Christopher Smith

Commander
DISC Type : D

Chief Information Officer at Freshfields

New York, New York, United States

Overview

Christopher is the Global Chief Information Officer and Chief Data Officer at Freshfields, where he leads technology and data strategy for over 6, 000 professionals. With a BA from the University of Notre Dame, he specializes in leveraging AI and data to enhance decision-making in complex, people-based organizations. Colleagues describe him as innovative, kind, and an exceptional expert.

Interesting fact: Christophers dual role as both CIO and CDO at a top global law firm highlights his unique expertise at the intersection of technology, data, and legal operations.

Personality Overview

Impact-Driven

Candid & Clear

Strong-Willed

More than the product, they care about the impact of the product.  They respond better to strong and respectful interactions. They prefer to be the ones controlling the conversation or defining the terms.

Topics They Care About

AI & Data Strategy
Focuses on using data and AI to improve judgment and economic outcomes in professional services, as seen in his recent posts about applying AI models to business challenges.
Legal Tech Innovation
Has over 20 years of experience driving the adoption of cutting-edge technology, including cloud and AI, at leading law firms like Freshfields and Sullivan & Cromwell.
Data Governance
As Chief Data Officer, he established the framework for data governance, architecture, and operations, and he has spoken on the importance of building foundational trust in data.

Media Appearances

Freshfields Elevates Tech Pro To Chief Information Officer. Featured in Law360

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Chris Smith | Freshfields. Featured in Freshfields (official firm website)

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Work History

3-2022 - 1-2026
Chief Information Officer at Freshfields
5-2021 - 3-2022
Chief Global Data Officer at Freshfields
11-2020 - 5-2021
Consultant at A Magic Circle Law Firm
2018 - 2020
Chief Knowledge Management and Innovation Officer at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
2003 - 2013
Skipper at Manhattan Sailing Club

Education

1982 - 1985
BA from University of Notre Dame

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 35 Location : New York, New York, United States Job Level : N/A Designation : Chief Information Officer at Freshfields
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Insights For Selling To Christopher

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • When negotiating terms, help them build an impression that they are the ones calling the shots
  • Speak about competitive differentiation that your product offers
  • Get to the point quickly instead of spending time doing small talk

DONT's

  • Don’t take too much time in sending them information if they ask for any
  • Do not spend too much time focusing on product tech or features
  • Avoid being a storyteller and don’t try to oversell

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Christopher is

  • Conviction around the impact matters the most to them, followed by a sense of achievement and ROI.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Christopher

  • If they are not convinced, they will say no without any hesitation.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Christopher move?

  • They can reach decisions fairly quickly if they are convinced.
  • Can Christopher take some risk or not?

  • They don’t mind risks but can be quite binary about them.

You And Christopher

Personality Compatibility


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