Diferencia Legal appoints Vicente Franco as Partner to lead AI and Digital Transformation practice

Diferencia Legal has appointed Vicente Franco as partner and head of its AI, Digital Transformation and Law Firm Management practice, as part of its strategy to strengthen its position as an innovative consultancy and support law firms in their technological evolution, growth and organisational transformation.

With this appointment, the firm significantly expands its capabilities in areas such as artificial intelligence, automation, LegalTech and strategic law firm management, at a time when technology is playing an increasingly important role in the legal industry.

Vicente Franco brings extensive experience in innovation and digital transformation. A computer engineer with an MBA, he combines strong technological expertise, business acumen and a deep understanding of the legal ecosystem, making him one of the most recognised professionals in the field of digital transformation applied to the legal sector.

Prior to joining Diferencia Legal, Franco served as Director of Technology and Innovation at Ontier, where he led the firm’s digital transformation strategy in Spain and across its international network. He later spent five years as COO of Across Legal. Throughout his career, he has also held leadership positions at multinational companies and advised organisations across a wide range of industries on innovation and business transformation initiatives.

According to Diferencia Legal, Franco’s arrival represents a significant milestone in the firm’s growth strategy and strengthens its ability to help law firms address the challenges arising from an increasingly technology-driven legal market.

David Muro, partner at Diferencia Legal, said: “Vicente’s appointment represents a very significant qualitative leap for us. His profile combines something that is extremely difficult to find: deep technological expertise, strategic vision and an extraordinary ability to understand the real needs of law firms. We share the same vision of how the legal sector should evolve and of the importance of using technology and artificial intelligence with purpose, impact and a highly practical approach.”

Alfonso Everlet, partner at Diferencia Legal, added: “Vicente is a perfect fit with Diferencia Legal’s philosophy. Not only because of his experience and professional reputation, but also because of the way he approaches innovation: close to the business, close to the client, pragmatic and focused on delivering tangible results. His arrival strengthens our value proposition and allows us to offer even more differentiated support to our clients.”

As head of the new practice area, Franco will lead the development of specialised services in digital transformation and law firm management. These will include AI governance and adoption strategies, AI-driven process automation, technology planning, LegalTech and legal ERP implementation, change management and workflow optimisation.

He will also spearhead new advisory services related to law firm growth and management, including post-M&A integration projects, AI-powered competitive analysis, CRM implementation, business intelligence and KPI reporting, organisational design, career development frameworks and talent retention programmes.

Commenting on his appointment, Vicente Franco said: “Diferencia Legal has something truly special: ambition, proximity and a different way of understanding the profession. We are living through a period of enormous transformation in the legal sector, and I believe law firms need strategic and practical guidance to embrace this change and unlock the full potential of artificial intelligence and technology. I am thrilled to join a project with such a strong identity, great people and a genuine desire to do things differently.”

The appointment forms part of Diferencia Legal’s broader growth strategy, aimed at consolidating an innovative, multidisciplinary and highly specialised advisory offering that helps legal organisations and professionals adapt and compete successfully in an increasingly digital, competitive and demanding environment.