vLex Fastcase 50 Honorees 2025

Aaron Boersma

Spend Innovation Lead, LegalOps+, Ford Motor Company

Aaron Boersma is a pioneering legal operations leader transforming how Fortune 500 companies manage legal spend and strategic pricing at scale. As Spend Innovation Lead in LegalOps+ at Ford Motor Company, he drives innovative solutions for legal department efficiency and cost optimization across one of America's largest automotive manufacturers. His unique career trajectory includes strategic pricing roles at both Baker & McKenzie and Butler Snow LLP, giving him rare dual perspective from both law firm and client sides of legal operations. Previously at Google, Aaron served as Strategic Projects Lead in Global Affairs Finance, developing comprehensive spend management strategies while overseeing all outside counsel pricing arrangements. A frequent speaker at Legal Marketing Association, P3, and Legal Value Network conferences, Aaron is recognized for bridging technology, finance, and legal operations to exemplify the next generation of legal innovation leadership transforming how corporate legal departments operate in the digital age.

Alexandra van Ackere

Assistant General Counsel, Ferrari

Alexandra van Ackere stands at the forefront of automotive legal excellence as Assistant General Counsel at Ferrari, where her strategic vision shapes legal operations across the luxury automotive and financial services sectors. Her comprehensive background encompasses litigation expertise, compliance leadership, and innovative problem-solving approaches that have established new standards for legal service delivery in highly regulated industries. With extensive experience at leading law firms and deep expertise in intellectual property and corporate law, she brings sophisticated legal analysis to Ferrari's complex business environment. Her groundbreaking work orchestrating case management implementations and developing COVID-19 response protocols showcased exceptional leadership during critical business challenges. As the youngest Board member at Our Lady of Mercy Academy, Alexandra demonstrates commitment to educational excellence while embodying the collaborative leadership style that defines innovative legal professionals bridging corporate success with community impact.

Alison Shea

Research Librarian, University of St. Thomas School of Law

Alison Shea is transforming legal education and research through innovative approaches to foreign, comparative, and international law instruction. As Research Librarian at University of St. Thomas School of Law she works to balance AI literacy with respect for human dignity in her teaching. A former Chair of AALL's Foreign, Comparative, and International Law Special Interest Section, she has pioneered new methodologies for legal research education across multiple institutions including Cornell Law School and Fordham Law School. Her scholarly impact includes co-editing the authoritative "Sources of State Practice in International Law" (2nd ed., 2014), a comprehensive digital and print bibliography that has become an indispensable reference for international law researchers worldwide. Alison's leadership extends to spearheading collaborative international projects, which include innovative in-person and webinar programming that bridges legal education gaps. Her commitment to advancing legal technology and access spans multiple professional associations including AALL, BIALL, IALL, and IFLA, where she regularly speaks on and contributes to cutting-edge legal research innovations.

Bradley Collins

Co-Founder & CEO, LegalTechTalk

Bradley Collins is advancing legal innovation across Europe as Co-Founder and CEO of LegalTechTalk, now recognized as Europe's largest legal technology conference with over 5,500 attendees from 75 countries. Building on his diverse commercial background spanning media, insurance, and tech sectors at companies including Ascential, Centaur Media, and Insurtech Insights, Bradley identified the critical need for a unified platform to accelerate legal transformation. Since launching LegalTechTalk, he has created an unparalleled ecosystem connecting legal professionals, technology providers, and industry thought leaders through content, conferences, and community-building initiatives. His vision extends beyond traditional legal tech to encompass comprehensive industry transformation including mental health, access to justice, and inclusive innovation. Through hundreds of strategic interviews with industry leaders and his ambitious plans to scale LegalTechTalk to 6,000 attendees while expanding internationally, Bradley exemplifies the entrepreneurial leadership driving positive change across the global legal profession.

Brian Corbin

Vice President and Global Head of Strategic Services, QuisLex

Brian Corbin has pioneered legal operations excellence across four continents during his 20-year career designing and leading innovation initiatives spanning Fortune 500 companies, alternative legal service providers, and global law firms. As Vice President and Global Head of Strategic Services at award-winning QuisLex, he drives operational transformation and leads the company's newly launched QuisLex Advisory practice, helping clients implement AI tools, benchmark best practices, and modernize legal operations. His global expertise includes building cross-functional teams from Washington D.C. to Bangalore to New York to Buenos Aires to Berlin, overseeing enterprise-class legal automation solutions, and serving as Chief Product Owner for eDiscovery Technology at JPMorgan Chase. A Certified eDiscovery Specialist, a member of EDRM's Global Advisory Council, and an LDI Architect with Legal Data Intelligence, Brian regularly speaks at leading industry conferences including ILTA, Legalweek, EDI, and Relativity Fest, while contributing thought leadership on legal AI, process optimization, and the evolution of legal service delivery models that define the future of legal operations.

Bridgit Mendler

CEO & Co-Founder, Northwood Space

Bridgit Mendler exemplifies the power of reinvention, transitioning from Disney Channel superstar to accomplished legal scholar in an extraordinary second-career transformation. Best known for her starring role as Teddy Duncan on "Good Luck Charlie" and platinum-certified hit "Ready or Not," Mendler pivoted from entertainment to pursue rigorous academic credentials at two of America's most prestigious institutions. As a 2024 Harvard Law School graduate, she served as Co-President of the Harvard Space Law Society while simultaneously completing advanced research at MIT Media Lab, where she spent over five years studying constructive communications and social machines. Her work bridged policy and technology through roles including a stint at the Federal Communications Commission's International Bureau Satellite Division. Now CEO of aerospace startup Northwood Space, Mendler demonstrates how legal education provides the analytical foundation for technology entrepreneurship, proving that diverse career paths can lead to innovative leadership across industries.

Carl Morrison

Senior Manager of Legal Operations, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Companies

Carl Morrison is an innovative trailblazer in legal operations and paralegal education, recognized for his groundbreaking work bridging the transition from paralegal practice to legal operations expertise with cutting-edge legal technology innovation. As Senior Manager of Legal Operations at Otsuka Pharmaceutical Companies, he drives strategic initiatives across a global pharmaceutical enterprise while serving as an industry thought leader in legal organizations such as Legal Data Intelligence (LDI), CLOC, ILTA and NALA. Mr. Morrison earned the prestigious NALA Founders' Award in 2024 for extraordinary contributions to the paralegal profession and is an Accredited Legal Operations Professional (ALOP) who has educated numerous individuals over the years through his roles as adjunct professor for paralegal programs at various universities and colleges in both Oklahoma and Nevada, as well as serving on the ABA Paralegal Education Approval Commission and as a CLOC Education Advisory Council member. His expertise in legal data intelligence and e-discovery has been featured in publications for ACEDS and Legal Dive, while his innovative approach to legal department management during high-profile mergers, including The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas acquisition by MGM Resorts, demonstrates his ability to transform complex legal operations through technology and strategic process improvement.

Christian Long

Innovation Lead, Jackson Lewis

Christian Long is a innovative legal technology leader who has spent over 13 years pioneering AI adoption and digital transformation at Jackson Lewis P.C., one of the nation's preeminent workplace law firms. As Innovation Lead, he led the successful firmwide rollout of Vincent AI across 67 offices and all practice groups, positioning the firm at the forefront of legal AI adoption. Long co-developed the award-winning workthruIT™ platform, a sophisticated digital solution providing 24/7 self-service legal compliance tools that helped Jackson Lewis earn ILTA's prestigious "Innovative Law Firm of the Year" award in 2018. His leadership in implementing cutting-edge legal technologies—from Casetext AI brief-drafting tools to PacerPro NetDocs integration—has transformed attorney workflows and client service delivery. With an engineering background from Villanova University and executive education from Wharton, Long exemplifies the intersection of technical expertise and legal innovation, driving the digital transformation that enables modern law firms to deliver more efficient, accessible legal services.

Courtney Toiaivao

Director of Research Services, Holland & Knight LLP

Courtney Toiaivao is transforming legal research and knowledge management at Holland & Knight, leading innovative research services that integrate cutting-edge technology with traditional legal information expertise. With a Master of Science from Simmons College and comprehensive experience spanning major law firms including Cleary Gottlieb and K&L Gates, she brings deep expertise to legal information management and technology integration. A recognized thought leader in legal AI and research innovation, Courtney is a frequent speaker at legal industry conferences, sharing her expertise on emerging technologies and their impact on legal research and practice. As an AALL Leadership Academy alumnus and active member of the Law Library Association of Greater New York, she champions professional development and knowledge sharing across the legal information community. Her unique perspective as a second-generation American and advocate for cultural understanding enhances her collaborative approach to building inclusive, innovative research solutions that empower legal professionals to deliver exceptional client service.

Crystal Little

Editor of Content and Publications, ILTA

Crystal Little serves as Editor of Content and Publications at the International Legal Technology Association (ILTA), where she drives content strategy and editorial excellence for the premier global community of legal technologists. In this role, she oversees ILTA's award-winning publications program, including the renowned Peer to Peer magazine and white papers that consistently rank as the most valuable publications in the legal technology sector. Crystal played a key role in the development and launch of ILTA Pulse, an innovative digital platform that provides instant access to legal tech insights, podcasts, webinars, and industry analysis without membership barriers, serving as a go-to resource for legal professionals seeking trustworthy technology expertise. With a unique background combining a Master of Divinity from Wake Forest University School of Divinity, social justice activism, and business management experience, Crystal brings a distinctive perspective to legal technology communications, helping bridge complex technical concepts with practical applications for ILTA's 25,000+ global members and the broader legal community.

Elizabeth Prelogar

Steven and Maureen Klinsky Visiting Professor of Practice for Leadership and Progress, Harvard Law School

Elizabeth Prelogar served as the 48th Solicitor General of the United States, becoming only the second woman in U.S. history to hold the nation's top Supreme Court advocacy position. Often referred to as the "10th Justice," she argued over 35 cases before the Supreme Court, including landmark disputes over constitutional rights, federal regulatory authority, and civil liberties. Her remarkable career includes consecutive Supreme Court clerkships for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Justice Elena Kagan, along with extensive experience as Assistant to the Solicitor General from 2014 to 2019. Currently the Steven and Maureen Klinsky Visiting Professor of Practice for Leadership and Progress at Harvard Law School, she continues to shape the future of Supreme Court advocacy through teaching and recently received Lambda Legal's Liberty Award in recognition of her professional excellence and leadership for LGBTQ+ communities.

Eric D. Greenberg

Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, Cox Media Group

Eric D. Greenberg serves as Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary of Cox Media Group, a multi-platform media company and Apollo Global Management portfolio company, where he has redefined the General Counsel role from reactive risk management to strategic value creation. Named a 2024 finalist for The American Lawyer's General Counsel of the Year, Eric leads legal operations that won AmLaw's Best Legal Operations award while developing innovative "Legal R&D" frameworks that treat regulatory dynamics and legal theory as proactive strategic business tools. His asymmetric negotiation strategies delivered significant enterprise value through industry-defining agreements with major media players, achieving markedly superior terms despite structural disadvantages. A former Chambers-ranked partner and Legal 500 Hall of Fame inductee, Eric brings deep media and technology expertise from leading law firms including Perkins Coie and Paul Hastings, plus government experience at the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel. His thought leadership includes widely-read publications on AI's impact on legal practice and the evolution of general counsel roles in digital-first enterprises, including a forthcoming eight-part series, "GC x AI," appearing in Bloomberg Law.

Erik Adams

Director of Library Digital Technology, Sidley Austin LLP

Erik Y. Adams leads the evolution of legal information services through his innovative work as Director of Library Digital Technology at Sidley Austin LLP, where he applies more than 20 years of combined experience in law librarianship and software engineering to solve complex research challenges. Recognized as a thought leader in artificial intelligence applications for legal research, Erik has contributed to influential publications on AI in law libraries and data analytics implementation, empowering librarians to leverage modern tools in their daily practice. His entrepreneurial spirit shines through his concurrent role as Chief of Technology at Golden Arrow Publishing, where he architects data integration solutions and alerting systems for legal professionals. A sought-after speaker at American Association of Law Libraries events, Erik delivers practical insights on API implementation and attorney workflow optimization, helping the legal community navigate digital change. His technical proficiency in multiple programming languages, coupled with his UCLA library science foundation, positions him at the forefront of legal technology advancement.

Fernando A. Delgado, PhD

Executive Director of AI & Analytics, Lighthouse

Fernando A. Delgado, PhD, serves as Executive Director of AI & Analytics at Lighthouse, where he leads the development of cutting-edge legal AI solutions through his innovative Participatory AI methodology. With over 20 years of experience in legal technology, Fernando champions human-centered AI design that has resulted in groundbreaking innovations including Lighthouse AI Privilege Review, the industry's first AI-powered privilege review solution. His academic credentials include a PhD in Information Science from Cornell University, where his dissertation focused on participatory design processes for meaningful engagement with domain experts in AI system development. Fernando's research excellence is evidenced by prestigious recognition including a National Science Foundation Research Grant, Best Paper Award from the Association of Computing Machinery, and Russell Sage Foundation funding. His work bridges academic rigor with practical application, developing solutions that significantly outperform traditional search methods while maintaining ethical AI practices through collaborative design processes with legal practitioners.

Frances Pomposo

Senior Director, Legal Technology Solutions, Cisco (and CLOC)

Frances Pomposo currently serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Corporate Legal Operations Consortium (CLOC). She previously held the position of Senior Director of Legal Technology Solutions at Cisco, and prior to Cisco's acquisition of Splunk, Frances served as VP LGA Strategy and Operations and Chief of Staff to the CLO. Frances brings expertise in AI strategy implementation, legal technology transformation, and M&A integration. She has a proven track record of leading large-scale organizational change, building high-performing global teams, and implementing innovative technology solutions across high-growth technology companies, including Workday, Lyft, and Adobe. She received her MBA from San Jose State in 2016 and graduated from Santa Clara University in 2011. Frances has been a CLOC member since its “book club” days and has served as CLOC Bay Area Regional Group Lead and Lead of the Emerging Legal Departments Group in her tenure.

Fredie Didier Jr.

Titular Professor at the Law Faculty of the Federal University of Bahia & Associate Professor

Fredie Didier Jr. stands as one of Brazil's most influential legal scholars and practitioners, driving innovation in civil procedure law and access to justice through groundbreaking academic work and practical applications. As Titular Professor at the Federal University of Bahia and Associate Professor at the University of São Paulo, he has authored or co-authored over 50 books on civil procedural law and serves as co-editor of the internationally recognized Civil Procedure Review journal, which has become a premier platform for global legal scholarship since 2010. His recent work includes developing the conceptual framework for Brazil's "Multiport Justice System," expanding access to justice through multiple dispute resolution channels beyond traditional courts, as detailed in his 2024 book "Introduction to Multiport Justice." As partner at Didier, Sodré e Rosa Advocacia, recognized by Chambers as a distinguished lawyer practicing throughout Brazil, and member of both Brazilian and Ibero-American Institutes of Procedural Law, Fredie bridges academic excellence with practical legal innovation, exemplifying how legal education and research can reshape justice delivery systems for the digital age.

Isabel Parker

Chief Innovation Officer, White & Case

Isabel Parker drives legal technology advancement as Chief Innovation Officer at White & Case, orchestrating innovation initiatives across one of the world's premier law firms with offices spanning 29 countries on six continents. Under her leadership, White & Case received the 2024 "Innovation in Generative AI Strategy" award while achieving second place overall among innovative North American law firms according to the Financial Times. Isabel's influential book "Successful Digital Transformation in Law Firms: A Question of Culture" has become essential reading for legal leaders worldwide, reinforcing her recognition as a 2020 European Women of Legal Technology Award winner and top 10 innovative lawyer by the Financial Times. Having previously elevated Freshfields to become Europe's most innovative law firm and led Deloitte Legal's global Generative AI practice, Isabel consistently delivers measurable innovation outcomes. Her strategic approach to implementing AI solutions, building innovation cultures, and managing large-scale technology adoption continues to influence how leading law firms operate in the digital age.

Jeff Richardson

CEO and Co-founder, Digital Disbursements, a subsidiary of Western Alliance Bank, Member FDIC, and part of Western Alliance Bank's Juris Banking Group

Jeff Richardson exemplifies innovation in legal technology through his groundbreaking work revolutionizing class action settlement payments. As CEO and Co-founder of Digital Disbursements, now part of Western Alliance Bank's Juris Banking Group, he has developed award-winning solutions that achieve 98% payment success rates compared to traditional check distributions' 77% rate, ensuring more settlement funds reach legitimate claimants. His proprietary Anti-Fraud Triangle technology, developed in partnership with ClaimScore, prevented over 800 million fraudulent claims in 2024 alone, earning American Banker's Innovation of the Year award in the Cybersecurity and Fraud category. After nearly 30 years as a class action defense attorney and partner at Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp, Richardson made an extraordinary career shift to address systemic inefficiencies he witnessed in settlement distributions. Named a National Law Journal Class Action/Mass Tort Litigation Trailblazer in 2023, he also founded the Paradigm Challenge, the world's largest youth kindness competition, demonstrating his commitment to solving complex problems through innovative thinking and collaborative solutions.

Jeff Sabado

Director of Knowledge Management, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP

Jeff Sabado earned recognition as ILTA's 2016 "IT Professional of the Year" for his exceptional work bridging legal practice and technology innovation at Davis Wright Tremaine LLP. As Director of Knowledge Management and AI Steering Committee member, he has spent over 15 years architecting solutions that enhance legal service delivery, including developing automated systems and implementing AI-powered document management platforms. His participation as both mentor and judge at Stanford's CodeX hackathons demonstrates his continued leadership in legal AI development and commitment to advancing the field. Jeff's work spans from large-scale automation projects to ethical AI implementation, contributing to diversity initiatives while creating knowledge management systems that solve real-world problems for attorneys and clients across multiple practice areas.

Jeremy W. Burdge

Chief Operating Officer - Americas - HL LegalTech, Hogan Lovells

Jeremy W. Burdge is an award-winning legal technology executive who established and hyperscaled ELTEMATE, Hogan Lovells' standalone legal technology hub, delivering innovative AI solutions to both internal legal teams and external clients. As Chief Operating Officer - Americas for HL LegalTech, he leads global strategic initiatives that have scaled multiple business units and restructured organizational models to align with next-generation legal service delivery. Winner of the 2019 Financial Times Innovative Lawyers Award for breakthrough AI programs that first enabled deciphering Chinese, Korean, and Japanese characters, Jeremy brings unique expertise spanning federal government service at the Department of Justice Criminal Fraud division and SEC Enforcement Division, where he managed massive investigations involving hundreds of terabytes of data. His career trajectory from litigation technology specialist supporting federal prosecutors to building cutting-edge legal tech ventures at a global AmLaw 10 firm exemplifies the evolution of legal engineering and technology-enabled alternative legal service delivery.

Jill Schornack

Vice President, Product, NetDocuments

Jill Schornack is a seasoned product executive with over 20 years of experience advancing legal technology. As Vice President of Product at NetDocuments, she shapes the vision and strategy for the company’s portfolio, including innovations like the ndMAX AI Assistant and App Builder for natural language document interaction and workflow automation. Her career includes senior leadership roles at Thomson Reuters, where she delivered enterprise software solutions for law firms worldwide and holds a U.S. patent for automated online presence evaluation technology. Jill directs cross-functional teams to deliver next-generation legal tech platforms and speaks regularly at industry events such as ILTACON and the British Legal Technology Forum, championing user-centered design that empowers legal professionals while upholding the highest standards of security and reliability.

Joel Ferdinand

Co-Chairman, Pierson Ferdinand LLP

Joel M. Ferdinand co-founded and co-leads Pierson Ferdinand LLP (PierFerd), achieving one of the largest law firm launches in U.S. history with over 130 partners across 80+ practice areas in January 2024. PierFerd is now home to over 250 attorneys. As Co-Chairman of this culture first, technology-driven, distributed firm, Ferdinand has redefined elite legal practice by embracing remote-first operations, proprietary legal AI tools, and innovative profit-sharing models that enable lawyers to retain revenue while accessing cutting-edge practice management platforms for ease of practice. Previously serving as Managing Partner of a prior AmLaw law firm, Ferdinand developed deep expertise in distributed legal operations while building one of the leading litigation practices in the distributed law firm sector. A frequent speaker on legal innovation and firm management, Ferdinand advocates for culture-first leadership that prioritizes diversity, radical inclusion, and life-work integration. His vision for the future of legal practice combines advanced technology adoption with foundational principles of servant leadership, establishing new paradigms for how elite law firms can operate in the digital age.

John Burge

CEO and Founder, SigmaSight

John Burge is building the insurer-side answer to EvenUp Law, the unicorn startup enabling plaintiff firms to negotiate higher settlement payouts. SigmaSight responds with an AI-powered operating system for insurer negotiation, with tools that address trial risk, valuation, and advocacy. As CEO and Founder, Burge pioneered AI-powered Offer Packages(tm), now transforming file handlers into expert negotiators—moving them from buried to prepared with a mouse-click, and empowering them as impactful advocates capable of driving stronger outcomes and greater efficiency. Burge previously managed a $400M medical malpractice runoff—standing in the shoes of today’s insurance buyer and seeing firsthand how negotiation drives financial results. An expert at the intersection of law and technology, he has led multiple startups and turnarounds across legaltech and insurance, and has been granted six software patents. Burge and his team are leading the defense-side collaboration around AI-powered negotiation, backed by top-read thought leadership and providing solutions powered by generative AI, machine learning, and litigation analytics. With early pilots showing 10x–50x ROI, SigmaSight is demonstrating deep product–market fit as it tackles the industry’s $200 billion annual settlement problem.

John Scrudato

Director of Practice Engineering, Cooley LLP

John Scrudato advances legal technology through groundbreaking AI applications and open-source standards that reshape how law firms collaborate and serve clients. As Director of Practice Engineering at Cooley, he crafts technology roadmaps that deliver unparalleled technical capabilities, building on his track record of developing one of the first retrieval-augmented generation (RAG)-enabled generative AI applications for a law firm during his tenure at Gunderson Dettmer. His leadership as founding chair of the Open Cap Table Coalition's Technical Working Group created the first open-source data standard for startup capitalization, enabling seamless data exchange across 30+ member organizations including major law firms and fintech companies. With his unique engineering-attorney background from Yale and Michigan, Scrudato has contributed to multiple open-source projects including OCF, LlamaIndex, and ce2OCF while building ChatGD, the cost-effective enterprise AI tool that set industry benchmarks. Through speaking engagements and thought leadership, he advocates for collaborative innovation and standardization that breaks down industry silos.

Joshua Maley

Founder & CEO, Theorem LTS

Joshua Maley is revolutionizing legal procurement by creating the marketplace infrastructure that the legal industry desperately needed through his groundbreaking work as Founder of Theorem LTS, the all-in-one marketplace and procurement platform that connects legal teams with vetted technology and service providers. His unique pathway from Wall Street finance to legal innovation exemplifies entrepreneurial vision, beginning with licensed broker roles at Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch before co-founding Marvel Venture Partners, where he spent over four years deploying seed-stage capital and advising startups on everything from term sheets to Series A financings. While pursuing his JD, Maley simultaneously operated his consulting company Go Endeavor from a Midtown Manhattan office, advising established enterprises and startups on technology development and commercial transactions spanning SaaS and IP licensing agreements. Through the Theorem Podcast Network, which he has hosted since 2019, Josh accelerates legal innovation by bridging venture capital, entrepreneurship, and legal technology, bringing new ideas and emerging technologies to the legal profession. His distinctive background in finance, venture capital, and startup operations positions him at the forefront of legal procurement transformation, streamlining sourcing, RFPs, and vendor management to make buying legal solutions faster, smarter, and more transparent for legal teams worldwide.

Julian Tsisin

Director and Head of Legal and Compliance Technology, Meta

Julian Tsisin drives legal technology innovation at Meta, leading the technology and Legal AI strategy for one of the world's largest technology companies as Director and Head of Legal and Compliance Technology. His role positions him at the intersection of cutting-edge technology development and complex legal operations, where he architects solutions that enable Meta's legal team to navigate the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape facing global technology platforms. As a recognized thought leader in legal operations and technology, Julian regularly speaks at premier industry conferences including CLOC events, sharing insights on how legal departments can leverage advanced technology solutions to scale operations and enhance efficiency. His expertise in legal technology strategy and implementation has established him as a go-to voice for corporate legal departments seeking to modernize their operations through strategic technology adoption. Julian's leadership in building scalable legal technology solutions at Meta provides valuable insights for the broader legal community on managing legal operations at unprecedented scale while maintaining compliance across multiple jurisdictions and regulatory frameworks.

Kannon Shanmugam

Partner, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP

Kannon Shanmugam stands as one of America's most elite appellate advocates, having argued 39 cases before the Supreme Court and over 150 appeals across all 13 federal courts of appeals, establishing himself as a go-to lawyer for the nation's most complex constitutional and appellate matters. As chair of Paul Weiss's Supreme Court and Appellate Litigation Practice and co-chair of the firm's Litigation Department, he delivered landmark victories including Seila Law v. CFPB, the constitutional challenge that invalidated the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's structure, and secured the reversal of a $13 billion securities class action certification. His exceptional advocacy earned recognition as one of only five appellate lawyers ranked as a Star Individual by Chambers USA, finalist for The American Lawyer's Litigator of the Year in 2022 and 2024, and Appellate Litigator of the Year by Benchmark Litigation in 2021. A former Assistant to the Solicitor General and law clerk to Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, Shanmugam brings unparalleled government experience to private practice while representing Fortune 500 companies including Goldman Sachs, ExxonMobil, Meta, and Bank of America in their most critical appellate matters. Recently elected to Harvard Corporation, the governing body for Harvard University, and serving as an honorary fellow of Keble College Oxford and honorary bencher of the Inner Temple, Shanmugam exemplifies the intersection of legal excellence, institutional leadership, and commitment to advancing the legal profession through education and public service.

Ken Hwee Tan

Chief Transformation & Innovation Officer, Supreme Court of Singapore

Ken Hwee Tan is pioneering judicial transformation across Asia as Chief Transformation & Innovation Officer at the Supreme Court of Singapore, leading comprehensive digitalization initiatives spanning the Supreme Court, State Courts, and Family Justice Courts. Since 2019, he has spearheaded technology modernization efforts that improve access to justice, enhance case management efficiency, and establish Singapore's judiciary as a global leader in legal innovation. His groundbreaking work exploring generative AI applications for judicial operations addresses critical questions around safety, guardrails, and public-facing deployment—positioning Singapore at the forefront of AI-powered justice delivery. Previously serving as Chief Prosecutor at the Financial and Technology Crime Division of the Attorney-General's Chambers, Tan prosecuted complex white-collar cases including cybercrime, money laundering, and terrorism financing while collaborating with enforcement agencies across Singapore. He also practised public international law, representing Singapore before the International Court of Justice in The Hague and the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea in Hamburg, demonstrating expertise in high-stakes dispute resolution. A technology innovator since his undergraduate years at National University of Singapore in 1990, Ken Hwee exemplifies the intersection of legal excellence and digital transformation, establishing new paradigms for how judicial systems can leverage technology to serve justice in the digital age.

Lucie Allen

Chief Growth Officer and Member of the Board, BARBRI

Lucie Allen drives global expansion and strategic innovation at BARBRI as Chief Growth Officer and Board Member, leveraging her exceptional track record of scaling legal technology businesses across international markets. Rising from Managing Director to her current leadership role, Allen has transformed BARBRI's growth trajectory while simultaneously serving as Director of She Breaks the Law, championing diversity and inclusion initiatives that reshape legal education and career pathways. Her impressive portfolio includes advisory board membership and six years of non-executive director service at London South East Colleges, demonstrating her commitment to educational excellence and skills development. Previously as Vice President of Global Large Law at Thomson Reuters, Allen led senior leadership initiatives serving the world's most prestigious law firms while executive sponsoring the Early Careers Network and actively participating in diversity and inclusion steering committees. Her expertise spans strategic account management, global go-to-market strategies, and customer partnership optimization, developed through roles including Director of Strategic Accounts and Global Business Director positions managing high-profile corporate and law firm relationships. Allen's unique combination of legal technology expertise, international business development acumen, and passionate advocacy for professional development establishes her as a transformative leader reshaping how legal education and technology converge to create opportunities for the next generation of legal professionals.

Megan McMillin

Senior Practice Innovation Manager, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP

Megan McMillin exemplifies the evolution of legal expertise through her distinctive career trajectory from management consultant to solo practitioner to Big Law innovation leader, culminating in her transformative role as Senior Practice Innovation Manager at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP. Her unique professional foundation began with process optimization and technology implementation expertise at Booz Allen Hamilton, followed by nearly five years of complex corporate law practice at Choate, Hall & Stewart LLP handling M&A and private equity transactions, and eight years of entrepreneurial success operating her solo practice where she mastered client services and legal technology integration. This diverse background now informs her groundbreaking work as Innovation and AI Lawyer, where McMillin leads the firm's exploration of generative AI and predictive analytics while establishing governance frameworks that ensure responsible innovation across practice groups. Her strategic approach to knowledge management helped reshape internal information infrastructure before evolving into comprehensive AI strategy development that translates complex technical concepts into actionable solutions delivering client value. Recognized for her intellectual rigor, generous mentorship, and thoughtful leadership in the broader legal information community, McMillin bridges technical and legal worlds with exceptional clarity, establishing new paradigms for how legal professionals can leverage emerging technologies to elevate practice excellence and advance the profession through smart, sustainable change.

Michelle Trovillo

Director of Information Resources, BakerHostetler

Michelle Trovillo is transforming the legal information profession through visionary leadership that redefines how AmLaw 100 firms deliver research excellence and technology training. As Director of Information Resources at BakerHostetler, she has unified Legal Research Services, Legal Content Services, Content Integration, and Technology Training into a collaborative powerhouse that delivers specialized research support while ensuring seamless access to comprehensive legal databases. She plays a pivotal role in evaluating and advancing AI-powered research tools such as Vincent AI, Harvey, and Westlaw Precision AI, while also leading firm-wide efforts to promote AI literacy and adoption of Microsoft Copilot. As an active member of the AI Strategy team within the Information Services department, she collaborates across Information Resources, IT, IncuBaker, and Litigation Services to assess and prioritize initiatives that align with the firm’s strategic plan and identify opportunities where emerging technologies intersect with legal services. Since entering the legal information profession in 2003, Michelle has consistently elevated industry standards through active leadership in the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) and Private Law Librarians & Information Professionals SIS (PLLIP). Her exceptional contributions have earned prestigious recognition including the 2022 AALL Presidential Certificate of Appreciation, 2023 AALL Volunteer Service Award, and 2024 PLLIP Best Blogger/Writer Award. With a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from Kent State University, Michelle exemplifies how legal information professionals can drive organizational transformation through collaborative leadership, innovative service delivery, and a commitment to advancing the profession through thought leadership and professional development initiatives.

Mike DeCesaris

Vice President, Cornerstone Research

Mike DeCesaris is pioneering the intersection of artificial intelligence and legal analytics as Vice President of Cornerstone Research and director of its Data Science Center, where he leads cutting-edge initiatives in generative AI, large language models, and complex litigation support. Under his leadership since 2014, the Data Science Center has grown to over thirty multidisciplinary programming specialists, earning National Law Journal's Legal Technology Trailblazer recognition and establishing industry-leading capabilities in machine learning, text analytics, and big data solutions. His innovative LLM-driven document analysis approaches have achieved remarkable results, including 95% accuracy in identifying relevant examples while reducing manual review requirements by 85% and increasing discovery effectiveness by over 35% compared to traditional methods. Named to Consulting Magazine's 2024 list of Consulting Leaders in Technology, Mike brings over twenty-five years of experience consulting on complex, data-intensive empirical projects spanning antitrust, healthcare, intellectual property, and regulatory matters. His thought leadership includes influential publications on AI's impact on litigation landscapes and speaking engagements at premier industry conferences, where he educates legal professionals on best practices for implementing AI solutions in expert analyses. With degrees from New York University and Brown University, Mike's strategic investments in on-premises GPU infrastructure and self-hosted LLM capabilities have positioned Cornerstone Research at the forefront of secure, scalable AI implementation that meets the demanding confidentiality and precision requirements of high-stakes litigation.

Myka Hopgood

Chief Knowledge Management and Innovation Officer, Dykema

Myka Hopgood is transforming legal innovation through strategic leadership that bridges traditional knowledge management with cutting-edge technology adoption at Dykema, where she serves as Chief Knowledge Management and Innovation Officer. Her distinguished career trajectory from LexisNexis Strategic Client Manager to law firm innovation leader demonstrates exceptional expertise in developing go-to-market strategies for litigation software products and research tools while understanding the evolving information needs of legal practitioners. As a 2024 winner of the inaugural Monica Bay Women of Legal Tech Award, she exemplifies visionary leadership in positioning law firms to compete through innovation mindset and strategic technology implementation. With her Juris Doctor from Louis D. Brandeis School of Law and deep experience in legal technology product development, Myka excels as both relationship manager and strategist, bringing thorough knowledge of legal information needs to drive firm-wide innovation initiatives. Her active participation in industry conferences including KM Legal 2024 and thought leadership in legal technology networks demonstrates her commitment to advancing knowledge management practices across the legal profession. Through her role overseeing research and practice services, strategic legal innovation, and knowledge management functions, Myka continues to develop comprehensive strategies that help legal professionals leverage information and technology more productively while achieving practice goals in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Natasha Ahmed

Partner, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP

Natasha Ahmed stands at the forefront of technology transactions and AI legal frameworks as Partner at Akin Gump, where she guides global businesses through the complex legal landscape of emerging technologies and intellectual property innovation. Her exceptional career trajectory spans high-stakes cross-border M&A deals including Graphcore's sale to SoftBank Group and Currencycloud's £700 million acquisition by Visa, positioning her as a trusted advisor for technology sector clients and sovereign wealth investors navigating transformational transactions. With unique dual perspective from both private practice excellence and in-house leadership experience as interim Europe Deputy General Counsel at global data insights company Kantar, Ahmed brings unparalleled commercial understanding to complex technology licensing and AI commercialization challenges. Her thought leadership extends from speaking at LegalTechTalk on AI governance to completing Oxford's prestigious Artificial Intelligence Programme, while her pro bono work supporting Rohingya justice initiatives demonstrates commitment to leveraging legal expertise for global impact. Recognized by Legal 500 as a recommended individual for technology transactions, Ahmed exemplifies the sophisticated legal counsel driving innovation across high-growth sectors including AI, fintech, and digital media.

Rachel Dooley

Chief Innovation Officer, Kirkland & Ellis

Rachel Dooley drives legal innovation at the highest levels of global practice as Chief Innovation Officer at Kirkland & Ellis, where she shapes AI strategy and the future of legal service delivery for one of the world's most prestigious law firms. Her unique interdisciplinary expertise combines mechanical engineering training, cutting-edge technology law practice, and entrepreneurial fashion design success as founder of GEMMA REDUX, a luxury brand showcased at New York, Milan, and Paris Fashion Weeks. As the former Global Managing Counsel of McKinsey Digital and founder of McKinsey Legal Lab—the first innovation incubator for a global in-house legal department—Dooley pioneered collaborative approaches to complex technology problems including quantum computing, AI/ML, and cloud transformation. Her Council of Fashion Designers of America membership and recognition in their inaugural incubator program demonstrates her rare ability to bridge creative vision with legal precision. Previously serving as Chief Innovation Officer at Goodwin, where she led multidisciplinary teams on generative AI strategies, Dooley exemplifies the next generation of legal leaders who seamlessly integrate design thinking, emerging technology expertise, and strategic business acumen to transform how elite law firms deliver innovative solutions.

Rany Sader

Chief Legal Innovation Officer, Sader Legal

Attorney Rany Sader represents the fifth generation of the Middle East’s oldest legal information dynasty — SADER Legal, established in 1863 — transforming a 162-year-old family legacy into cutting-edge legal technology innovation as Chief Legal Innovation Officer. He began his legaltech journey in 1999 by digitizing SADER’s extensive Lebanese laws and case law compendiums, which had previously existed only in print. In 2004, he launched the first digitized UAE law compendium, marking a regional milestone. Since then, he has led landmark Rule of Law and LegalTech initiatives across the Middle East — from establishing the UAE Ministry of Justice’s legal portal, to digitizing Abu Dhabi’s official gazette and primary legal framework, to creating the Kuwait Digital Legal Library in 2016. Sader was also behind the creation of the Comparative Law Solution, enabling policymakers and practitioners to benchmark legal frameworks across multiple jurisdictions for evidence-based reform. He advised and supported several global legal information providers on how to launch their services in the Middle East. A bold innovator, Sader has pioneered specialized online legal platforms, including Fashion Law Arabia, Middle East Sports Law, and the region’s first Total Beverage Legal Portal. In 2025, he co-founded LAItron — the Legal AI Electron of the Middle East, which is a game changer in the legal industry in the region. He also pioneered the “lawcalization” methodology, adapting legal content to local contexts across Arabic, English, and French jurisdictions through bespoke jurisdiction-specific glossaries. With over 25 years of international intellectual property expertise representing global clients across industries — including Fortune 500 companies in fashion, technology, pharmaceuticals, and beyond — he also serves as Secretary-General of the Arab Union for Trade Facilitation and Risk Management and leads anti-counterfeiting efforts as President of the Brand Protection Group Lebanon. A sought-after public speaker and visionary, Sader has lectured at Notre Dame University-Louaize, created SADER UniPro — the first legal education mobile app in the Arab world — and launched the concept of “The Perfect Storm Before the Legal Tsunami”, a foresight framework anticipating the transformative waves AI will bring to the legal industry.

Richard Robbins

Director of Applied AI, Reed Smith LLP

Richard Robbins demonstrates the evolution of legal technology leadership through his distinguished career from software engineer to AmLaw partner to AI innovation director. Beginning as a Software Engineer and Knowledge Engineer at Digital Equipment Corporation specializing in artificial intelligence and expert systems, he advanced to AmLaw 10 partnership at Sidley Austin before becoming Morningstar's first General Counsel following their 2005 IPO, where he built their legal department and led approximately 30 global acquisitions. After establishing Sidley Austin's pioneering Knowledge Management program, he evolved into legal technology consulting at Fireman & Company and applied AI leadership at Epiq before joining Reed Smith as their first Director of Applied AI. His educational foundation includes Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MIT, a J.D. from University of Chicago Law School, and a Master's in Data Science from UC Berkeley completed in 2024. At Reed Smith, he leads the artificial intelligence, data science, and knowledge management teams to design, deploy, and promote generative and other AI technologies, data science methodologies, and knowledge management resources to enhance the firm's legal and business services.

Robert Taylor

Managing Director, Legal Business Services, Deloitte

Robert Taylor has spent over 25 years thinking differently about the delivery of legal services. He focuses on transforming legal departments from cost centers into strategic business enablers, earning recognition as one of the profession's most innovative legal operations leaders. As Managing Director in Deloitte Tax LLP's Legal Business Services practice, he guides legal departments through comprehensive transformation initiatives that leverage Deloitte's global multidisciplinary approach to deliver measurable business outcomes. His distinguished career at Liberty Mutual Insurance spanned trial attorney, regional general counsel, and VP for Legal Ideation & Transformation, culminating in his team earning the ACC Legal Operations Team of the Year award in 2019. A COLPM Fellow and co-founder of the Boston Legal Design Challenge, Robert combines deep legal practice experience with sophisticated business operations expertise. His past appointment to the American Bar Association's Governing Counsel for the Center for Innovation demonstrates his commitment to reshaping how corporate legal departments operate in the digital age. Having earned his JD from New England Law and MBA from Suffolk University's Sawyer School of Management, he continues to guide students who are looking to make their own mark on the legal profession. Through his involvement in Deloitte's CLO Next Gen Academy and General Counsel Transition Labs, he mentors rising legal leaders while advancing the legal profession's evolution toward data-driven, strategically aligned legal service delivery.

Rowena Rix

Head of Innovation and AI for Dentons UK, Ireland and Middle East, Dentons

Rowena Rix stands at the forefront of responsible AI deployment in the legal sector, transforming how global law firms integrate cutting-edge technology while maintaining ethical standards and regulatory compliance. As Head of Innovation and AI for Dentons UK, Ireland and Middle East, she drives strategic initiatives across one of the world's largest law firms, developing client-facing and internal AI solutions while architecting comprehensive governance frameworks that balance innovation with responsible implementation. Her 20+ years in legal technology include pioneering work at Mishcon de Reya, where she co-founded Litigation and Transaction Support Hubs and led the deployment of deReyAI, the firm's first generative AI tool. Recognition as a 2025 ALM Law.com Innovation Trailblazer highlights her practical approach to AI adoption, while her Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification ensures innovation delivers measurable operational improvements. A solicitor by background with expertise in regulatory litigation and data protection, Rowena's thought leadership spans publications in The Times, Law Gazette, and Financial Times, establishing her as a leading voice on AI governance, legal technology strategy, and data enablement. Her frequent keynote presentations at Legal Innovators, Future Lawyer, and Legal Transformation Summit events demonstrate her commitment to bridging complex technical concepts with practical legal applications, making her an influential force in shaping the future of legal service delivery.

Sarah Hirebet

Director of Knowledge Management, Stradley Ronon

Sarah Hirebet stands as a transformative knowledge solutions architect who earned ILTA's prestigious 2025 Innovative Leader of the Year Award for revolutionizing knowledge management and generative AI integration at Stradley Ronon. As Director of Knowledge Management, she pioneered the groundbreaking Stradley Labs Legal GenAI Drivers Certification program in strategic partnership with vLex, creating an industry-leading 13-session training curriculum that earned participants 13 CLE credits while establishing core competencies for responsible AI adoption in legal practice through hands-on learning, hackathons, and gamification. Her innovative approach includes developing the award-winning Stradosphere intranet platform with unique features such as Ronodex for dynamic contact organization, Knowledge Drop for Outlook-integrated workflow building, and People Pivot for enhanced firm directory functionality—innovations so successful that ClearPeople incorporated them into their product roadmap as standard features. With over 15 years at an AmLaw 10 firm and federal judicial clerkship experience under Chief Justice Ralph Cappy of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and Chief Judge Gary Lancaster, Sarah combines deep legal expertise from employment litigation with visionary leadership in legal process innovation. Her strategic partnerships, comprehensive change management strategies, and commitment to designing knowledge systems that prioritize "welcome and delight" have established her as a nationally recognized thought leader whose work is transforming how legal professionals leverage technology while maintaining the human element essential to legal excellence.

Sarah Chambers

Director of Digital Experience, Ashurst LLP

Sarah Chambers drives global legal technology transformation as Director of Digital Experience at Ashurst LLP, where she spearheads the firm's award-winning Ashurst Advance Digital division. With a distinguished background as a financial services regulatory lawyer specializing in cross-border regulation, Sarah spent over a decade creating and enhancing client-facing digital subscription products that brought together legal expertise and cutting-edge technology to drive measurable client outcomes. Her leadership spans Digital Experience strategy execution, idea pipeline development, and engagement initiatives across Ashurst's global network of 23 offices. Under her guidance, Ashurst has implemented comprehensive AI solutions including M365 Copilot, Harvey, Relativity Contract, and other advanced legal technology platforms that enhance efficiency and client service delivery. Her innovative research methodology combining blind studies and controlled experiments has generated industry-leading insights, revealing that GenAI can save lawyers approximately 80% of time on UK corporate filings and 59% on industry research reports. Sarah's unique blend of legal expertise and technological innovation has established her as a recognized thought leader whose work continues to reshape how global law firms approach digital transformation and AI adoption in the modern legal landscape.

Savitha Masson

Senior Vice President, Enterprise Strategy & GTM, UnitedLex

Savitha Masson is a strategic leader in legal technology and innovation. She serves as the SVP of Enterprise Strategy & GTM for UnitedLex, where she leads a team of experts in litigation, IP, and legal operations to design and bring to market solutions that challenge and transform the status quo for global clients. In her current role, she also oversees the company's AI strategy to advance legal services in a practical, secure, and scalable manner through partnerships with third party technologies, and she works directly with internal engineering and product teams to collaborate on proprietary technology solutions. Her strategic vision has been pivotal in establishing UnitedLex as the preferred business partner for legal across diverse organizations. As a former litigator with a Juris Doctor from Cardozo Law School, Masson's nearly 20-year career has taken her from New York Big Law associate defending complex litigations, to Gurgaon, to build the foundation of the UnitedLex India delivery center as one of most mature ALSP operations in our industry. In the last decade, Savitha's focus shifted from delivery and operations to innovation and new solutions where she designed and guided the strategy for several of the company's leading offerings including, maturity assessments, legal hold solutions, automated drafting with Digital First Draft, and trial preparation with Digital Fact Binder. Savitha has led speaking engagements on diverse topics at events including Relativity Fest, Buying Legal Counsel, and more recently, moderating a webinar for litigators on Strategies & Tactics for Modernization. Savitha is a CHIEF-alumni (by-invitation professional network for women executives) and is passionate about her dedication to philanthropy, serving on the board of UnitedLex's community service arm and supporting the next generation of diverse leaders in legal technology.

Sean Harrington

Director of Technology and , University of Oklahoma College of Law

Sean Harrington drives legal education's technological evolution as Director of Technology and Innovation at University of Oklahoma College of Law, where he prepares students to practice law in the digital age and develops AI applications that prepare students for modern practice environments. His comprehensive educational background spans a BA in English Literature from UCLA, JD from Thomas Jefferson School of Law, Master of Library and Information Science from University of Arizona, and Master of Science in Data Analytics from Arizona State University. This interdisciplinary foundation, combined with international teaching experience in Japan and China plus academic studies in Paris, provides him with unique perspective on global legal education needs. Under his leadership, OU Law maintains its prestigious status as one of only two Apple Distinguished law schools while building upon the innovative Digital Initiative foundations established by predecessors. He conceptualizes law libraries as essential AI-era institutions that serve as collaboration centers facilitating human connection and creativity beyond traditional document repositories. Through frequent presentations at ABA TECHSHOW, AALL conferences, and other industry events, Harrington shapes how legal education integrates artificial intelligence tools with ethical understanding for tomorrow's practitioners.

Stephen Goldstein

Chief Product Officer, Altorney

Stephen Goldstein brings over three decades of legal technology innovation to his role as Chief Product Officer at Altorney, where he develops advanced software solutions that streamline legal workflows. His distinguished career spans premier global law firms, including 17 years as Global Director of Practice Support at Squire Patton Boggs, as well as litigation support and eDiscovery roles at McDermott Will & Emery and Jones Day. Recognized as an early advocate for predictive coding and the application of AI in eDiscovery, he co-created the award-winning Squire Intelligent Discovery Process, which received Law Technology News recognition for Most Innovative Use of Technology in 2012. Stephen’s contributions to the legal technology community include co-authoring portions of the inaugural Electronic Discovery Reference Model (EDRM), active participation in several Sedona Conference Working Groups, and service as Executive Vice President on the National Board of the Association of Litigation Support Professionals. He also contributes thought leadership through groups such as the MIT Task Force on the Responsible Use of Generative AI. His academic impact includes affiliate faculty service at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, along with guest lectures at the University of Cincinnati and Arizona State University Colleges of Law.

Taylor Sartor

Creator, Co-founder & Legal Director, FosterPower and Senior Staff Attorney, Bay Area Legal Services

Taylor Sartor exemplifies legal technology innovation through her creation of FosterPower, the nation's first comprehensive digital platform designed specifically to empower youth in foster care with accessible legal information. As Senior Staff Attorney at Bay Area Legal Services' L. David Shear Children's Law Center, she recognized that complex legal terminology and scattered resources prevented young people from understanding their rights and protections. Her solution involved collaborating with pro bono attorneys from Greenberg Traurig LLP, Stetson University law students, and over 50 former foster youth to develop user-centered content that addresses real-world needs. Supported by Legal Services Corporation's Technology Initiative Grant and Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, her platform has earned national recognition including runner-up status in the American Legal Technology Awards' Access to Justice category. Her expertise spans representation of trafficking survivors, youth with disabilities, and those transitioning from care while preventing school-to-prison pipeline outcomes. With her JD from Stetson University College of Law and Certificate of Concentration in Social Justice Advocacy, Sartor continues bridging traditional legal practice with innovative technology solutions.

Todd Friedlich

Director of Knowledge Management and Practice Innovation, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

Todd Friedlich epitomizes the convergence of legal expertise and technological innovation as Director of Knowledge Management and Practice Innovation at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, where his strategic vision shapes AI adoption across global practice groups. His participation in Chicago Booth's Chief AI Officer Program positions him among elite executives driving transformative AI initiatives, particularly in understanding agentic AI's impact on connecting client intelligence, regulatory insights, and institutional knowledge into dynamic, usable tools. With extensive background spanning enterprise application development, knowledge management systems, and technical team leadership across multiple prestigious organizations, he has consistently delivered solutions improving legal service delivery. His technical proficiency includes advanced SharePoint development, enterprise search implementation, and web application design, combined with unique ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable business solutions. Through his dedication to continuous improvement and collaborative innovation, Todd represents the next generation of legal technology leaders who seamlessly integrate data infrastructure expertise with strategic legal operations to drive meaningful organizational advancement.

Tricia Thomas

Director of Research Services, Akerman LLP

Tricia Thomas drives research innovation as Director of Research Services at Akerman LLP, bringing over two decades of legal information expertise to guide the firm's strategic research operations and technology advancement initiatives. She leads a team of research managers, analysts, and technical specialists while overseeing budget management and financial controls for major research expenditures. Her expertise encompasses evaluating legal and business research products, monitoring emerging technologies, and conducting sophisticated competitive intelligence analysis supporting business development efforts. With comprehensive knowledge of offerings from vLex, LexisNexis, Thomson Reuters, Bloomberg, and Wolters Kluwer, she has successfully managed complex vendor relationships and coordinated extensive training programs. Her philosophy background from Oglethorpe University and library science graduate education from Valdosta State University provide unique analytical perspectives. Through her strategic focus on technological advancement and process improvement, Thomas positions Akerman's research services at the forefront of legal industry innovation.

Vishal Agnihotri

Senior Director of Knowledge & Innovation, Alston & Bird

Vishal Agnihotri has achieved recognition among peers for her unique blend of experience in professional services and a strategic vision with which she drives a user-first approach when identifying and implementing emerging technologies. At Alston & Bird, she directs the legal technology innovation, knowledge management, and research services teams and has spearheaded the education program and integration of AI into the firm’s operations. She co-leads the AI Steering Committee and the AI Governance sub-committee, and serves on the firm's Executive Staff Steering Committee. Her distinguished career trajectory includes pioneering chief knowledge officer roles at Hinshaw & Culbertson and Akerman LLP, where she built award-winning knowledge platforms, earning ILTA Peer Award recognition. She held senior leadership positions at EY's Americas Financial Services Office and KPMG Global’s Knowledge team where she gained formative experience in building centers of operational excellence with teams across the world. As a prolific thought leader contributing to industry publications and speaking at premier conferences including ILTACON, AALL, and World Bank forums, Agnihotri continues to shape how organizations leverage knowledge assets for competitive advantage.

William Hennessy, Jr.

Courtroom Sketch Artist, SCOTUS (in memoriam)

(In Memoriam) William Hennessy Jr. exemplified the intersection of artistry and legal journalism through his distinguished 40-year career as America's preeminent courtroom sketch artist, capturing historic moments where cameras could not venture. A classically trained fine artist with a degree from Rhode Island School of Design, he answered a call for courtroom sketching while still in school to support his family and quickly became captivated by the work's tight deadlines and dramatic intensity. His evocative sketches provided the public with unique windows into courtroom dynamics, serving as the only visual record of proceedings in venues where photography remained prohibited. From the Supreme Court's Bush v. Gore arguments in 2000 to Chase Strangio's historic transgender rights presentation, Trump's impeachment trials, Hunter Biden's federal gun charges, and countless landmark cases, Hennessy's artwork allowed millions of Americans to witness history unfolding behind closed courtroom doors. Working independently while selling sketches to CNN, NBC, Fox, and other major news organizations, he became a fixture at courthouses nationwide, recognized for his colorful ties and friendly presence that earned acknowledgment from judges and respect from the press corps. Hennessy passed away December 9, 2024, on his 67th birthday, survived by his wife Arezou, seven children, and thirteen grandchildren.

William Treanor

Immediate Past Dean, Georgetown Law School

William Treanor's extraordinary career spans constitutional scholarship, government service, and academic leadership, culminating in his transformative 15-year tenure as Dean of Georgetown University Law Center. During his deanship from 2010 to 2025, he revolutionized legal education by tripling experiential learning opportunities, hiring 75 distinguished faculty members, launching innovative programs like RISE for underrepresented students, raising over $565 million in Georgetown Law's most successful fundraising era, and dramatically expanding the law center's focus on law and technology. Georgetown Law currently offers more than 70 tech law courses, and it has 17 full-time faculty who work in the law and technology space and a tech scholars program for students interested in pursuing a focused law and technology curriculum. Before coming to Georgetown, while dean at Fordham Law from 2002-2010, he had helped build Fordham's law and technology program with the creation of the Center on Law and Information Policy and the first IP clinic during his tenure. His distinguished government service includes roles as Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel and Associate Counsel during the Iran/Contra investigation. As a constitutional historian, Treanor has been ranked among America's ten most-cited legal history scholars, with his groundbreaking research on judicial review and takings law earning Supreme Court citations and his article on takings law recognized as the most cited land use article in 30 years. Elected to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences and recipient of the inaugural Robert A. Katzmann Award for Academic Excellence, he now serves as Agnes Williams Sesquicentennial Professor and Dean Emeritus while completing his anticipated book on the Constitution's creation.