Technology

Research Reveals Insights into the Impact of Legal Tech on Australian In-House Teams

Published

2 years ago

November 11, 2024

Digitally mature teams have the highest productivity and the lowest headcount, while digitally immature teams have the lowest productivity, largest teams, and most FTEs. The surprising news: the most digitally mature are most at risk for talent attrition.

SYDNEY and NEW YORK, Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Australia’s corporate legal teams are investing millions in legal tech, with the expectation that it will improve productivity, cut costs, and make work easier for their in-house legal teams. New research finds those expectations are valid and legal tech investments are paying off, but with unexpected human costs.

Digital transformation is delivering high productivity and efficiency gains to Australian corporate legal departments, but also leading to higher stress and flight risk among senior leaders and teams. Conversely, legal teams that aren’t on the digital cutting edge report the lowest productivity—but they also have high job satisfaction and the lowest flight risk (just 5% of employees in these firms are actively looking).

And legal teams of all maturity levels are increasing budgets to buy more legal tech—and not just AI—although AI is finding its way into every category of legal technology. In-house legal teams are investing in lawyer power as well as tech power, for a variety of reasons, but all related to their team size and tech savvy.

Those are just a few of many useful insights uncovered by a new Australian national study, The Impact of Digital Maturity on Australian In-House Legal Teams, designed and fielded by InsightDynamo and commissioned by Axiom.

“The data show that the money legal leaders are investing in legal tech is paying off—both in ways they wanted and ways they didn’t anticipate,” said Jacob Flax, Managing Director and Country Head of Axiom Australia. “They’re getting the automation and high output on lower-risk work they wanted, so their teams can focus more on the strategic, higher-risk work that requires human reasoning, creativity, and talent. The unintended consequence: Their small teams still feel overworked, are more stressed out, and most are actively looking for their next job. To counter this, respondents at all maturity levels are complementing legal tech investments with investments in FTEs, outside counsel, and flexible legal talent providers like Axiom.”

The researchers surveyed the use of 16 popular legal technologies across 16 Australian industries, gathering data that represents a cross-section of the Australian in-house legal sector. Researchers looked at the intersection of legal tech, productivity, and efficiency to determine what impact, if any, legal tech was having on Australian legal teams. The data was then used to analyse the digitally mature, digital centre, and digitally immature among Australia’s in-house legal industry.

Metrics reported include productivity, resourcing, stress, flight risk, alignment to the CTO/CIO and other C-suite members, budgets, talent and hiring, revenue, industry ranking, and tech profiles. The results were at times as unexpected as they were insightful. The study shows that in-house teams fall into one of three maturity levels:

Australia’s digitally mature legal teams (17% of sample) have embraced and actively use all 16 legal technologies, typically operate with smaller, highly efficient teams, and are most often led by Chief Legal Officers. They’re still investing in legal tech and actively engaging law firms and ALSPs to augment in-house skills and capacity.Australia’s teams at the digital centre are the norm: Most Australian legal teams are squarely in the digital centre, with 56% of respondents falling into this category. They have large, highly productive teams that don’t take full advantage of the substantial amount of legal tech at their disposal. The continue to invest in legal tech, while also relying on law firms and ALSPs to compensate for talent gaps and capacity constraints.Australia’s digitally immature legal teams (28% of sample) lag in technology adoption, productivity, have high job satisfaction and the lowest stress, are usually led by General Counsel or their deputies, and have large legal teams. Even though they’re digitally immature, they seem to recognize their position and are increasing investments in legal tech, while also leaning on law firms and ALSPs to support their in-house teams.

“While digital transformation drives efficiency, it can also drive in-house lawyers to the exits,” Flax said. “Transforming legal departments requires more than deploying new technologies. It’s about finding the right balance—using technology to improve productivity, while using legal service providers like Axiom to improve capacity and provide specialized skillsets that improve team success. Putting together the right combination of technology and talent has become critical to building a high-performing in-house team that will thrive over the long haul.”

For more insights, download a complete copy of the The Impact of Digital Maturity on Australian In-House Legal Teams,” suitable for reading on a smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer. It is available at no cost at https://www.axiomlaw.com/en-au/resources/articles/australian-in-house-legal-digital-maturity-report.

For more information or to talk to an Axiom representative, visit https://www.axiomlaw.com. For more information about Axiom, please visit our website, hear from our experts on the Inside Axiom blog, network with us on LinkedIn, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Related Axiom News

Axiom Helps In-House Legal Teams Mitigate Impact of Annual Law Firm Rate Increases Michael Fehser Joins Axiom Advice & Counsel as Partner More Global Brands Turn to Axiom to Tackle Large Legal Projects Cost-Effectively Research: GCs Expect Bigger Budgets and a Shift to Agile Budgeting in 2025 Axiom Advice & Counsel (AA&C) Introduces Fractional GC Services Purpose-Built for Private Equity and Venture-Backed Companies, and High-Growth Small Businesses Axiom’s Expanded Portfolio Fuels Nearly 2,000 New Client Engagements Since January New Study Finds Legals Ops Facing Alignment, AI, and Retention Issues Even as Budgets Increase Axiom’s Digital Legal Talent Marketplace Sees Exceptional Growth Axiom Appoints Jacob Flax as Managing Director of Axiom Australia Axiom’s New Permanent Recruitment Solutions Now Available in Asia Axiom’s AI Legal Talent Bench Surpasses 200 Lawyers Axiom Completes Over 250 Large Legal Projects, Expands Program with Law Firm Services National Study Reveals In-House Legal Teams Face a Perfect Storm of Rising Law Firm Costs and Talent Shortages Amidst Increasing Workloads and Complexity Axiom Introduces New Permanent Recruitment Solutions Axiom Achieves Industry-Leading Scores for Talent Quality Axiom Marks First Full Year of Innovative Law Firm Practice, Now Offers Industry’s Broadest Array of Law Firm Services and Solutions Axiom Continues to Invest in C-Suite Leadership Team with New CFO Appointment

About Axiom

Axiom is where high-calibre legal talent meets full-service law firm work. We invented the alternative legal services industry 24 years ago and now serve more than 1,500 legal departments globally, including 68% of the Fortune 100, with 95% client satisfaction. Axiom gives small, mid-market, and enterprise clients a single trusted provider who can deliver a full spectrum of legal solutions and services across more than a dozen practice areas and all major industries at rates up to 50% less than national law firms. To learn how Axiom can help your legal departments do more for less, visit axiomlaw.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/research-reveals-insights-into-the-impact-of-legal-tech-on-australian-in-house-teams-302301779.html

SOURCE Axiom

Technology

Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center collaborate on cancer research and personalized prevention

Published

8 hours ago

May 13, 2026

ABU DHABI, UAE, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), regulator of the healthcare sector in the emirate, together with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center (ADPHC), today announced the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (Fred Hutch), one of the world’s leading cancer research institutions and home to three Nobel laureates.

By pairing Abu Dhabi’s unified clinical and genomic data infrastructure, sovereign AI capabilities and governed data environments with Fred Hutch’s globally renowned research engine, the ensuing collaborations will pave the way to shortening the distance between scientific discovery and patient benefit, for Abu Dhabi’s community and beyond.

Among the projected collaborations, the two organizations will consider leveraging Abu Dhabi’s intelligent health system, and layering Fred Hutch’s world-class science onto the secure, high-quality, real-world data foundation Abu Dhabi has built. That foundation includes the emirate’s pioneering liquid biopsy programme launched last year, one of the first national-scale efforts of its kind anywhere in the world. Alongside Abu Dhabi’s AI multi-cancer early detection work, and the world’s largest clinically integrated population-scale genomics programme – with nearly one million genomes sequence.

During his visit to the center, HE Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of DoH commented: “Cancer is one of the defining health challenges of our time, and progress depends on combining world-class science with population-scale data, advanced AI, and research. In Abu Dhabi, we have built an AI-enabled health system that ‘cares before it cures, delivering prevention at population scale. We are already achieving some of the highest early cancer detection rates in the world, and through our partnership with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center we are committed to bringing breakthroughs to people in Abu Dhabi and beyond.”

“This MOU between Fred Hutch Cancer Center and the Abu Dhabi Department of Health underscores the power of working together to prevent and treat cancer,” said Thomas Lynch Jr., MD, president and director of Fred Hutch and holder of the Raisbeck Endowed Chair. “Our organizations share a deep commitment to research and to provide the highest levels of cancer prevention, diagnosis and care to our communities, and we are excited to bring our expertise, tools and datasets together to identify unique approaches to cancer care and research in pursuit of our boldest goals.”

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2979204/DoH_Abu_Dhabi.jpg
Logo- https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2714371/5968536/DoH_Logo.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/department-of-health—abu-dhabi-and-fred-hutchinson-cancer-center-collaborate-on-cancer-research-and-personalized-prevention-302770894.html

SOURCE The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi

Technology

L’Mychele & Associates Founder LaKessia Hill Completes North Texas FWC Hospitality Program (FIFA World Cup) and Appears on The Jeff Crilley Show

Published

8 hours ago

May 13, 2026

DALLAS, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — L’Mychele & Associates LLC is proud to announce two significant milestones for the growing strategic meetings and events firm: Founder & CEO LaKessia Hill has successfully completed the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee’s Hospitality Program and was recently featured on The Jeff Crilley Show.

These accomplishments reflect the company’s continued momentum within the hospitality, tourism, and events industries as L’Mychele & Associates expands its presence through strategic partnerships, leadership engagement, and elevated client experiences.

The completion of the North Texas FWC Hospitality Program further strengthens the company’s commitment to delivering intentional, guest-centered experiences rooted in strategy, hospitality, and meaningful connection — values that are central to the L’Mychele & Associates brand.

In addition, Hill recently joined veteran journalist and media personality Jeff Crilley on The Jeff Crilley Show to discuss her entrepreneurial journey, the vision behind L’Mychele & Associates, and the company’s approach to creating experiences as bold as its clients’ goals.

“Both opportunities represent growth, visibility, and the continued evolution of our brand,” said Hill. “Hospitality is more than service — it’s about creating intentional moments that leave lasting impressions. Being recognized through the hospitality program and having the opportunity to share our story on The Jeff Crilley Show were both incredibly meaningful experiences.”

Known for its consultative and strategy-first approach, L’Mychele & Associates specializes in executive summits, conferences, nonprofit galas, incentive experiences, corporate meetings, and curated social gatherings. The firm partners with organizations, brands, and leaders to transform ideas into impactful experiences through strategic planning, management, and execution.

Guided by the company’s signature philosophy — “The Art of Listening. The Science of Execution.” — L’Mychele & Associates continues to position itself as a strategic partner within the meetings, events, and hospitality industries.

The episode of The Jeff Crilley Show featuring LaKessia Hill is now available across multiple platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Transistor.

About L’Mychele & Associates LLC

L’Mychele & Associates LLC is a Dallas-based strategic meetings and events firm specializing in executive summits, corporate meetings, conferences, nonprofit events, incentive experiences, and curated social gatherings. The company is known for blending strategy, hospitality, and execution to create experiences that drive connection and lasting impact.

Media Contact

LaKessia Hill
Founder & CEO, L’Mychele & Associates LLC
469-402-7825

LaKessia@LMychele.com
www.LMychele.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lmychele–associates-founder-lakessia-hill-completes-north-texas-fwc-hospitality-program-fifa-world-cup-and-appears-on-the-jeff-crilley-show-302770319.html

SOURCE L’Mychele & Associates LLC

Technology

HBX GROUP ANNOUNCES HALF YEAR 2026 FINANCIAL RESULTS

Published

8 hours ago

May 13, 2026

LONDON, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HBX Group International plc (HBX Group, the Company, the Group, HBX.SM) announces its Half Year 2026 results for the six months ended 31 March 2026.

TTV up +17% to €3.8bn, and Revenue of €309m, up +1% YoY at constant currency, reflecting targeted commercial and strategic actions to prioritise growth and capture market share, partly offset by disruption from the Middle East conflictAdjusted EBITDA up +9% at constant currency to €163m, with margin of 53% expanding +4ppts in constant currency. Profit after tax was €28m (H1 25: €(227)m).Strong cash generation with 103% cash conversion and leverage at 1.7x Adjusted Net Debt / Adjusted EBITDA. S €100m share buyback programme and a 7.5 cents per share (c.€18m) interim dividend.Executing the strategic building blocks, including the acquisition of Bridgify announced today.FY26E guidance revised to reflect the impact of Middle East conflict and macroeconomic uncertainty. New FY26 guidance is for constant currency TTV growth +11% to +15%, Revenue growth -4% to +1% and Adjusted EBITDA growth -5% to -2%, and Operating Free Cash Flow conversion between 90% and 100%. Medium-term guidance is unchanged.

First half 2026 Financial Performance Summary1

6 months
ended 31
March 2026

6 months
ended 31
March 2025

Change
constant
currency2

Change

Total Transaction Value (TTV) (€m)

3,770

3,370

+17 %

+12 %

Revenue (€m)

309

319

+1 %

-3 %

Adjusted EBITDA (€m)

163

159

+9 %

+3 %

Delivering profitable growth

Group TTV increased to €3.8bn in the first half, up +17% at constant currency. TTV contribution increased from shorter lead-time bookings, Third Party Supply and Online Travel Agents.

Revenue of €309m, increased +1% in constant currency. Take rate was 8.2%, down 1.3ppts year‑on‑year.

Adjusted EBITDA increased 9%, with margin +4ppts.

Net finance costs were €35m, 77% lower than the prior year. The tax charge was €16m. Adjusted Earnings were €83m, up +44% at constant currency.

Delivering commercial milestones in line with strategy

Commercial progress in H1 2026 reflected HBX Group’s strategy to expand its global travel ecosystem and drive profitability through AI-driven operational efficiency and commercial performance. Key developments included new distribution partnerships in Asia-Pacific, acquisitions such as Bridgify and PerfectStay to strengthen experiences and dynamic capabilities, and new platform and fintech initiatives.

HBX group also continued embedding AI across products and operations, including AI-powered solutions for Bedsonline and HotelTech, while scaling internal AI agents already delivering measurable savings and supporting more than 120 identified use cases, reinforcing the Group’s connected B2B travel ecosystem strategy.

Regional performance and trading dynamics

TTV grew in double-digits in all three regions, up +18% in the Americas and +16% in both MEAPAC and Europe, at constant currency.

In Europe, TTV growth was supported by strong intra‑regional and domestic travel. Asia Pacific up +18%, partly offset by slower growth in the Middle East and disruption on some Europe-Asia corridors. In the Americas, TTV was predominantly driven by domestic demand.

Middle East impact and near‑term outlook

Since late February, the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East has impacted travel demand across affected destinations and selected international corridors, resulting in increased volatility, shorter booking windows and reduced near‑term visibility. The impact of this on H1 Group TTV growth was approximately 1ppt.

HBX Group implemented dynamic pricing, inventory reallocation and active partner support. Demand outside affected corridors has been more resilient.

Cost discipline, cash generation and capital allocation

Underlying operating costs fell by 5%. Performance was supported by productivity initiatives, automation and AI.

On a last 12-month basis, Operating Free Cash Flow was €447m, with cash conversion of 103% over the last 12 months. Adjusted Net Debt at 31 March 2026 stood at €741m.

Outlook

The Group started FY26 with strong performance. Since late February, trading conditions have been adversely impacted by the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East and broader geopolitical uncertainty.

The Group has revised its FY26 guidance. Updated outlook reflects a -4ppt effect of the Middle East conflict on TTV growth. Assumes four months of disruption with gradual stabilisation.

For the complete press release and disclaimer applicable to this information, please visit www.investors.hbxgroup.com

1 See financial statements for definitions of specific financial terms and KPIs, including any Alternative Performance Measures (APMs)
2 Constant currency changes exclude the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations by translating current year results at the exchange rates used in the prior year.

Contact:
Clara Truyols
clatruyols@hbxgroup.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hbx-group-announces-half-year-2026-financial-results-302770897.html

SOURCE HBX Group