Categories include recognition opportunities for individuals
and teams across the corporate legal ecosystem, including
in-house professionals, law firms, service providers, and
technology partners.
Nominations for the 2026 RLLB Awards will open in the
spring.
These categories highlight a range of achievements across legal operations. Explore each
award to see how leaders, teams, and partners are driving meaningful progress in the industry.
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.
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 strategic, business-focused function.
Honoring a standout project that has successfully revolutionized legal operations by enhancing efficiency, streamlining workflows, and delivering measurable impact.
Recognizing professionals or teams that have effectively integrated artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, enhance decision-making, and transform legal service delivery.
Honoring individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and mentorship, shaping the next generation of legal professionals through guidance, advocacy, and innovation.
Celebrating in-house rising stars under 40 who are driving innnovation, leadership, and operational excellence in the legal industry.
Recognizing outstanding contributions to intellectual property management by optimizing workflows, leveraging technology, and aligning IP strategy with business objectives.
Honoring individuals or teams who have transformed litigation operations through innovation, strategic execution, and efficiency-driven solutions
Recognizing technology providers and service firms that have pioneered innovative solutions to enhance, support, and transform legal operations.
Celebrating women and allies in legal leadership who are breaking barriers, driving innovation, and fostering the next generation of professionals.
Honoring a legal team that has successfully leveraged data analytics, metrics, and reporting to improve decision-making, resource allocation, and overall legal performance.
Recognizing an individual or team that has elevated Legal Project Management as a catalyst for professional excellence, meaningful outcomes, and lasting impact in the legal
Honoring law schools that are reimagining curriculum, programs, and practical learning to prepare students for modern legal careers that prioritize operations, technology, and business strategy.
Celebrating law students who are pioneering new ideas in legal operations, leveraging AI and technology, participating in legal innovation challenges, or driving change through forward-thinking research or community impact.
Explore last year's award categories and honorees. Each card can include
the category name, winner, and optional details or a short write-up.
We begin with the Rising Stars in Law: 40 Under 40. This award highlights the next generation of leaders already shaping the future of legal operations.
Mercedes-Benz
Diligent
NetApp
H1
Atlassian
OpenText
Total Quality Logistics
Hyundai
Elevance Health
Recognizing professionals or teams that have effectively integrated artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, enhance decision-making, and transform legal service delivery.
in Collaboration with
Harbor Global
Accepting the award: Sami Najm
in Collaboration
with Onit
The Best Transformation Project Award honors organizations that have reimagined legal operations to deliver measurable business impact. This year’s winners are:
in Collaboration
with Consilio
Accepting the award: Roger Rutkowski
in Collaboration
with Brightflag
Accepting the award: Susan Packal
in Collaboration
with Deloitte
Accepting the award: Monique White
in Collaboration
with Docato
The IP Operations Award recognizes excellence in intellectual property operations, where innovation and efficiency support business growth. Our honorees are:
Accepting the award: Jessica Vander Ploeg
This award recognizes departments that use data and analytics to optimize operations and deliver business value. Our honorees are:
Accepting the award: Emily Teuben
Accepting the award: Michael Voutsinas
The Innovation Excellence Award honors people and teams redefining how legal drives business value through technology and new ways of working. Our 2025 honorees are:
Accepting the award: Roger Rutkowski
Belron
Mode Global
This award celebrates organizations that have transformed litigation management through technology, process, and strategy. Our 2025 honorees are:
Accepting the award: Manish Patel
in Collaboration
with Elevate
The Mentorship Excellence Award celebrates leaders who have gone above and beyond to guide and develop others in the field. Our honorees are:
Reed Smith LLP
DocuSign
DigiCert, Inc.
The HERizon Leadership Award honors women and allies who demonstrate vision, strength, and dedication to uplifting others across the legal ecosystem. Our honorees are:
Genesys
Mercedes-Benz USA
Accepting the award: Abigail Baughman
BARBRI
The Provider Excellence Award recognizes solution providers who deliver exceptional value and innovation to legal departments, serving as true partners in transformation. Our honorees are:
Accepting the award: Marcus Mayberry
Accepting the award: Sean OConnor
The General Counsel role is among the most strategic in any organization. This award honors leaders who exemplify courage, foresight, and operational excellence. Our honorees are:
Exos
Belron
Planful
