Hogan Lovells Cadwalader Launches Firmwide AI Strategy
The firm is centralizing its technology procurement and project management to improve transparency and client service delivery.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in People
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Hogan Lovells Cadwalader has launched a new firmwide artificial intelligence strategy, establishing an AI Board and a centralized Commercial Unit to manage client delivery. The firm is also formalizing technology partnerships with Harvey and Legora to drive service efficiency.
Why it matters
Law firms are increasingly integrating specialized governance structures to meet client demand for greater transparency and commercial rigor. By separating technology evaluation from core practice areas, firms aim to scale operational efficiency and accelerate service delivery transformation.
The firm is leveraging leadership with 15 years of modernization experience, including Oliver Campbell's 6-year tenure, to anchor its new AI Board. This structure now governs decisions on whether to develop AI tools internally or source them from external vendors.
The players
Hogan Lovells Cadwalader
An international law firm providing legal services to commercial and institutional clients.
Paul Otto
The newly appointed Managing Partner of Legal Technology and AI based in Washington, D.C.
Oliver Campbell
The firm's Chief Transformation Officer, bringing 15 years of experience in service modernization.
Harvey
A legal technology platform specializing in AI-driven tools for law firms.
Legora
A technology provider entering into a platform partnership with the firm.
The details
The new AI Board assesses proposals from various practice groups to determine if proprietary development or third-party sourcing is optimal. Simultaneously, the newly created Commercial Unit shifts the focus toward standardized pricing, legal project management, and client pitching. This shift centralizes the procurement and development of legal technology under a unified strategy to ensure consistent service delivery across all practice areas.
Timeline
October 16, 2026: The firm officially launched its new AI strategy, leadership team, and vendor partnerships.
Market Landscape
This reorganization follows the industry-wide trend of firms formalizing C-suite roles to manage the procurement and implementation of legal AI. It marks a shift from ad-hoc practice group technology adoption to a centralized model prioritizing commercial rigor and scalable service delivery.
Operators should monitor whether these centralized units improve client delivery transparency or increase friction in procurement workflows. Firms should assess if their own technology governance allows for rapid scaling of AI tools or if it requires a similar shift toward centralized oversight.
The takeaway
Firms are increasingly treating legal technology as a core operational competency that requires dedicated executive leadership. Evaluate whether your current team has the specialized oversight necessary to bridge the gap between practice-specific needs and firmwide technology strategy.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest leadership shifts and firm management strategies at People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hlc.
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