Managing LegalTech Advisor - Transactional, Litigation, & Forensic Technology

Sidley Austin LLP

March 2003 - Present

Leading the transformation of legal operations through innovative technology solutions at one of the world's premier law firms. I oversee cross-functional teams of legal tech consultants, patent agents, and litigation support professionals, driving efficiency through AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics. My work spans from architecting enterprise-scale eDiscovery workflows to implementing cutting-edge automation that has redefined how complex litigation is managed globally.

Key achievements include pioneering web-based discovery platforms, developing defensible AI-driven document review processes, and leading international data collection initiatives across Asia-Pacific markets while ensuring compliance with evolving privacy regulations. I've maintained a focus on fostering innovation culture while anticipating future legal technology needs.

Legal Technology Consultant

Bever, Hoffman & Harms, LLP

February 2003 - March 2003

Following the dissolution of Skjerven Morrill LLP, implemented e-filing and patent prosecution workflow systems tailored to electronic Information Disclosure Statement (eIDS) optimization and USPTO compliance. Simultaneously supported departing partners in establishing independent practices through cloud migration, matter management system deployment, and data continuity planning.

Principal Consultant

Juristech

September 1991 - March 2003

Legal Technology & eDiscovery (1999-2003): Partnered with Skjerven Morrill LLP to oversee litigation support and discovery operations, implementing advanced legal technologies that improved operational scalability and review accuracy.

Real Estate & Legal Technology (1993-1999): Repositioned firm as specialized consultancy for legal technology and marketing strategy. Developed early online services including collaboration platforms and professional networking prototypes.

Estate Planning Innovation (1991-1993): Founded as California Will & Trust Co., developed WillScribe and TrustScribe software tools while partnering with Legal Aid Society for pro bono estate planning for terminally ill patients.

National Litigation & Practice Support Manager

Skjerven Morrill LLP

April 1996 - January 2003

Held progressively senior roles during pivotal digital transformation era. Led distributed teams of 24+ paralegals across four offices while maintaining 1,700+ billable hours annually. Pioneered FirmNet™ browser-based review platform and architected defensible eDiscovery workflows. Developed international data collection methodologies across Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan respecting jurisdictional privacy laws.

Legal Project Manager

Quorum Estrin

February 1995 - March 1996

Supervised legal project teams on engagements for Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Lockheed, and DuPont. Managed high-volume onsite document collections and contributed to Department of Defense contract matters, securities investigations, and accounting compliance audits.

Researcher

University of San Francisco Center for Law and Global Justice

1994 - 1995

Contributed to international legal research focusing on post-conflict justice initiatives in Southeast Asia. Assisted in documenting Khmer Rouge atrocities and laying foundation for war crimes tribunals as part of Cambodia Law and Democracy Project.

Executive Director & Board Chairman

HCAA - Project Blossom

1992 - 1994

Co-founded and led grassroots initiative partnering with City of San Jose to address urban blight and systemic inequities. Established board of directors, facilitated policy roundtables with city leadership, and developed legal education workshops helping residents understand their rights and access critical services.

Academic Reviewer

International Journal of Computer Information Systems and Industrial Management Applications

January 2025 - Present

Review scholarly submissions across AI, cybersecurity, and analytics domains. Ensure research rigor, relevance, and impact while bridging theory with real-world technological applications.

Advisory Council Appointment - Big Data Certificate Program

California State University - East Bay

January 2021 - Present

Evaluate curriculum development for data science professionals, ensuring alignment with market needs. Participate in annual program evaluations, collaborate with faculty on real-world case studies, and expand focus to include AI ethics and cloud-native tools.

Advisory Board Appointment - Big Data Program

San Francisco State University

May 2020 - Present

Connect academia with industry through curriculum review, mentorship, and professional development initiatives. Assess interdisciplinary modules merging legal compliance, data science, and emerging technology while mentoring students on capstone projects.

Board Member - Data Science, Privacy & Compliance

ÖKOLOGIE.ORG

2010 - Present

Serve on board of San Francisco-based hybrid social enterprise dedicated to public health education and environmental justice. Provide strategic guidance on cloud infrastructure, data privacy frameworks, eCommerce enablement, and scalable technology platforms. Contribute to Environmental Health and Sustainability Journal.

Advisory Board Member

Coalition of Technology Resources for Lawyers (CTRL+)

2015 - January 2025

Shaped national dialogue on legal innovation and discovery strategy. Advised on educational programming and led initiatives integrating AI tools in privilege review and large-scale data analysis. Promoted open-source philosophy and transparency in legal technology community.

Advisory Council Member, Instructor & Lecturer

The Organization of Legal Professionals (OLP)

2010 - January 2018

Developed and delivered graduate-level coursework on cybersecurity, e-discovery best practices, and emerging legal technologies. Shaped national curriculum standards and participated in accreditation assessments reinforcing OLP's role as trusted gatekeeper of quality legal education.