, including in‑house, law firms, other service providers, and technologies.

To receive updates on the RLLB Awards, join our mailing list.

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

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2024
Winners

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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

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