In this edition of our "Meet the Team" series, we spoke with Murray Fraser, Xperate’s Head of Customer Success. Murray has worked in the legal industry for 32 years as a property lawyer, and he is now a key part of our UK management team. In this interview, we find out why he joined Xperate, his future hopes and visions for the company, his main motivations and much more.
Why did you want to join Xperate?
After 30 years as a property lawyer in the industry, I was looking for a change that would allow me to blend my legal expertise with my interest in technology, and Xperate was the perfect place for this.
I've known Simon Hill and Mark Garnish, Xperate’s CEO and COO, since the late 1990s. In fact, they introduced me to my first Case Management System. Over the years, I've had the pleasure of working with many members of the Xperate team, and I've always been inspired by their exceptional culture and the respect that they have earned in the industry.
I'm thrilled to be part of such an innovative and well-respected team. The chance to work with people I've known for so long, in a field that combines my legal background with cutting-edge technology, was irresistible. Xperate represents the perfect blend of legal and technological expertise, and I'm excited to be a part of its continued success.
What do you bring to the Xperate team?
My journey to Xperate has been a long and winding one, but it's given me a unique perspective that I believe adds real value to the team. I started my career as a pure property lawyer, but over time, I found myself increasingly drawn into the technological side of the industry, particularly through my work in volume remortgaging. By the end of that phase of my career, I was deeply involved in CIO-level technology decisions.
This dual experience in law and technology has been invaluable. Both industries have very specific languages and ways of operating, and my background allows me to bridge that gap effectively. I can fully understand what our customers are trying to achieve because I've been in their shoes. I know the pressures they face, the terminology they use, and the outcomes they're looking for.
I can leverage my unique skill set to help create solutions that truly meet the needs of legal professionals in today's tech-driven world.
What does your role entail and how do you see it evolving over time?
My role at Xperate is still quite embryonic, which is one of the things that excites me about it. It's incredibly varied, with no two days being the same. A large portion of my work involves direct consultancy, however there is also a sales element to what I do. I focus on winning new business and ensuring our existing clients remain satisfied. I engage directly with customers to make sure we're providing the services they need and want, and I also stay in regular contact to ensure that they are pleased with our solutions.
I'm often involved in initial discussions about legal and tech work, which allows me to shape projects from the ground up. While my role is UK-based, I also engage with our teams in North America and India. I particularly enjoy translating legal requirements for our developers in India, ensuring that our tech solutions truly meet the needs of legal professionals.
My background as both a lawyer and a notary public has given me insight into different jurisdictions around the world, which is important as law firms can operate quite differently globally. I'm looking forward to the possibility of travelling to different countries with Xperate in the future.
One of the challenges - and opportunities - I've noticed is that many law firms aren't fully aware of what Xperate can do for them. Fortunately, my extensive network of contacts in the legal and property industries allows me to reach out and educate potential clients about our services.
What motivates you to achieve success?
I am genuinely motivated and excited by new projects, especially those that involve delivering something new or solving a problem that seems unsolvable. It’s especially rewarding to be involved in initiatives where we're creating something from scratch or introducing a solution that transforms how legal professionals work.
I thrive on keeping things fresh and dynamic. The legal tech landscape is constantly evolving, and I love being at the forefront of these changes, continuously learning and adapting.
But perhaps the most rewarding aspect of my work is seeing our efforts pay off. There's a real sense of achievement when we get to see the positive impact our solutions have on law firms. When I see how our work makes their operations more efficient, their processes smoother, and ultimately makes them happier and more successful, it makes all the hard work worth it.
What do you get up to outside of the office?
Outside the office, I'm an outdoor enthusiast. Swimming, cycling, and hiking are my go-to activities for staying active and enjoying nature. I'm always up for a new challenge, which has led me to some incredible experiences. A few years back, I took part in a Channel swim with some friends, which was both exhilarating and demanding. I've also completed some amazing cycling journeys, including rides from London to Berlin and from Land's End to John o'Groats. When I'm not on the road or in the water, you'll often find me exploring on foot. One of my favourite treks was walking the Cumbrian Way, which spans the entire length of the Lake District.
However, I'm happiest when I'm in the garden, spending hours tending to the greenery. It's my biggest passion and a great way to unwind.
Family plays a huge role in my life outside work. With four kids, there's always something going on. They keep me busy and grounded, reminding me of what's truly important in life.
Recently, I've taken on a new role that I'm particularly proud of. I've become a trustee of CAMMS, a Cambridge charity that provides meals on wheels for vulnerable individuals in the community. This opportunity to give back has been something I've wanted to do for a long time.
I'm not one to sit still for long. I find that if I get bored, it doesn't suit me well. Life has thrown its fair share of challenges my way, but no matter what obstacles we face, I've learned that with the right mindset, we can overcome anything!
Connect with Murray on LinkedIn here.