James Odell
About James Odell
James Odell serves as the VP and Managing Director for Australia and APAC at Elevate, where he leads a global team of 1,800 professionals to improve efficiency in legal departments. With nearly two decades of experience in the legal sector, he has held various leadership roles and possesses a strong understanding of the industry's challenges and opportunities, particularly in the APAC region.
Work at Elevate
James Odell serves as the VP and Managing Director for Australia and the APAC region at Elevate. He has been in this role since 2013, overseeing a global team of 1,800 professionals. His focus is on delivering solutions that enhance efficiency and improve business outcomes for legal departments and law firms. As a member of the global executive team, he contributes to the strategic direction of Elevate, leveraging his extensive experience in the legal sector.
Education and Expertise
James Odell studied at Gravesend Grammar School, where he excelled academically, achieving A-Levels with grades A, A, and B, and obtaining 9 x A-A* at GCSE. He later attended the University of Bristol, earning a Master of Engineering (MEng) in Aeronautical Engineering. His educational background supports his nearly two decades of experience in the legal industry, where he focuses on transforming legal operations through innovative solutions.
Background
James Odell has a diverse professional background, beginning his career as an Aeronautical Engineer at the UK Ministry of Defence from 1998 to 2005. He transitioned into the legal sector, holding various roles including Chief Operating Officer at Baker & McKenzie and Executive Manager at Linklaters. His experience spans strategic planning and operations in the legal industry, particularly in the APAC region.
Achievements
Throughout his career, James Odell has developed a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the legal sector. He has successfully blended people, processes, and technology to address complex challenges in the industry. His leadership roles at prominent firms such as Baker & McKenzie and Linklaters have contributed to his expertise in legal operations and strategy.