Derek Southall leads Gowling WLG in innovation, digital and a range of related areas such as knowledge management and futures. Derek has over 20 years' experience within the business and with clients in developing strategies and implementing a range of business improvement projects relating to technology, compliance, risk, and productivity. Derek has worked with many of the world's leading in house teams, this work has included document management, knowledge management, financial management, procurement, operational and resourcing strategies, emerging technologies and more.

Derek was ranked one of the top three most innovative lawyers in the UK in the FT's first study into the UK market, and the firm have won numerous awards for their use of technology including the Legal Business Technology Team of the Year 2015. After nearly 20 years as a partner in 2017 Derek also launched Hyperscale Group Limited, an advisory business relating to digital, technology and innovation.