HSF Kramer appoints Ilona Logvinova as Chief AI Officer
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has named Ilona Logvinova as its global Chief AI Officer.
Ilona Logvinova, based in New York, brings experience from senior roles driving artificial intelligence and digital transformation across legal and corporate sectors. Her appointment follows previous roles such as global Head of Innovation for McKinsey Legal, managing counsel for McKinsey Digital, and Senior Counsel at Mastercard, concentrating on technology builds and technology transactions. Most recently, she led legal innovation and transformation at Cleary Gottlieb.
Leadership appointment
As the global Chief AI Officer, Logvinova will direct the law firm's overarching strategy to expand the use of AI and legal technology to support client work.
Announcing the appointment, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Global CEO, Justin D'Agostino, said: "Ilona will drive the firm's global strategy to further leverage the potential of AI and legal technology in the service of our clients."
He provided additional context on the firm's technology journey, noting that nearly 15 years have passed since the organisation introduced its Alternative Legal Services hub. Since then, efforts have been focused on responsible technology use for client service.
D'Agostino commented: "It's almost 15 years since we became the first international law firm to pioneer the use of legal tech with our Alternative Legal Services hub, and we have long pushed the boundaries of how we use technology responsibly in the service of our clients.
"And now with GenAI, the pace of change has never been faster. Technology is fundamentally reshaping how legal work is done, and our clients' needs are evolving just as quickly.
"The question is no longer whether AI will disrupt the legal sector, but how fast and how well we can harness it to deliver value. This means having the best people using the best technology underpinned by robust oversight.
"Ilona is already known for her expertise, and her extensive experience in digital transformation and innovation makes her an exceptional fit for this newly-created role.
"We are delighted to have her join us at this time of change."
Perspective on innovation
On her appointment as global Chief AI Officer, Ilona Logvinova said she was excited to join Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, referencing its culture and approach to technological advancement.
She added: "HSF Kramer believes, as I do, that legal innovation isn't about asking 'what can tech do?' but rather, 'what do our clients and people need today and tomorrow?'. Innovation succeeds when it's tied directly to client outcomes.
"It's a critical time for embedding leading-edge AI into legal services. Having sophisticated emerging technologies, and the best trained lawyers to use them, will identify and differentiate the world's leading global law firms."
Logvinova will officially take on the role from 5 November 2025. She and her team are expected to collaborate across the firm's practice groups globally.
Background
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer was established through the combination of Herbert Smith Freehills and Kramer Levin. The merged firm has around 2,700 lawyers and 26 offices globally, providing legal services across key regions.
