Hogan Lovells partner Lisa Ellman named Most Innovative Practitioner in The Financial Times Innovative Lawyers 2022 Awards

Ellman was recognized for her role as Head of the firm’s Uncrewed Aircraft Systems practice and for her work at the forefront of drone regulatory development, setting new standards in legal innovation as drone technologies continue to merge into everyday commercial use. 

“My team is so honored to work with incredible pioneers from the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, to Silicon Valley, to New York State and everywhere in between,” said Ellman. “This award recognizes the innovators and policymakers and dreamers who are working tirelessly to revolutionize the national airspace for the benefit of all Americans.” 

Hogan Lovells was also ranked second in the Practice of Law – Sustainability category for trade work on behalf of Canada and its solar industry, led by partner Jonathan Stoel. Stoel and a Hogan Lovells international trade team resolved the second-ever State v. State trade dispute commenced under the 2020 U.S-Mexico-Canada Agreement, and included the first guarantee of tariff-free solar panel imports from Canada.

“It’s really an honor to be recognized for our work helping to grow the solar industry at a time when sustainable energy solutions are more important than ever,” said Stoel. 

Hogan Lovells also was named the third most Innovative Law Firm for Business of Law, recognized in two categories:

• Innovation in Using Data – For a project to replace a system hosted by an outside vendor with a more accurate and efficient global real-time performance data repository, led by Head of Application Development and Engineering Alan Harrison.
• Innovation in People & Skills Management – For the development of “Boost,” a global training program for senior associates led by Director of Professional Development Lori Berman, Partner Matt Eisler, and Senior Professional Development Manager Yadi Getinet. 

In addition, the firm was recognized in the category for Social Responsibility – Best Practice in Legal Work for our pro bono work on behalf of Ukrainian steel producer Interpipe. A team led by partners Kelly Ann Shaw and Deen Kaplan, as well as senior counsel Norm Coleman, and senior associate Nick Laneville, helped Interpipe negotiate a US-wide exemption for 11 product-specific Ukrainian steel tariffs to help Ukraine raise funds to support its war effort. 

The firm ranked 10th overall among the most Innovative Firms in North America.

Richard Lorenzo, Hogan Lovells Regional Managing Partner – Americas, said: “Innovation has never been more important in the legal profession; our clients expect us to be constantly evolving the way we deliver legal services to meet their needs in a rapidly changing global market.” 

The awards were announced at a ceremony at Gotham Hall, New York on 5 December; rankings were determined based on a number of submissions, showcasing innovative legal work, new technology developed in-house, and modern approaches to professional development. 

These results highlight the firm’s strong position as an innovator in the legal market. Earlier this year, the firm was named the second Most Innovative Law Firm in Europe, and last year, the firm was named as the Most Innovative Firm in the Business of Law in North America.

The full Financial Times Innovative Lawyers North America 2022 report can be found here.