According to a statement from College of Law, the fellowship will see Ms Lyon focus on the use of design thinking in innovating legal practice and transforming the legal client experience. This will include the development of practical case studies to illustrate and guide practitioners in the use of design thinking: to promote innovative thought and collaboration, and to create user and client-centric legal practices, processes and business models, it said.

“Melissa is well known to all of us at CLI. She has been a strong supporter of CLI’s work since its inception and is currently serving on CLI’s Chief Innovation Officers Forum (CIOF) steering group, and AI and Innovation in Legal Practice Summit 2019 program development group," said CLI executive director Terri Mottershead.

“Melissa is a highly sought-after presenter and facilitator. She was one of the first and remains one of just a few experienced professionals in this area in the legal industry. We are delighted to welcome her as a CLI Distinguished Fellow ”

Commenting on her new position, Ms Lyon said: “I am motivated by working collaboratively and creatively to find human and user-centred solutions to improve the experience for both clients and those delivering the services.”

“My role with the CLI will focus on providing practical support for legal firms on how to drive business development using purpose-driven means that identify and respond to client needs.”

Also taking to the centre is Rachel Treasure, who has been appointed to the its advisory board. Ms Treasure has been part of not-for-profit organisation The Legal Forecast (TLF) since 2016, with her work including acting as a Queensland executive board member and co-developing the concept of Disrupting Law, a 54-hour hackathon.

“The legal sector has huge opportunities to advance and grow by embracing new technology and innovating. I’m looking forward to my role with the advisory board and the opportunities it will bring for me to contribute by leveraging my experience as an entrepreneur and new member of the legal profession by encouraging others to look at the practice of law differently,” Ms Treasure said, commenting on her new role.

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Ms Mottershead is equally excited about the new venture for Ms Treasure.

“We are delighted to welcome Rachel to the advisory board,” she said.

“We first met through our involvement with TLF and we are excited to be able to continue that as well as expand the diversity of thought and experience on the board that her appointment makes possible.”