Your single source for new lessons on legal technology, e-discovery, and the people innovating behind the scenes.

Back for Round 2: Innovation Awards 2019 Individual Candidates

Mary Rechtoris

Throughout the legal tech industry, there are people who go above and beyond their job description. They mentor others, drive technology adoption, and share their knowledge with the larger community.

At the 2018 Relativity Innovation Awards, we highlighted some of these people with individual categories for the first time. This year, we’re bringing the individual awards back in addition to the technology awards. The awards will celebrate the people and innovations that are moving our industry forward.

Across four people categories, we received more than 80 nominations. We want to congratulate every individual that was nominated and share this year’s list of finalists. Read all the details and cast your vote on the Relativity Fest website.

Attorney Tech Evangelist

A technology champion who moves an organization forward with an innovative approach combining legal, technical, and human strategies to improve the legal process.

Alison Grounds

Managing Director, Founder | Troutman Sanders eMerge

Partner | Troutman Sanders

Alison is an adjunct professor of e-discovery and legal at Emory University School of Law. In 2015, Alison was the first to win the Monica Bay STEM Leadership Award, which highlights an individual renowned for their leadership ability in advancing technology and the careers of women in legal technology.

Cristin Traylor

Discovery Counsel | McGuireWoods

Cristin has been with McGuireWoods for 19 years. A Relativity Master, Cristin has spent nearly 13 years in the software, and founded the Richmond Relativity User Group.

Michelle Treadwell Briggs

Counsel, Goodwin Procter

Michelle has been with Goodwin Procter for more than eight years. Michelle earned her legal degree from Quinnipiac University School of Law.

In-House Tech Evangelist

A corporate team member who keeps a pulse on emerging trends, finds new ways to use technology, and drives change within the company.

Danica Goodell

Senior Director, Information Governance | CME Group

Danica has been with CME Group for more than six years. Danica advises others to keep the flow of communication open and continuous, not only with Relativity but with other customers and vendors who leverage the technology, so that everyone can learn and grow from one another.

Ben Robbins

Data Governance Product Manager | LinkedIn

Ben pivoted into product management to build security, compliance, and privacy engineering tools to help govern structured data systems and support legal needs (including discovery).

Sara Skeens

Principal Associate of Cyber Technical | Capital One

Sara is a self-described ESI ninja—which is the name of her own website and podcast. Sara's go-to Relativity tip is that customization is the key to Relativity. Break it and bend it to your will.

Lit Support All Star

A power user who not only strives to hone their expertise on what Relativity can do, but looks for ways to push it even further—and brings their team along with them.

Adrian Agius

Legal Technologist | Gilbert + Tobin

Adrian is a Relativity Master and was involved in the development of Proviser, which won the Community Choice Innovation award at Relativity Fest 2018.

Pavan Kotha

e-Discovery Manager, Deloitte

Pavan is a self-proclaimed e-discovery enthusiast and a bona fide Relativity Master. According to his nomination, what distinguishes Pavan is his willingness and eagerness to help others.

Ben Sexton

Vice President of eDiscovery and Analytics | JND eDiscovery

Ben developed the patent-pending analytics engine LayerCake on top of Relativity, as well as the review accelerator MachOne, which is an Innovation Award finalist for this year’s Best Innovation: Service Provider category.

Stellar Women in e-Discovery

A leader who elevates women in technology: breaks barriers, mentors others, makes learning a priority, and embodies a spirit of “paying it forward.”

Stephanie Clerkin

Director of Litigation Support | Korein Tillery

Stephanie has been with Korein Tillery since 2013. Recently, she helped organize an inaugural Women Who Lead event on behalf of ILTA and ALA.

Debora Motya Jones

Vice President of Service Delivery | Lighthouse

A member of Women in eDiscovery, Debora has created a women's leadership group at Lighthouse and has engaged in individual mentoring.

Lisa Waldin

Project Manager | Ryley Carlock & Applewhite

With 23 years of experience in the e-discovery industry, Lisa has served two terms as the director of the Women in e-Discovery Phoenix chapter.

You can help choose who takes the stage by casting your vote for whomever most inspires you. Voting is open until 11:59 p.m. on October 21. Help us determine who takes the stage and takes home a trophy during the Innovation Awards ceremony on October 23.

Vote for the 2019 Innovation Award Individual Category Winners


Mary Rechtoris is a senior producer on the brand team at Relativity, where she's always collaborating and looking for new ways to develop and socialize stories.

The latest insights, trends, and spotlights — directly to your inbox.

The Relativity Blog covers the latest in legal tech and compliance, professional development topics, and spotlights on the many bright minds in our space. Subscribe today to learn something new, stay ahead of emerging tech, and up-level your career.

Interested in being one of our authors? Learn more about how to contribute to The Relativity Blog.