In a significant development within the realm of legal transformation, two prominent think tanks, Digital Legal Exchange (DLEx) and Liquid Legal Institute (LLI), will formally combine efforts from April 1, 2025. This strategic alliance brings together over 1,500 members, encompassing more than 140 multinational corporations and institutions spanning over 20 countries. The objective is to construct a global forum focused on advancing legal transformation.
The newly combined entity, known as the Digital Leaders Exchange @ Liquid Legal Institute (DLE@LLI), will operate under the leadership of DLEx co-founders, Chairman William “Bill” Deckelman and Chairman Emeritus Mark A. Cohen. This integration channels the distinct strengths of each organization, aiming to become the leading think tank for legal transformation. According to Dr. Dierk Schindler, co-founder and co-CEO of LLI, alongside Kai Jacob, incorporating DLEx strengthens LLI’s vision as a diverse, international think tank dedicated to innovation within the legal sector.
Deckelman, who holds the position of chief legal officer at Anderson, noted the formalization of the DLEx and LLI partnership as a crucial step in leveraging both organizations’ capabilities to address challenges faced by corporate legal teams, particularly in an era dominated by artificial intelligence. The merger reflects the synergy of both organizations, previously collaborating on applied research, community building, and solution development.
In an interview for the LawNext podcast, Schindler elaborated on the evolution of both organizations, with LLI initially focusing on legal innovators and expanding to include senior business leaders, while DLEx had a strong foundation targeting general counsels and senior leaders from its inception. Through DLE@LLI, there will be ongoing opportunities for general counsel to collaborate and engage their teams in various projects and initiatives.
The alliance also broadens the geographical reach of the combined organization. While LLI’s membership predominantly hails from Europe, DLEx has a significant presence in the U.S. and U.K. Schindler labeled this as a “win-win” arrangement, revealing positive feedback from both communities regarding the added value and opportunities this union represents.
Cohen, noted for his consultancy role at Legal Mosaic and his contributions as a columnist for Forbes, described the merger as an instance where “one and one adds up to 11.” He emphasized that unlike heavily sponsor-driven legal associations, DLEx and LLI remain independent, prioritizing community creation over financial incentives.
The merger facilitates expanded involvement opportunities for former DLEx members, who will automatically transition into LLI membership through 2025. Benefits will encompass an enriched community, academic contributions, and a variety of events drawing on diverse expertise. Signature initiatives like the DLEx Salons, exclusive events for GCs and innovation leaders, will persist under the new entity.
Robert Dilworth, already affiliated with both organizations, will oversee a dedicated DLE Executive Office to facilitate seamless integration within the broader LLI structure.
Plans for initial joint projects involve publishing the book Liquid Legal — Sustaining the Rule of Law, featuring contributions from both DLEx and LLI members. Moreover, both organizations will participate in Legal Tech Talk 2025 in London and host associated events like a private GC meeting. Further collaborative efforts include drafting a white paper on talent in the gen AI-era legal sector.
The shared vision driving this collaboration is to reimagine the legal function to align with digital business needs, emphasizing that transformation starts with a shift in mindset rather than technology alone. Schindler stresses that transformation is fundamentally about changing perspectives, while Cohen champions the vital roles of creativity and curiosity in contemporary legal practice.
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