Chicago, IL — 31 March 2026 — The International Legal Technology Association (ILTA) proudly announces the nominees for the 2026 ILTA Distinguished Peer Awards, recognizing outstanding achievement, innovation, and leadership across the global legal technology community. The awards honor ILTA members, business partners, and organizations whose work exemplifies excellence in advancing the legal profession through technology, collaboration, and service.
The 16th annual Distinguished Peer Awards will be presented on May 1, 2026, during the ILTA EVOLVE Conference at the Gaylord Rockies
Resort & Convention Center in Denver, Colorado, with a live‑streamed option available for those attending remotely.
2026 Distinguished Peer Awards Nominees
Lifetime Achievement Award
Recognizing individuals whose careers span decades of exceptional leadership, vision, and service to the legal technology community:
- Sheila Grela, Buchalter
- Sherry Kappel, formerly of Litera
Innovative Leader of the Year – ILTA Member
Honoring members who have maximized the value of innovative technology in support of legal professionals:
- Fiona Campbell, Fieldfisher LLP
- Kassi Burns, King & Spalding LLP
- Sarah Pullin, Baker McKenzie
Innovative Leader of the Year – Business Partner
Recognizing business partners driving meaningful innovation across the legal ecosystem:
- Jay Parekh, Netrix Global
- Joe Stephens, Steno
- Sophie Ross, FTI Technology
Transformative Project of the Year
Awarded to law firms that successfully planned and implemented transformative initiatives:
- Ballard Spahr LLP
- Perkins Coie
- Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
Solution Provider of the Year
Recognizing business partners delivering exceptional innovation and advancement in legal technology solutions:
- Infodash
- Steno
- Thomson Reuters
Trailblazer Award
Celebrating collaborative innovation between ILTA members and business partners:
- Gowling and Infodash
- Polsinelli and Project Fortress
- Womble Bond and Thomson Reuters
Young Professionals to Watch
Highlighting rising leaders under 40 who are shaping the future of legal technology:
- Multiple honorees recognized in this category
Celebrating Excellence in Legal Technology
Established in 2010, the ILTA Distinguished Peer Awards honor individuals and organizations that leverage technology to advance legal services, foster collaboration, and drive innovation across the profession. Each year, the awards celebrate the diversity, talent, and impact of ILTA’s global community. “ILTA is honored to recognize this year’s nominees, whose work reflects the best of innovation, leadership, and service in legal technology,” said ILTA leadership. “These individuals and organizations continue to shape the future of the industry and inspire meaningful progress.”
For more information about the 2026 Distinguished Peer Awards and to view the full list of nominees, visit https://awards.iltanet.org/awards/nominees26.
ABOUT ILTA
The International Legal Technology Association (ILTA) serves the professional needs of more than 27,000 international legal technology professionals and their organisations. Since its founding in 1980, the association's focus has been to achieve results for its membership and the legal technology profession at large. Much of the value provided by the association comes from coordinated efforts with its global volunteer membership teams.