Legal Innovation: It’s the New Roles That Make the New Tools

Legaltech News
October.04.2017

Orrick Head of Practice Analytics and Service Innovation Wendy Butler Curtis and Practice Management Counsel Kate Orr co-authored an article for Legaltech News on how the introduction of new technologies such as artificial intelligence is leading firms to create new roles for data analytics lawyers and other skilled professionals who understand how to use tech to make legal work more efficient.

Authors

Wendy Butler Curtis Chief Innovation Officer, eDiscovery & Information Governance, Cyber, Privacy & Data Innovation

Washington, D.C.

See my bio

D:+1 202 339 8584
E: [email protected]

Practice:

eDiscovery & Information Governance
Cyber, Privacy & Data Innovation

vCard

See full bio

Wendy Butler Curtis Chief Innovation Officer

Washington, D.C.

Named the "Most Innovative Lawyer of the Year" by Financial Times in 2018, Wendy is celebrated by clients for her “fresh thinking, legal nuance and practical understanding of the courts.” FT editors noted that “rarely have our panel of judges so quickly homed in on a top candidate for innovative individual.” As Orrick’s Chief Innovation Officer, Wendy leads Orrick’s efforts to operationalize innovation through novel products, streamlined processes, technology and client consulting on tailored solutions. These efforts have contributed to Orrick being named the Most Innovative Law Firm in North America by the Financial Times from 2016-2018 and seven consecutive years being in the top 3. In 2018, The American Lawyer also honored Orrick with its first-ever Legal Services Innovation Award.

Wendy leads an innovation team of lawyers, technologists, developers, project managers and business professionals. FT notes that Wendy “understand[s] the diversity of roles that make a team great” and has “introduce[ed] many new technologies and delivery models that have transformed the way the firm operates and works with clients.” She is also recognized by Chambers as a leading individual, nationally, in the area of eDiscovery. Wendy is the chair of Orrick’s eDiscovery and Information Governance Group. She has been engaged by Fortune 100 companies and major financial institutions to create and deploy eDiscovery and records management programs. Wendy has substantial experience in pharmaceutical, product liability and class action litigation. Her litigation experience includes multiple trials, supervision of regional and local counsel, management of complex discovery and meet-and-confer negotiations.

Kathleen Orr Global Head of Practice Innovation

Washington, D.C.

See my bio

D:+1 202 339 8561
E: [email protected]

vCard

See full bio

Kathleen Orr Global Head of Practice Innovation

Washington, D.C.

For the seventh consecutive year, the Financial Times has ranked Orrick among the top 3 law firms for innovation. Named as one of the Most Innovative Intrapreneurs by the Financial Times in 2022, Kate leads innovation efforts in partnership with clients and our lawyers to transform the way legal services are delivered.

Kate also leads CaseStream, Orrick's homegrown litigation and transaction management system, which was recognized by the Financial Times as a #1 most innovative New Product and Service.

Kate is a former litigator and represented commercial clients in complex litigation throughout the United States at Orrick. She remains active in numerous pro bono matters and was awarded the first annual Orrick Pro Bono Award. Kate also served as an adjunct professor of Legal Writing and Oral Advocacy at the University Maryland School of Law.