Leading the way on innovation: Hogan Lovells names Mark W. Brennan as Lead Innovation Partner
Washington D.C., 9 September 2019 – Global law firm Hogan Lovells has announced that Washington DC-based privacy and communications partner Mark W. Brennan is taking on the role of Lead Innovation Partner. He will be responsible for championing innovation in client service, new products, and legal innovation across the firm’s global business.
“Mark will lead the way in galvanizing our ideas, energy, and creativity around innovation,” said Hogan Lovells CEO Steve Immelt. “Hogan Lovells has built a highly distinctive reputation for its innovative thinking around client work and Mark has the passion, knowledge and experience needed to drive us forward in a way that is visible to our people and to the market. An innovation mindset needs to inform every aspect of our business client relationships, how we do business, how our people work, our culture, and our engagement with local communities.”
Mark’s appointment builds on the role previously held by partner Harriet Pearson. Under her leadership, Hogan Lovells has consistently ranked as one of the most innovative law firms in the world. She spearheaded a comprehensive innovation program focused on transforming ways of working at the firm, and entrepreneurship. One result was the launch of HL Solutions, a range of non-legal consulting services including strategic communications, cyber risk services, transfer pricing, financial services regulatory consulting, and managed legal services.
In 2017 Hogan Lovells was the only firm to place in the top four of The Financial Times Innovative Lawyers awards in Asia, Europe, and the U.S. In 2019, the firm placed third in Asia, and has been shortlisted as one of the “Most innovative law firm in Europe” in four individual categories.
“I’m thrilled to be leading our innovation efforts,” said Brennan. “We are working in a time of great change, challenge, and opportunity in the legal profession. Clients increasingly look for lawyers who provide innovative, practical solutions and enhance their work. And as we support our clients, our teams, and our communities, it is important that we recognize innovation in all of its forms – and all of its voices.”
Brennan leads an integrated technology practice that spans privacy, communications, and consumer protection issues. He advises on connected devices, artificial intelligence, cloud offerings, tech policy, and other cutting-edge challenges. His clients include leading online and e-commerce companies, global telecommunications providers, Internet of Things pioneers and app developers, as well as a diverse set of international clients from the financial services, retail, transportation, education, and health care sectors.
Brennan has also been active in many of the firm’s diversity initiatives, and also leads the firm’s U.S. LGBT+ affinity group and is a co-chair of its global Pride+ LGBT+ ally network.