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.
Celebrating the next generation of trailblazers who are already shaping the future of legal operations with outstanding leadership and vision.
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
Honoring organizations that have completely reimagined legal operations to drive measurable efficiency, agility, and business impact.
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
Recognizing excellence in intellectual property operations, where innovative strategy and efficiency directly protect and support business growth.
Accepting the award: Jessica Vander Ploeg
Recognizing legal departments that masterfully leverage data, metrics, and analytics to optimize daily operations and unlock strategic business value.
Accepting the award: Emily Teuben
Accepting the award: Michael Voutsinas
Honoring the visionary individuals and teams redefining how legal drives enterprise value through cutting-edge technology and new ways of working.
Accepting the award: Roger Rutkowski
Belron
Mode Global
Celebrating organizations that have completely transformed litigation management through the seamless integration of technology, modern processes, and strategic foresight.
Accepting the award: Manish Patel
in Collaboration
with Elevate
Celebrating dedicated leaders who go above and beyond to invest their time, knowledge, and energy into guiding and developing the next generation of legal talent.
Reed Smith LLP
DocuSign
DigiCert, Inc.
Honoring outstanding women and allies who demonstrate exceptional vision, strength, and an unwavering dedication to uplifting others across the legal ecosystem.
Genesys
Mercedes-Benz USA
Accepting the award: Abigail Baughman
BARBRI
Recognizing elite solution providers who deliver exceptional value, breakthrough innovation, and serve as true, trusted partners in legal department transformation.
Accepting the award: Marcus Mayberry
Accepting the award: Sean OConnor
The General Counsel role is among the most strategic in any enterprise. This award honors executive leaders who perfectly exemplify courage, foresight, and operational excellence.
Exos
Belron
Planful
The 2026 industry leaders have been decided, and the stage is set. Join us live at the event to network with this year's top innovators and experience the biggest celebration in Legal Ops firsthand.
Get Your TicketsIndividuals, teams, and providers across the legal ecosystem.
Leadership, innovation, operational improvements, cost efficiency, technology-driven change, DEI impact, and other meaningful contributions.
Live at the RLLB 2026 annual event in Las Vegas at the Fountainebleu.