Eversheds Sutherland Unveils AI-Centric US Innovation Department
Global legal powerhouse Eversheds Sutherland has formally introduced a new AI-centric Innovation Department in the United States. The initiative will be spearheaded by Katrina Dittmer, the firm’s Senior Director, and aims to integrate and enhance the firm’s technological capabilities to better support legal professionals and meet evolving client demands.
Uniting Key Capabilities Under One Roof
This newly established department consolidates several of the firm’s existing resources, bringing together functions such as data and analytics, knowledge and research services, legal technology, client-facing tools, and change management and adoption. By aligning these units under a single umbrella, Eversheds Sutherland intends to foster a more cohesive and strategic approach to innovation.
Lino Mendiola, Global Co-CEO and US Chief Executive at Eversheds Sutherland, emphasized the importance of this consolidation. “By uniting these teams under a dedicated US Innovation Department with a focus on AI,” he said, “we’re strengthening our ability to support our lawyers and meet client expectations in a rapidly changing legal environment.”
Katrina Dittmer’s Vision for Legal Innovation
Dittmer, who has been tasked with leading this transformation, reflected on the broader goals of the new department. “Innovation isn’t just about tools,” she noted. “It’s about understanding how we work and making deliberate choices that help our lawyers work smarter, collaborate more effectively, and deliver better outcomes for clients.”
She further explained that formalizing the innovation function allows the firm to pursue these goals in a “coordinated, sustainable and strategic way,” ensuring that innovation is embedded into the firm’s core operations rather than treated as a peripheral initiative.
Leveraging AI to Drive Legal Transformation
The department currently comprises around 20 professionals within the firm’s US operations, which are part of its global network of over 4,000 staff. One of the team’s key focuses is the expanded deployment of a legal-specific generative AI platform. While the firm has not disclosed the name of the platform, it revealed that nearly 40% of its US-based attorneys are already actively using the technology in their workflows.
This AI tool is enabling attorneys to automate and streamline various legal tasks, including document drafting, legal research, and contract analysis. By embedding AI into their daily routines, the firm is aiming to enhance efficiency and accuracy while reducing the time spent on repetitive or low-value tasks.
Data Infrastructure and Streamlined Processes
Beyond AI, the Innovation Department is working on expanding the firm’s data lake infrastructure. This initiative is intended to support the development of future legal products and services by creating a robust, scalable foundation for data-driven insights.
Additionally, the team is collaborating with other internal business departments to streamline administrative processes. These efforts focus on improving workflows, reducing friction, and ensuring that attorneys and staff can focus on high-value activities rather than being bogged down by inefficient operational procedures.
Positioning for the Future of Legal Services
As the legal industry continues to undergo rapid transformation, Eversheds Sutherland’s move signals a clear commitment to staying ahead of the curve. By investing in AI and related technologies, the firm aims to remain competitive and deliver superior service to clients in a digital-first landscape.
The creation of a dedicated innovation unit also reflects a broader trend across the legal sector, where firms are increasingly recognizing the strategic value of technology and are actively seeking ways to integrate it into their core business models.
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