Open To Work
Liesl Briel
South Carolina,SC
Summary
Senior advisor with 15+ years’ experience at the intersection of data privacy, digital transformation, and product strategy. Proven track record designing privacy-by-design frameworks, compliance automation, and decision logic that embed regulatory requirements into systems and workflows. Trusted people leader known for providing clarity of direction, mentoring consultants, and enabling teams to deliver confidently without micromanagement. Experienced in advisory-led engagements, cross-functional leadership, and guiding professionals through complex privacy and technology issues in both client and instructional settings.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
12
12
Certifications
2
2
Degrees
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Senior LegalTech Consultant
Consilio
USA
04.2024 - Current
- Act as a senior advisor on legal operations, data privacy, and digital transformation initiatives, supporting enterprise and public-sector clients modernizing contracting and compliance functions.
- Lead and shape multiple parallel initiatives under tight timelines and complex constraints, including template harmonisation programs, CLM vendor selection projects, CLM health checks, and the design and rollout of pilot implementations.
- Designed and led a privacy-by-design automation framework within a CLM platform for Accor, a multinational hotel group (2,500+ hotels), translating jurisdiction-specific data protection requirements into conditional logic, decision trees, and country lookup tables.
- Created visual workflow diagrams, logic models, and implementation guidance to align Legal, Data Protection, and Engineering teams prior to build, ensuring accurate digitisation of templates and automated clause selection.
- Conducted CLM health checks and readiness assessments, identifying gaps across people, process, templates, and technology, and defining pragmatic, phased improvement roadmaps.
- Led vendor selection and evaluation processes, including requirements definition, comparative analysis, and stakeholder alignment.
- Developed enablement materials, including training content and video resources, to support adoption of new workflows and systems.
- Provide direction, prioritisation, and judgment to delivery teams; mentor junior consultants through guidance and encouragement while trusting them to execute without micromanagement.
- Recognized internally for strong people leadership, clarity of direction, and the ability to guide professionals through complex subject matter, fostering confidence and ownership within teams.
- Analyzed client requirements and developed tailored solutions to meet specific business needs.
Product Strategy & Privacy Advisor (Advisory / Part-time)
HealthTech & Fitness Start-ups
Remote
03.2017 - Current
- Partnered with founders and engineering teams to shape product concepts, MVP scope, and feature prioritisation, balancing regulatory, commercial, and technical constraints.
- Led discovery workshops and translated user and business needs into product requirements and decision frameworks.
- Embedded privacy and data protection considerations early in product design, ensuring compliance without slowing innovation.
- Contributed to successful fundraising outcomes by articulating product vision, regulatory readiness, and commercial viability.
- Analyzed market trends to inform product development and marketing strategies.
Head Program Instructor — Data Protection & Privacy (Part-time)
2U
Remote
03.2024 - Current
- Serve as subject-matter expert and lead instructor for data protection and privacy modules, guiding students through complex regulatory and ethical issues using real-world scenarios drawn from advisory practice.
- Translate abstract legal and regulatory concepts into practical decision-making frameworks, highlighting real-world implications for organizations, products, and individuals.
- Recognized by students for depth of expertise, clarity of explanation, and a supportive teaching approach, creating an environment where learners feel confident engaging with challenging material.
- Provide mentorship and guidance to students navigating complex privacy questions, balancing legal requirements, business realities, and risk considerations.
- Responsible for the smooth delivery of course sessions, including coordination of presentations, assessments, and instructional operations.
Founder & Legal Consultant — Tech, Privacy
Cyberlaw Consulting
South Africa
01.2011 - 03.2024
- Established and led a boutique consulting practice providing technology, privacy, and digital risk advisory services within the South African market, forming the professional foundation for later international advisory work.
- Delivered legal and regulatory consulting engagements requiring problem framing, risk analysis, and clear, business-oriented recommendations to senior stakeholders.
- Interpreted and applied data protection and technology regulations, developing the analytical judgment and advisory skills essential for senior consulting roles.
- Designed policies, compliance frameworks, and training materials that translated legal requirements into practical, operational guidance.
- Built long-term client relationships independently, establishing credibility as a trusted advisor and strengthening leadership, communication, and stakeholder-management capabilities.
Attorney (Early Career)
South Africa
01.2004 - 01.2006
- Early career experience in commercial and litigation matters. Details available on request.
Education
LL.M. - Electronic Law
LL.B. - Bachelor of Laws
01.1996 - 06.2002
Skills
- Digital Transformation Strategy
- Data Privacy & Regulatory Advisory
- Legal Operations & CLM Strategy
- Compliance Automation & Workflow Design
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Advisory & Stakeholder Engagement
- Template Harmonisation & Digitisation
- Conditional Logic & Decision Tree Design
- Analytical thinking
- Time management
- Critical thinking
- Written communication
Certification
- CIPP/US — In progress
- CLM & Document Automation Certifications (Agiloft, NetDocuments)
- Product & Digital Transformation Coursework (University of Virginia, University of Alberta)
Languages
French
Limited Working
English
Full Professional
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Senior LegalTech Consultant - Consilio
04.2024 - Current
Head Program Instructor — Data Protection & Privacy (Part-time) - 2U
03.2024 - Current
Product Strategy & Privacy Advisor (Advisory / Part-time) - HealthTech & Fitness Start-ups
03.2017 - Current
Founder & Legal Consultant — Tech, Privacy - Cyberlaw Consulting
01.2011 - 03.2024
Attorney (Early Career) -
01.2004 - 01.2006
University of Pretoria - LL.B., Bachelor of Laws
01.1996 - 06.2002
University of Cape Town - LL.M., Electronic Law