D2 Legal Technology names Heymann to lead law firm AI

D2 Legal Technology has appointed Daniel Heymann as Head of Law Firm Transformation, expanding the consultancy's work with law firms on technology-led change.

He will lead the growth of services for firms managing change projects related to artificial intelligence, data strategy, governance and training. Demand for practical support from law firms has been rising as AI tools become more common in legal work.

The appointment comes as legal businesses face pressure to decide how new tools should be introduced, supervised and governed. Issues such as system ownership, client data handling and output checking have become more pressing as firms move beyond limited trials.

Heymann brings more than 20 years of experience to the role. He trained as a financial lawyer at Clifford Chance before moving to the Ministry of Justice, where he advised ministers on policy and legislation.

He has since worked on legal operations and transformation programmes for organisations including Dentons, Allen & Overy, Vodafone, Network Rail and Elevate. That blend of private practice, government and operational consulting gives him a background closely aligned with the challenges many law firms face as they rethink how legal services are delivered.

Growing Demand

D2 Legal Technology, which advises organisations in regulated markets on legal data and technology issues, is expanding its law firm offering at a time when AI has become a practical rather than theoretical issue for many legal teams. Its work in this area includes readiness assessments, reports, data strategy and governance workshops, and AI training.

The legal sector has been grappling with how to use AI without creating professional or regulatory problems. While some firms have begun embedding tools into routine tasks, adoption has varied, and many remain cautious about risks related to confidentiality, accuracy, oversight and compliance.

That has created space for advisers focused not just on software selection but on operational change. For law firms, the challenge often lies in turning interest in AI into a managed programme that partners, professional support lawyers, risk teams and clients can understand.

Commenting on his appointment, Heymann said: "D2LT is already supporting many legal teams with their AI transformation strategies, and there is an urgent need for more law firms to do the same. One look at the market right now tells you what an important time it is. Firms are under considerable pressure to integrate AI quickly, effectively, and safely, and I'm excited to be part of a company at the forefront of helping them achieve just that."

AI Governance

Chief Executive Officer Akber Datoo said law firms now need clear structures for adoption rather than isolated tool testing. He linked that need to day-to-day questions about which systems are suitable, how data is protected and how legal judgment is maintained when technology is used in client work.

"AI is now part of the reality of legal practice and that should be seen as a significant opportunity across the profession. The priority now is to help firms of all sizes move from isolated experimentation to confident, well-governed adoption.

"In my work, I see firsthand that firms are not short of ambition. What they need now is practical support: clarity on which tools are appropriate, how client and firm data is protected, how outputs are checked, and how supervision, accountability and professional judgment should operate in practice. Just as importantly, they need to understand how to unlock business value from AI in a safe and responsible way. That is where the real transformation work lies.

"Daniel's appointment strengthens our ability to support firms through that journey. His experience across private practice, legal operations and change management will be invaluable as we help law firms turn AI and technology adoption into safe, responsible and measurable business advantage. I am delighted to welcome him to D2LT."

The appointment also reflects a broader shift in the legal market, where attention has moved from general discussion about AI to implementation. Law firms are being asked by clients how tools are used, what controls are in place and whether new processes can improve consistency without weakening professional standards.

For consultancies focused on legal transformation, that means the work increasingly sits at the intersection of operations, risk and strategy. Firms may adopt the same underlying technologies, but governance models, internal accountability and training approaches can differ widely depending on practice areas, client mix and regulatory exposure.

D2 Legal Technology has built its profile in legal transformation consulting and work tied to regulated markets, including AI, digital assets, contract lifecycle management and regulatory change. In Heymann, it has hired a lawyer and consultant whose career has spanned private practice, Whitehall and legal operations at large organisations.

Alongside his new role, he is also the founder of The Exchange, which D2 Legal Technology described as the UK's first legaltech podclub for people seeking to improve the delivery of legal services.