Schoenherr launches "Evolve": legal innovation beyond adoption

Schoenherr, one of the leading law firms in Central Eastern Europe, announces the launch of Evolve, a structured innovation framework built on three interconnected pillars: a strategically layered technology stack, a future-ready upskilling programme, and deep collaboration with technology partners and clients. Developed in cooperation with Legora and Conor Grennan, a global authority on AI mindset and former Chief AI Architect at NYU Stern, the programme launched in two phases: the first brought together close to 200 of Schoenherr's leading AI ambassadors for an intensive internal programme focused on mindset and practical AI capabilities; the second extended to general counsels and innovation leaders from key clients, hosted over two days in Vienna, rethinking workflows and shaping new modes of collaboration between law firms and legal departments. Evolve draws on a capability Schoenherr has been building since before AI created the momentum the industry is now experiencing.

"Schoenherr aims to be the leading firm in Central Eastern Europe in all respects – top people, top clients, top matters, top technology," said Managing Partner Alexander Popp. "Evolve is the next step in delivering on that ambition: a framework that brings together the right technology, the right mindset and the right partners to shape the future of our services."

At the technology layer, Schoenherr has assembled a portfolio spanning AI, document automation, transaction management and workflow platforms – continuously refined across all practice groups and 16 offices in Central Eastern Europe. The strengthened strategic partnership with Legora lies at the heart of this approach: together, Schoenherr and Legora are shaping the development of legal AI and exploring the new possibilities it creates for clients. But technology is only part of the equation – Schoenherr has invested just as deliberately in developing a new generation of T-shaped legal professionals, who are deeply expert in their practice while equipped with the technological literacy and creative problem-solving skills to challenge established workflows and work smarter.

"AI adoption without the right mindset and framework is just a headline," said Andrei Salajan, Director of Legal Tech & Innovation at Schoenherr. "We built this capability early and that foundation allows us to focus on what actually matters: reshaping how we work and collaborating with clients and partners to deliver real value. Evolve brings all of that together."

Collaboration is the defining element of Schoenherr's innovation strategy, elevated this year to a central mission under the banner of Collaborate⁴. The focus is clear: strategic collaboration with technology partners like Legora to co-develop new capabilities; proactive collaboration with clients to rethink how legal services are delivered; and a culture of shared learning across the firm that ensures technology translates into practical impact. Evolve is the flagship expression of this mission.

"Schoenherr is not just crossing the first barrier of getting everyone to use a tool – they are thinking ahead to what the future of law itself will be," said Conor Grennan.

"What stands out about Schoenherr is the depth of their commitment – this is a firm that invests in understanding technology and shaping it alongside its partners," said Max Junestrand, CEO and founder of Legora. "Andrei and his team recognised early on what we were building at Legora, and through Evolve we are exploring what the future of collaboration between law firms, technology providers and clients can look like."

Evolve is designed as an ongoing programme. Schoenherr will deepen technology-driven collaboration with clients across its Central Eastern European network, advance the upskilling framework that prepares legal professionals for the age of AI, and work with partners like Legora to navigate the opportunities and complexities of what comes next – from AI agents to new service models at the intersection of legal expertise and technology. The foundation is in place; the next chapter goes beyond adoption.