6 minute read
This edition of our "Meet the Team" series features a conversation with Virginio Basile, Senior Strategic Consultant based in our office in North America. Virginio tells us about his role, why he wanted to join Xperate, and where he’d like to see our North American operations in the future. He also discusses what he likes to get up to outside of the office.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your role at Xperate.
I joined Xperate after a long and rewarding career in the legal and professional services industry. Previously, I was part of the North American team at Advanced for over 16 years. After discussions with Mark Garnish, Xperate’s COO, I saw an opportunity to contribute to their growth. Now, in a strategic role, I focus on supporting the expansion of Xperate’s North American operations.
With years of experience as a CIO at some of Canada’s largest law firms, I help set up and guide the services team while also contributing to business development. I work closely with Anand Ablack (President, North America) and Anthony Barile (Senior Solutions Consultant), mentoring Anthony and sharing my expertise to strengthen the team.
I’ve known and worked with Simon Hill (CEO) and Mark for over 15 years, and it’s been great to reconnect in this capacity. I take pride in the strategic impact I can make as Xperate continues to grow.
Why did you want to join Xperate and what is it about working at Xperate that you enjoy most?
My close relationship with Mark was a big part of what convinced me to come out of retirement and take on this role at Xperate. I’ve been in the legal tech industry since 1985 and I’ve always been passionate about it. I feel completely at home in this sector, and joining Xperate was a natural fit.
One of the biggest reasons I wanted to be part of Xperate was the people. I have immense respect for Mark, Simon, and Anand, and working with them has been a fantastic experience. I also really enjoy mentoring Anthony - it fits perfectly with my managerial style. One of my strengths has always been building strong, lasting teams where people want to stay, and that’s something I aim to bring to Xperate. I love working with others, helping to empower the team, and fostering meaningful relationships both in and out of the office.
Even though I’m based in Montreal and Anand is in Toronto, a six-hour drive away, we collaborate seamlessly, which speaks volumes about how well the team works together. Even though I’m technically part-time, I often find myself putting in more hours simply because I love what I do, and it’s hard not to get involved.
What challenges do you face in your role and how do you overcome them?
There are always challenges in any business, and my role at Xperate is no exception. One of the biggest difficulties is balancing my part-time role while ensuring I’m making a meaningful impact. It can be tough to juggle my time and not overcommit, especially when there’s always something new to learn. Legal tech evolves at an incredible pace - AI, cloud technology, and industry trends shift constantly, and staying up to date requires significant effort.
I’ve always been passionate about developing strong client relationships and having a deep understanding of the industry, but keeping up with the rapid advancements in legal tech is a challenge. There’s an overwhelming amount of information to absorb, and I spend a lot of time personally researching updates and developments to stay ahead.
To stay effective, I focus on the two areas that bring the most value to Xperate - mentoring and business development. These are my priorities, and they keep me grounded amidst all the change. I’ve learned a great deal from Anand and the rest of the team. Despite my years of experience, there’s always more to learn, and that’s what keeps the work exciting.
What motivates you to achieve success?
Every career path is unique, and I’ve been fortunate in mine. Early on, in my 30s, I was given the opportunity to step into a managerial role, building and leading teams - a responsibility that quickly became both my passion and my greatest skillset. When I started in legal tech in 1985, personal computers weren’t even commonplace. I was there at the ground level of the technology we now take for granted, networks, emails, and mainframes, and I built my expertise and reputation as the industry evolved.
While I’ve always worked in legal tech and law, my strength has never been just technical knowledge. I’ve consistently been ahead of the curve in understanding technology, but my true focus has always been on people - building strong teams and mentoring specialists. Throughout my career, I’ve received great feedback not just on my technical understanding, but on my ability to create the right team dynamics to drive success. That’s what truly motivates me.
My biggest inspiration comes from team building and working with people. I’m driven by the opportunity to collaborate with clients, support and manage teams, and contribute to areas beyond just technology, like marketing, sales, and business development. Seeing the bigger picture, how all these moving parts come together to create success, is what keeps me motivated. I also love getting out to industry events, engaging with clients, vendors, and law firms, and staying connected to the ever-evolving landscape of legal tech.
Where would you like to see Xperate in North America in 5 years?
The opportunity for Xperate in North America is enormous. We’re offering a unique product that isn’t traditionally available to law firms, and we’re well-positioned to provide real value. The challenge, and the exciting part, is that it’s not just about selling a product; it’s about creating the market, defining the value we bring, and making law firms aware of the solutions we offer.
Right now, many firms don’t even realize they have a problem that Xperate can solve. Our role is to build that awareness, demonstrate how we can help, and establish demand. This isn’t a short-term cycle, it takes time to develop awareness, build testimonials, and create case studies that showcase our impact. Partnerships are a key part of our strategy. They allow us to gain a foothold within organizations and, from there, drive revenue and expand our presence.
One of our biggest advantages in North America is that Xperate already has a strong foundation globally. The team in place has several years of experience, and Anand is an excellent business leader. We’re now starting to put together a great technical team, but it’s critical that we bring in the right people, specialists who align with Xperate’s expertise and vision. That takes time.
In five years, I want to see Xperate as a well-established and trusted name in the North American legal tech space. I truly believe we can bring immense value to law firms, we just need to make them aware of it.
How do you unwind outside of work?
Outside of work, I’m an active person who enjoys staying engaged with both sports and family. I’ve been an avid golfer all my life and spend a lot of time on the course whenever I can. Living in Montreal, I make the most of the sunny weather when it arrives, whether that’s out on the green or enjoying nature.
Family is incredibly important to me. As a father and grandfather, I spend a lot of time with my four young grandchildren, they certainly keep me on my toes! Whether it’s family gatherings or just day-to-day moments, I value the time I get to spend with them.
Beyond golf, I’ve always had a love for sports and the outdoors. Staying active and connected with nature helps me unwind and recharge, giving me the balance I need between work and personal life.
Connect with Virginio on LinkedIn here.
virginio.basile@xperate.com
