Deep
Human
Science
„Working with Prof. Dr. Madeleine Bernhardt over the years has been a true asset to our leadership and talent development at Menold Bezler. Her structured yet empathetic approach, especially through initiatives like MB Grow, the Menold Bezler Leadership Mission Statement, and the Hogan Assessment, has helped us shape a more conscious and effective leadership culture. Madeleine combines deep expertise with a keen sense for people and organizational dynamics - a combination that has left a lasting impact on our firm."
Stefanie Müller, COO, Menold Bezler
Helping Leaders
shape the future
by mastering
the human side
of transformation
Transformation challenges law firm leaders face today
In today's legal market, the firms that succeed are those able to transform at speed. To stay ahead, you need to build a future-ready firm—one that responds to disruption and drives transformation across the organization. But transformation success is far from guaranteed.
Why focusing on human potential is key.
A strong focus on human potential and performance is crucial. It helps you:
- attract, develop, and retain top talent
- unlock peak performance in individuals and teams
- leverage multidisciplinary collaboration for greater client value
- build an adaptive culture that fosters innovation.
Many leaders are seeking clarity.
- How do I unlock human performance during transformation?
- How do I build a strong, adaptive culture that supports strategy?
- How do I create the conditions for people and teams to thrive amid disruption?
These are the questions I help you answer — using deep psychological insight, behavioral science, and systems thinking to make transformation more effective and strengthen your positive leadership impact.
"Madeleine creates instant trust and genuine connection. Her clarity, warmth and practical tools inspire lasting change. Whether speaker or coach - she always resonates deeply. A truly transformative presence in every room."
Dounia Boujddayn, LL.B., Manager, Legal Recruitment at White & Case LLPLeading Transformation in Law Firms
A strategic, research-backed guide for legal leaders to unlock performance in transformation - from individuals to the entire firm
Based on interviews with top leaders from leading law firms, extensive research, and my 20 years of experience in the legal industry, I present my ACT-to-Transform® Framework-a holistic, practical guide to unlocking human potential in transformation and creating a future-ready firm.
"This book brilliantly presents empirical, cutting-edge research about leadership and offers a bridge to law firm leaders: a clear, actionable model - ACT-to-Transform® - to apply that research to transform their law firms at a time of great change and uncertainty."
Scott Westfahl, Professor of Practice and Director, Harvard Law School Executive EducationHow I help you
With a dual background in psychology and law and nearly two decades of experience at the intersection of leadership, behavioral science, and organizational transformation, I help senior legal professionals navigate complex change with psychological insight, strategic clarity, and cultural awareness - to create cultures where people adapt, perform, and thrive.
Speaking
Inspire your teams and leadership with talks that shift mindsets, create clarity, and activate transformation. Grounded in research and real-world leadership experience.
Solutions
Partner with a trusted advisor who understands both the legal world and human behavior.
I support senior leaders and teams in navigating complexity, decoding blind spots, and building adaptive, high-performance cultures.
How I work
Strategic
Effective leadership drives your firm's strategy. I focus on outcomes that matter - aligning leadership with business strategy and transformation goals.
Analytic
I work with structured, research-based tools. My approach is informed by science, tested in practice, and tailored to your context.
Supportive
I create a confidential space for reflection, challenge, and honest conversation - with deep empathy and clarity.
Transformative
I help you move from insight to sustainable change - in behavior, mindset, and results. We'll work toward deep change, not just cosmetic, surface-level fixes.
I have a dual background in psychology and law and nearly two decades of experience at the intersection of leadership, behavior science, and organizational transformation. Educated in Berlin, Cologne and at Paris I (Panthéon-Sorbonne), I hold a Maîtrise en droits français et allemand, an LL.M.
Cologne/Paris I, a doctorate in law, and a Master's degree in psychology. I regularly lecture and advise in executive education programs for law firms and legal departments. I am Director at the Bucerius Center on the Legal Profession at Bucerius Law School (Germany) and Academic Collaborator at the Law Ahead Center on the Legal Profession at IE Law School. Moreover, I serve as Advisory Board Member on Education, Global LegalTech Hub (GLTH).
„Coaching with Madeleine Bernhardt has been a true gamechanger. With remarkable analytical clarity, a sharp eye for structures, and a strong sense for people, she helps uncover surprising new solutions - time and again."
Dr. Maike Huneke, Partnerin, Menold Bezler
