Announcing the Finalists for the 2026 Everlaw Summit Awards
For the fifth year running, Everlaw Summit ’26 is bringing together the brightest minds and boldest innovators in legal tech for three days of connection, learning, and inspiration.
A centerpiece of the event, the Everlaw Summit Awards honor the pioneers actively shaping the future of the profession—from rising stars forging new paths to AI innovators driving massive organizational change.
After receiving numerous nominations from across the legal industry throughout May and June, we have selected three finalists in each category. We can't wait to share the incredible work of these individuals and organizations who are leading the way in legal and ediscovery.
The winners will be selected by our esteemed panel of judges, made up of:
Randy Abraham, Deloitte Contractor, Department of Justice/EOUSA
Nicole Black, Principal Legal Insight Strategist, 8am
Leo Park, Senior Product Manager, Everlaw
Allison Patrick, VP of Sales, Public Sector, Everlaw
Jessica Heavy Runner, InfoSec Ediscovery Manager, Epic Games
The selection process is based on merit and excellence within any given category. This process ensures that the judges’ results are truly reflective of the commitment, excellence, and talent of the winner. The finalists in each category will receive a complimentary 3-day pass to Everlaw Summit. Winners will be announced live at the event.
And now for the finalists in each category:
AI Trailblazer
For an individual that’s redefining how they work by thoughtfully embedding AI into their day-to-day practice.
Alysha Jordan, Ediscovery/Litigation Support, Phelps Dunbar LLP
Greg McCullough, Consultant, Fire Litigation Consulting
Peter Pepiton, Director of Ediscovery Services and Innovation, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP
Corporate In-House Innovator
For corporate legal departments transforming their approach to litigation and investigations in-house.
Align Technology, represented by Reed Willis, Litigation Director
United Airlines, represented by Paul Noonan, Managing Counsel of Ediscovery and Information Governance
Zendesk, represented by Karina Galicia, Integrity & Compliance, Global Senior Counsel
Impact Agent of the Year
For paralegals and litigation support professionals making measurable impacts in their organizations.
Manuel Delgado, Manager, Construction Litigation Support & Ediscovery, Cole Scott & Kissane
Erin Exum, Paralegal, Motley Rice LLC
Bowe Kurowski, Litigation Support Chair, Buchalter
Leadership in Generative AI
For leaders in ediscovery that are using technology in innovative ways.
Hagens Berman, represented by Sean Matt, Partner
Russ August & Kabat, represented by Bradley Hyde, Partner
Vorys, represented by Julie Brown, Senior Director of Practice Innovation
Rising Star in Ediscovery
For professionals with seven years or less of legal experience whose early accomplishments distinguish them as future leaders in the profession.
Rene Del Barco, Paralegal, JWL International
Jonathon Merriman, Litigation Support Senior Ediscovery Analyst, BCLP
Jacqueline Simonovich, Founding Partner, Benedicto & Simonovich Law
Everlaw for Good Award
For leaders in nonprofits, pro bono practices, and investigative journalism helping to level the playing field for justice by supporting low income populations, civil rights and liberties, and human, public, and environmental rights.
Associated Press, represented by Aaron Kessler, Data Scientist
Lambda Legal, represented by Morgan Walker, Counsel
Sierra Club, represented by David Abell, Ediscovery and Legal Operations Manager
Join us in congratulating the finalists on their impactful contributions to the legal and ediscovery fields. It's an honor to recognize the individuals and organizations who are leading the way in innovation and driving change in the profession.
To learn who is named the winner in each category, be sure to reserve your spot at Everlaw Summit, coming to San Francisco October 27-29, 2026. We look forward to hosting you soon.
