Chris
Jekiel
CONSULTANT

I bring over 25 years’ experience in IT leadership, with a deep understanding of how technology can unlock value and enable transformation across professional services. My career began in technical engineering and infrastructure support, giving me hands-on knowledge that underpins a pragmatic, outcome-driven approach to IT leadership.

 

I first entered the legal sector in 2007, delivering outsourced IT services for top-tier firms including Eversheds and Addleshaw Goddard.  Since then, I’ve held CIO and Director-level roles at leading law firms, including Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Horwich Farrelly, and BLM.  I’ve built and led global IT teams, redesigned operating models, and delivered large-scale programmes across cybersecurity, digital transformation, M&A, and AI innovation.

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Highlights include leading the post-merger technology integration for BLM and Clyde & Co, where I restructured a global team and unified systems and infrastructure.  At Freshfields, I led a global IT operating model redesign, while at Horwich Farrelly, I transformed the firm’s IT function embedding security, analytics, and service innovation.

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My experience includes:​

• Leading global IT integration following a major merger (300+ staff, 20+ countries)

• Delivering cloud-first digital strategies and modernising PMS, DMS, and CMS platforms using tools such as 3E, Aderant, iManage, Peppermint, and InTapp

• Designing and embedding new IT operating models across global firms

• Overseeing IT due diligence and separation activities for M&A transactions

• Enhancing cyber resilience with platforms including Mimecast, Tessian, and CrowdStrike

• Introducing AI and automation through tools such as Kira and Co-Pilot

• Building BI and analytics capability with Power BI, Litera, Tableau, and Bighand

• Supporting innovation frameworks and client service improvements using PitchPerfect, Salesforce, and Carpe Diem