Rian Hancock

Rian Hancock is the Founder and CEO of Africa NewLaw, a consultancy based in Johannesburg, South Africa, that focuses on modernizing legal functions through technology. His work primarily aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of legal services, particularly in the context of compliance and regulatory challenges.

Background and Experience

Hancock has a robust educational background, holding an LLB degree in Law (2000-2003), a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (2009-2010), and an MBA in Business Administration and Management (2015-2016) .3 Before founding Africa NewLaw, he gained experience in various roles that contributed to his expertise in legal operations and technology .3

Africa NewLaw

Under Hancock's leadership, Africa NewLaw assists organizations in navigating complex compliance landscapes, particularly in light of recent regulatory changes such as South Africa's grey listing by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) .1 The firm integrates legal expertise, operational efficiency, and technological solutions to help clients optimize their legal spend and improve compliance management .12

Contributions and Insights

Hancock is recognized for his insights into the evolving landscape of legal operations, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated the adoption of remote work and digital tools within legal departments .2 He emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making and automation in compliance functions to enhance organizational performance .1

In summary, Rian Hancock is a key figure in advancing legal technology and operations in South Africa, aiming to transform how legal services are delivered through innovative solutions.