Wood Smith Henning & Berman proudly announces that Founding Partner and Executive Chairman Daniel Berman has been named Innovator of the Year – Law Firm (Individual) at the 2026 Legalweek Leaders in Tech Law Awards.
Now in its sixth year, the Legalweek Leaders in Tech Law Awards recognize individuals and organizations at the cutting edge of legal innovation, spanning law firms, legal departments, and technology providers. Finalists were chosen by a panel of over a dozen judges from hundreds of national submissions. Winners and finalists were celebrated at the Legalweek Leaders in Tech Law Awards Dinner on March 9, 2026, at the Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers in New York during the Legalweek conference.
Berman serves as Executive Chairman of WSHB, one of the nation’s fastest-growing litigation firms. He leads firmwide strategy, operational direction, and the implementation of technology-driven initiatives that have transformed WSHB from its Los Angeles origins into a national platform with nearly 600 attorneys across 43 offices, all achieved through organic growth.
Under Berman's leadership, the firm has become a recognized thought leader in legal innovation, pioneering the integration of artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, and data-driven alternative fee arrangements to modernize the delivery of litigation services. His strategic vision has reshaped workflows, pricing models, and reporting structures to better align legal services with client business objectives.
A defining element of Berman's impact is his transformation of traditional billing practices. He has led the firm's shift toward large-scale, portfolio-based alternative fee arrangements grounded in objective performance data drawn from thousands of matters. These models incentivize efficiency and accuracy while delivering measurable results for clients, including significant reductions in legal spend, lower indemnity exposure, and decreased third-party costs.
"Dan's innovation and leadership have been instrumental in shaping who we are as a firm," said Firmwide Managing Partner, Stewart Reid. "We are incredibly proud to see him recognized on the national stage for the innovation and forward-thinking approach he brings to the practice of law on a daily basis. This honor reflects the impact he has had not only on our firm, but on the broader legal industry."
Berman has also driven the implementation of generative and agentic AI into litigation workflows, positioning the firm ahead of industry trends. AI-supported tools now enhance early case assessments, predictive outcome analysis, discovery and document review, and portfolio-level data insights, enabling attorneys to focus on high-value advocacy and trial strategy. Matters managed through the firm's analytics and AFA framework resolve substantially faster than industry benchmarks, with the majority reaching earlier resolutions below projected exposure levels.
"Dan's vision continues to redefine what a modern litigation firm can be," said fellow Founding Partner, Stephen Henning. "His commitment to innovation, client value, and trial excellence has positioned WSHB at the forefront of the industry, and this recognition is a testament to his lasting impact."
"This acknowledgement reflects the collective effort of our attorneys and professionals who continuously push boundaries to deliver smarter, more efficient legal solutions for our clients," remarked Berman. "I am proud of the culture of innovation we have built together and excited about what the future holds."
Through his leadership in analytics-driven strategy, AI adoption, and forward-thinking pricing models, Berman continues to influence how clients and the legal industry measure value, efficiency, and results.
Wood Smith Henning & Berman: Your Trusted Partner
Experience the power of a proven industry leader in the law. Wood Smith Henning & Berman (WSHB) is renowned globally for our exceptional trial results and expertise in handling complex litigation. With our nationwide network of over 500 lawyers across 43 office locations, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive litigation and counsel to both public and private companies. From start-ups to Fortune 100 corporations, we deliver unrivaled legal representation that consistently achieves favorable outcomes for our clients.
At WSHB, our strength lies in our diverse and accomplished team of attorneys. We boast thought leaders and defense specialists in over 41 fields of practice, covering an extensive range of specialties. Founded in 1997, we are proud to be among the top ten law firms in the nation for diversity, female partners, female lawyers, and Hispanic lawyers. This rich tapestry of diversity forms the foundation of our success when presenting cases to juries of our peers, ensuring we understand the unique nuances underlying each claim.
Our expansive geographic footprint allows us to provide effective and efficient representation to clients nationwide, regardless of their location, background, or legal expertise. By prioritizing strategic and cost-effective approaches to litigation, our dedicated attorneys work tirelessly to protect the interests of our clients. We have a track record of success, securing numerous victories such as summary judgments and defense verdicts on behalf of our clients. As a trial firm, we have taken over 2,000 cases to verdict, making us well-equipped to handle even the most complex and high-stakes litigation matters across the country.