Lifetime Achievement & Women in Legal Tech
Two standout honorees etched their legacy at Legalweek:
• David R. Cohen of Reed Smith received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his trailblazing work in e discovery, AI, and ethics. As co chair of the EDRM Project Trustees and leader of Reed Smith’ s Records and E Discovery Group, Cohen has shaped the future of information governance.
• Dr. Madeline A. Boyer, also of Reed Smith, was recognized with a Monica Bay Women of Legal Tech Award. As Innovation Lab director, she champions human centered design and data analytics to catalyze legal innovation.
Reed Smith also earned finalist slots for Best Use of AI, Best Use of Emerging Technology, and Regulatory & Compliance Tech, emphasizing the firm’ s development of generative AI and strategic platforms under its Innovation Lab.
Firm-Level Technological Breakthroughs
The Awards highlighted law firms that deployed cutting edge solutions to improve client outcomes:
• Paul, Weiss, Rifkin, Wharton & Garrison LLP garnered two wins:- E Discovery Technology and Innovation – for its Emoji Detector and Flash Search tools, designed to automate nuanced document screening.- Tech Enabled Transactional Practice … – for integrating advanced technology into comprehensive deal execution, from diligence to post close.
• Frost Brown Todd took the top spot for Innovations in Knowledge Management. Their“ Amazing Race” initiative— firmwide data collection and engagement via interactive challenges— enhanced internal collaboration and content sharing.
• HaystackID, a legal-tech services provider, stood out with multiple awards, including Best Use of Emerging Technology( Non-AI) and Significant Advancement in Technology. CEO Hal Brooks also received a Lifetime Achievement Award. Leading Legal-Tech Providers The awards recognized key players transforming the e discovery and legal tech ecosystem:
• Reveal won Best e Discovery Technology, offering unified AI-driven platforms( including Logikcull) that streamline complex workflows and democratize access to powerful tools.
• CaseMark, a rising star, secured the award for Litigation Technology. Within only a year of launch, its analyticsfirst platform earned recognition for simplifying case strategy and legal operations. In-House Innovation & Operational Excellence
Legalweek also honored in-house teams:
IN THE PROFESSION
• Pfizer was named Best Use of AI within a legal department, reflecting how corporations increasingly embrace generative AI for contracts, due diligence, and compliance.
• Uber Technologies received credit for the Best Tech Training Program, representing a growing emphasis on in-house legal upskilling and technology adoption.
• Microsoft earned the award for Community Impact Through Technology, spotlighting global initiatives that use tech to expand legal access and reduce inequities.
Emerging Themes & Market Signals AI’ s Central Role is Here to Stay
Several awardees David Cohen’ s AI-driven counsel, Reed Smith’ s generative tools, Pfizer’ s implementation, and Reveal’ s platforms— underscore that AI is no longer a gimmick but integral to legal practice. It spans e discovery, operations, compliance, and even pro bono efforts.
Beyond e Discovery— Holistic Solutions Awards for Litigation Technology, Knowledge Management, and Transactional Practice reveal expanded adoption across practice areas. HaystackID’ s multiple wins and high-impact initiatives reflect a surge in service providers catering to diverse legal contexts.
Human-Centered Design & Diversity Integration
Honorees like Madeline Boyer and Vazantha Meyers( HaystackID’ s Monica Bay winner) highlight efforts to embed inclusivity and user-centered design in tech development— and to advance leadership diversity in legal tech.
In-House Legal Tech Transformation
Corporate legal departments are doubling down on technology— Uber for training, Pfizer for AI, and Microsoft for social equity— signifying a shift where tools support not just efficiency but strategic and ethical goals.
What’ s Next for 2026
As the dust settles from Legalweek 2025, the focus turns to what lies ahead. While this year showcased concrete advancements in artificial intelligence, workflow automation, and in-house legal transformation, the legal tech horizon for 2026 is poised to raise new questions— and opportunities— around ethics, integration, and human-machine collaboration.
Tighter Regulation of Legal AI and Model Governance Legal professionals are increasingly aware that the next wave of AI regulation may not come just
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