One of the world's largest employment law firms Littler has appointed its first chief data analytics officer. Aaron Crews brings an extensive background focused on the intersection of technology, business and the law, the firm said.  In this new role, Crews will manage the operations of Littler’s data analytics practice and lead the development and implementation of technology-based solutions for the firm and its clients. He will work closely with Dr Zev Eigen, Littler’s global director of data analytics, a team of data analysts, and others within the firm involved in data analytics, AI and other technology-based tools and methodologies. Mr Crews will also use data analytics tools to facilitate process improvements and efficiencies, and assist in protocols for the secure handling of data.

Data analytics

'Aaron’s addition comes at an important time for Littler and the legal industry as a whole, as the use of data analytics to guide business and legal decisions only continues to grow,' said Tom Bender and Jeremy Roth, co-managing directors of Littler, in a joint statement. 'Aaron will play a key role in formalising our business strategy and enhancing our capabilities as we continue to expand our data analytics capabilities.'

Legal and compliance

Crews joins Littler from Text IQ, a provider of AI technologies to address legal and compliance issues, where he served as general counsel and vice president of strategy. Prior to that, he was global head of eDiscovery at Walmart and oversaw the company’s eDiscovery process and litigation strategy and managed data analytics initiatives. Prior to joining Walmart, Crews was a shareholder with Littler and advised clients on eDiscovery, the use of computer forensics in investigations and litigation, and protocols related to the collection and analysis of data.

Legal operations

'Littler is one of the few firms that has a genuine appetite and history of embracing innovation and leveraging technology to improve the delivery of legal services,' said Mr Crews. 'One of the most significant trends affecting our industry is the rise of legal operations teams within corporate law departments. The opportunity to create a legal operations role within a law firm was too good to pass up and helps further Littler’s unique ability to provide solutions that focus on clients’ needs and pain points.'

Iniatives

'We’ve developed several initiatives over the years that use data analytics to better serve clients and the time had come to create a position focused on managing our operations in this area,' said Paul Weiner, Littler’s National eDiscovery Counsel. 'We are fortunate to bring on Aaron who has the right experience, skills and vision to collaborate with clients, corporate departments and our own attorneys to develop new data analytics applications and improve legal processes that will advance our position as a market leader in law firm innovation.'