Lisa Ellis-James joins Harbor as president

Lisa Ellis-James has joined the executive management team of Harbor, a Chicago-headquartered legal industry consulting firm, as president.

The experienced strategy, operations, and change management leader is based in Atlanta and will report to Harbor CEO Matt Sunderman.

In her new role, Ellis-James will lead the firm’s global practice groups and key enterprise operations teams, including talent, IT, and administration.

“Lisa brings a unique blend of leadership experience in professional services as well as the legal industry, and understands what it takes for organizations to change, innovate, and grow,” said Matt Sunderman, CEO, Harbor. “Her strategic insights and operational savvy will help us strengthen collaboration and integration across Harbor, and I’m thrilled to have her on board.”

She previously spent nearly three years as chief operating officer of law firm Ogletree Deakins. Before that, Ellis-James spent 18 years at Boston Consulting Group, holding roles across client service, global practice management, and operations. She latterly served as senior director leading global operational initiatives and chief of staff for the operations leadership team.

Ellis-James has an MBA from Emory University and a bachelor’s degree from Southern Methodist University.

“As a former client, I was always impressed with the high caliber of talent, the spirit of partnership, and the quality of work delivered by this team,” said Ellis-James. “The value proposition we now offer as Harbor is unparalleled, as we advise clients on strategy, implement legal technology, support operations, and provide insights about the rapidly changing legal industry.”

Harbor also announced changes to its go-to-market leadership team. Kaye Sycamore has moved into a new role of chief revenue officer, while continuing to serve as head of marketing and brand strategy. Kevin Clem will continue to serve as chief growth officer for corporations and community, while Chris Ryan has been promoted to chief growth officer for law firms.

Harbor was created last year through the merger of HBR Consulting, LAC Group, Wilson Allen, and several smaller legal sector consultancies. The Renovus Capital-owned company has 650+ people in the US, Canada, and UK providing solutions in strategy, legal technology, operations, and intelligence to law firms, corporations, and their law departments.

The firm in October acquired the legal management consulting practice of Stout and hired Nick Kadochnikov as head of artificial intelligence.