Awards Timeline

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 2027 RLLB Awards will open in the spring.

January 2
Nominations open
April 3
Nominations close
Sept 19
Awards presented at RLLB annual conference
Held at Fontainebleau Las Vegas

Award Categories

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.

Legal Operations Innovator of the Year

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.

GC/CLO of the Year  

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.

Best Legal Transformation Project

Honoring a standout project that has successfully revolutionized legal operations by enhancing efficiency, streamlining workflows, and delivering measurable impact.

Pioneering Use of AI  

Recognizing professionals or teams that have effectively integrated artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, enhance decision-making, and transform legal service delivery.

Excellence in Mentorship and Leadership

Honoring individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and mentorship, shaping the next generation of legal professionals through guidance, advocacy, and innovation.

Rising Legal Operations Leaders Under 40

Celebrating in-house rising stars under 40 who are driving innnovation, leadership, and operational excellence in the legal industry.

Intellectual Property Operations Excellence  

Recognizing outstanding contributions to intellectual property management by optimizing workflows, leveraging technology, and aligning IP strategy with business objectives.

Litigation Operations Excellence  

Honoring individuals or teams who have transformed litigation operations through innovation, strategic execution, and efficiency-driven solutions

Legal Technology and Service Provider Innovation

Recognizing technology providers and service firms that have pioneered innovative solutions to enhance, support, and transform legal operations.

HERizon Women & Allies Leadership Award

Celebrating women and allies in legal leadership who are breaking barriers, driving innovation, and fostering the next generation of professionals.

Data-Driven Legal Department of the Year  

Honoring a legal team that has successfully leveraged data analytics, metrics, and reporting to improve decision-making, resource allocation, and overall legal performance.

Excellence in Legal Project Management  

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...more industry. Honorees champion how LPM transforms legal services by driving collaboration, efficiency, and value delivery using structured methodologies. less

Future of Legal Education Award (Law Schools only)

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.

Emerging Legal Innovators Award (Law Schools only)

Celebrating law students who are pioneering new ideas in legal operations, leveraging AI and technology, participating in legal innovation challenges, or driving change through...more forward-thinking research or community impact. less

2026 Award Winners

Rising Legal Operations Leaders Under 40

Celebrating the next generation of trailblazers who are already shaping the future of legal operations with outstanding leadership and vision.

justine mccanna
Justine McCanna

GoPro, Inc.

myah bowermaster
Myah Bowermaster

Cvent

nigel schilling
Nigel Schilling

Integra LifeSciences

patricija corey
Patricija Corey

Franklin Templeton

Raina Forcier
Raina Forcier

Cambria


Pioneering Use of AI 

Recognizing professionals or teams that have effectively integrated artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, enhance decision-making, and transform legal service delivery.

docusign
Docusign
harrity
Harrity & Harrity

Best Transformation Project 

Honoring organizations that have completely reimagined legal operations to drive measurable efficiency, agility, and business impact.

hitachi
checkbox
Hitachi

in collaboration with Checkbox


IP Operations Excellence 

Recognizing excellence in intellectual property operations, where innovative strategy and efficiency directly protect and support business growth.

ip-legal
Solstice Advanced Materials

Data-Driven Legal Department of the Year

Recognizing legal departments that masterfully leverage data, metrics, and analytics to optimize daily operations and unlock strategic business value.

dxc technology
DXC Technology

Innovator of the Year

Honoring the visionary individuals and teams redefining how legal drives enterprise value through cutting-edge technology and new ways of working.

eric paul
Eric Paul

AT&T

ryan donahue
Ryan Donahue

Boston Consulting Group


Litigation Operations Excellence

Celebrating organizations that have completely transformed litigation management through the seamless integration of technology, modern processes, and strategic foresight. 

live nation entertainment
Live Nation Entertainment

Mentorship Excellence Award 

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. 

jessica vander ploeg
Jessica Vander Ploeg

Belron


HERizon Leadership Award

Honoring outstanding women and allies who demonstrate exceptional vision, strength, and an unwavering dedication to uplifting others across the legal ecosystem. 

abigail baughman
Abigail Baughman

Mercedes-Benz USA

elaine spector
Elaine Spector

Harrity & Harrity


Provider Excellence

Recognizing elite solution providers who deliver exceptional value, breakthrough innovation, and serve as true, trusted partners in legal department transformation. 

mylegal
MyLegal

General Counsel of the Year 

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. 

brian-martin
Brian Martin

Nutanix

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Frequently Asked Questions

Individuals, 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 2027 annual event in Las Vegas at the Fontainebleau.