Leadership

EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

Richard Hugo-Hamman

Richard Hugo-Hamman is the Executive Chairman of LEAP. He is an acknowledged global expert on the use of software in law firms and has been Executive Chairman since 2016.

Before joining LEAP in 2005, Richard was involved in several technology start-ups creating software for law firms.

Before switching to legal technology in 1992, Richard was Managing Partner of Pincus Matz Marquard Hugo-Hamman, a law firm that pioneered technology use.

Richard graduated Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws at the University of Cape Town.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Peter Baverstock

Peter Baverstock is the Chief Executive Officer of LEAP US and serves on LEAP's Board of Directors.

Before becoming the CEO of LEAP US, Peter was the CEO of LEAP UK. Under his charge, Peter successfully transformed LEAP UK from a start-up to the number one legal software supplier to law firms in the United Kingdom. Within 3.5 years, LEAP UK attracted more than 11,000 end- users and 2,000 firms, which resulted in an annualized committed monthly revenue of £10m. LEAP UK now has offices throughout the UK, Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland.

Peter brings over 20 years of experience working with law firms in various roles, including sales, support, and management, and previously worked at LegalOffice, a LEAP company.

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Poppy Bale

Poppy Bale Dyer is the Chief Operating Officer for LEAP US.

Poppy started her legal career in client sales with LEAK UK, where she was critical in transforming the business from a start-up to the number one supplier of legal software to law firms in the United Kingdom. Poppy was appointed COO in 2019 and has since been instrumental in reducing churn across the business and creating an inspiring work environment where her colleagues can drive positive change through collaboration.

Poppy aims to deliver exceptional customer service to all LEAP clients while maintaining an exciting culture for a fast-growth business.

PRESIDENT, US DEVELOPMENT

Manorama Savanur

Manorama Savanur is the Head of Software Development for LEAP US and Easysoft.

Manorama previously worked in several FinTech and BioTech firms before finding her passion in legal software. Since joining LEAP in 2015, she has managed a skilled software development team that leads the development of real estate and family law web applications. She also led the development of LEAP apps with innovative third-party integrations. Her goal is to create a state-of-the-art, easy-to-use software that clients can consistently trust.

Manorama holds an Engineering degree in Computer Science from B.V. Bhoomaraddi College of Engineering and Technology, India.

SENIOR VP, SALES

Anders Johnsson

Anders Johnsson is the Senior Vice President of Sales for LEAP US.

Before joining LEAP, Anders co-founded two companies in the education technology space, one of which became the market leader in under seven years of its inception. As the sales leader for LEAP, Anders uses his previous startup experience to drive revenue and growth for the organization.

Anders is passionate about building and scaling the sales team through a selective hiring process and a coaching leadership style.

SENIOR VP, MARKETING

Liz Austin

Liz Austin is the Senior Vice President of Marketing for LEAP US.

Liz brings over 20 years of marketing experience to LEAP and is known for building and leading top-performing and award-winning marketing organizations. Liz leads the company's marketing efforts by creating demand for and positioning LEAP as the leading cloud-based legal practice productivity solution in her current role.

Before LEAP, Liz held marketing leadership roles at Reed Elsevier, Knovel, Complinet, Wolters Kluwer, Thomas Reuters, McGraw-Hill, and Wiley.

VP OF FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

Arnold Sperling

Arnold Sperling is the Vice President of Finance & Administration for LEAP US.

Arnold has over 20 years of international experience in finance, budgeting, and operational management in public, private, and venture-backed companies. In these companies, Arnold partnered with business leaders, implemented ERP systems, optimized finance operations, and led financial planning. As the financial leader for LEAP US, Arnold is responsible for the finance and accounting functions at LEAP US.

Arnold holds a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting & Finance from the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.

VP OF PEOPLE OPERATIONS & CULTURE

Susanne Poole

Susanne Poole is the Vice President of People Operations & Culture for LEAP US.

With 16+ years of Human Resources experience in various industries, Susanne is responsible for ensuring that team members have the best experience that they can at work. Susanne spent almost four years with LEAP UK before joining the LEAP US team in 2020.

Susanne's mission is to create an environment for people who enjoy their work so much that it doesn't feel like work.

HEAD OF DESIGN & AUTOMATION

Katherine Marzouca

Katherine Marzouca is the Head of Design & Automation for LEAP US.

Before joining the LEAP team in 2017, Katherine worked for the Florida Department of Children & Families as a junior attorney. At LEAP, Katherine plays a crucial role in ensuring user-friendly and trustworthy legal content for LEAP users. Katherine also oversees other attorneys and legal experts to provide ongoing value to law firms.

Katherine has a J.D. from the University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law.

CLIENT RELATIONS DIRECTOR

Joel Trinidad

Joel Trinidad is the Client Relations Director for LEAP US.

Joel has a proven track record of successfully solving client requests and minimizing churn. As the Director of Client Relations, he is responsible for assisting clients in seeing the value in and getting the most ROI from the LEAP legal practice productivity solution to increase the retention rate.

Joel is passionate about working with clients to minimize objections and show them the value of our solution.

DIRECTOR OF IMPLEMENTATIONS

Issam Mizan

Issam Mizan is the Director of Implementations for LEAP US.

Before joining LEAP, Issam spent several years working with law firms and understanding their need for efficient, simple processes. Additionally, Issam's knowledge and experience with stakeholder engagement and management help him understand how data transitions work and ensure the delivery of successful, high-quality implementations for LEAP clients.

Issam has a passion for client satisfaction and is excited to transform law firms in the United States with LEAP.

DIRECTOR OF PARTNER NETWORK

Jude Smith

Jude Smith is the Head of Practice Management Advisors for LEAP US.

Before joining LEAP in 2019, Jude worked in the Federal Judiciary for the United States Court of Appeals and private practices in insurance defense, bond and surety work, and environmental class action lawsuits. As the Practice Management Advisor, Jude focuses on building strong relationships with clients and delivering first-class customer service.

Jude currently serves as the Team Lead for the Practice Management Advisory (PMA) team.

DIRECTOR OF HR ADMINISTRATION & BENEFITS

Wendy Pearson

Wendy Pearson is the Director of HR Administration & Benefits for LEAP US.

Wendy joined the LEAP team in 2019 as a Senior Recruiting Manager after 15 years in various sales and human resources roles in the legal, financial, and e-discovery industries. In this role, Wendy manages the entire lifecycle recruiting function for the US and Canada.

Wendy served as a strategic business partner working closely with C-Suite level executives at Am Law 100 and Fortune 500 companies.

GM OF EASYSOFT LEGAL SOFTWARE

Paula Portner

Paula Portner is the General Manager of Easysoft Legal Software, a LEAP company, and the Director of Real Estate for LEAP US.

Before joining Easysoft and LEAP in 2019, Paula was the Senior Director for Membership and New Business Development at the New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA). She increased membership by 25% and managed relationships with over 35 annual corporate sponsors. As the General Manager of Easysoft, Paula streamlined business and bought a fresh perspective on sales, marketing, and customer satisfaction.

Paula earned her Bachelor's Degree from Temple University.

DIRECTOR OF LITIGATION

Sy Justin Sommer

Sy Justin Sommer is the Director of Litigation for LEAP US.

Before joining the LEAP team, Sy was an associate attorney with Davidoff Hutcher & Citron LLP and served as an Associate Vice President Senior Counsel for JPMorgan Chase Bank. In 2018, Sy joined the LEAP team to further the company's mission and help attorneys become more productive through cloud technology adoption and use.

Sy graduated from Fordham Law School in 2010 and is an attorney admitted to practice in New York state.