50 Women to Watch: Marla Crawford

Marla Crawford, General Counsel, Cimplifi

Marla Crawford brings more than 35 years’ expertise to her role as General Counsel of Cimplifi. She is a respected attorney, strategic advisor, and thought leader who speaks regularly on legal operations and technology, electronic discovery, and contract analytics. Marla spent 22 years practicing law at the prestigious international firm, Jones Day. She also served as associate general counsel for Goldman Sachs for 11 years where she led the firm’s global eDiscovery practice and focused on complex commercial and securities litigation and regulatory investigations. Marla earned a bachelor’s degree in public policy from Duke University and graduated magna cum laude from Boston University, where she earned her Juris Doctor. Marla is a fellow of the College of Law Practice Management, on the advisory boards of CLOC, Legal Week, and CALAMU, and a member of CHIEF. She is a Lifetime Achievement Award winner of ALM's Leaders in Tech Law. Marla is also active in various women's causes, including founding the SPLASH Pledge (Service Providers Leading Against Sexual Harassment).

CCBJ asked each of our candidates to pass it forward with a few words of wisdom for the next generation.

Please describe your proudest individual or team achievement.

In 2023, I was honored to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Leaders in Tech Law Awards. While I feel my journey is still just beginning, it was gratifying to be recognized for my contributions to the legal technology community. Throughout my career, I have also been committed to advancing women's causes. One of my proudest achievements is initiating the SPLASH Pledge (Service Providers Leading Against Sexual Harassment), which aims to foster a safe and respectful environment at industry events.

Kindly share the most influential piece of advice (professional or personal) you have received?

If you keep going in the right direction, eventually you will get there.

What are your favorite books, professional sports, entertainment and/or extracurricular activities?

I love watching Duke basketball - oh the exhilaration with every 3 pointer!

Please include a quote that inspires you.

"Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death!"
- Auntie Mame

Click here to view our 2024 list of 50 Women to Watch.