Ilona Logvinova joins from Cleary Gottlieb to lead firm’s global AI strategy and innovation rollout
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer (HSFK) has appointed its first global Chief AI Officer, marking a significant development in the firm’s approach to artificial intelligence and legal technology.
The new role has been filled by Ilona Logvinova, a New York–based innovation and technology lawyer who joins the international firm from Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton.
At Cleary, Logvinova led the firm’s legal innovation strategy, overseeing projects focused on digital transformation and emerging technologies. She brings that experience to HSFK, where she will be responsible for developing and implementing the firm’s global AI strategy.
According to the firm, her remit includes overseeing the responsible rollout of artificial intelligence tools and related technologies across HSFK’s legal services and business functions.
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Logvinova will work with practice groups around the world to integrate AI-driven solutions into client work and internal processes, ensuring alignment with the firm’s innovation and governance frameworks.
In a statement, Justin D’Agostino, HSFK’s global chief executive officer, said:
“Ilona will lead our efforts to use AI and legal technology to deliver greater value to clients. The pace of change is accelerating, and we want to make sure we’re using these tools with the right oversight and expertise.”
Logvinova said her focus would be on embedding technology in a way that strengthens the firm’s ability to meet client needs.
“Innovation in law isn’t just about new tools — it’s about meeting client needs in smarter ways,” she said. “Embedding AI effectively will be a defining factor for the next generation of global law firms.”
Her appointment reflects a wider trend among major international law firms to establish senior leadership roles dedicated to managing artificial intelligence and digital transformation. These positions are increasingly viewed as critical for coordinating firmwide strategy, ensuring ethical use of technology, and balancing innovation with regulatory obligations.
HSFK’s announcement follows a period of growing investment in AI-enabled legal services across the profession, as firms respond to client demand for greater efficiency and technological integration. The creation of a dedicated Chief AI Officer role signals HSFK’s intent to formalise its AI leadership structure and promote consistency in how new tools are evaluated and deployed.
Logvinova’s appointment also highlights the global reach of the firm’s innovation initiatives. With operations spanning key markets in Europe, Asia-Pacific, the US, and the Middle East, HSFK has stated that AI will play an integral role in both legal delivery and knowledge management.
As Chief AI Officer, Logvinova will report directly to the firm’s senior leadership and will be responsible for shaping policy on emerging technologies, including generative AI applications and data-driven legal solutions. She will also oversee governance frameworks to ensure that AI adoption aligns with professional ethics and client confidentiality requirements.
HSFK described the new position as a strategic step in its long-term innovation agenda, reflecting the growing importance of AI within both legal practice and firm management.
The appointment comes amid industry-wide moves to embed AI into client-facing services, legal research, contract review, and operational support systems. Law firms globally have been expanding their innovation teams and introducing internal AI training programmes for lawyers and staff.
With her background in technology law and legal innovation, Logvinova is expected to lead HSFK’s AI efforts as part of a coordinated global strategy focused on responsible, transparent, and practical adoption of new technologies.