Evan Shenkman Joins Baretz+Brunelle to Lead AI Integration in Law
Evan Shenkman becomes partner at Baretz+Brunelle to advance AI in legal services.
Why it matters: Law firms and legal advisors face pressure to implement AI effectively. Shenkman's role highlights the shift toward AI-driven service models and growth strategies in legal practice.
- Evan Shenkman brings 25 years of legal experience, focusing on AI adoption.
- He was Chief Knowledge & Innovation Officer at Fisher Phillips, with 850 attorneys.
- In 2022, he led collaboration developing CoCounsel, an AI tool tailored for legal work.
- Shenkman won ILTA’s Innovative Professional of the Year (2021) and Litera Legal Innovator of the Year (2020).
Evan Shenkman has joined Baretz+Brunelle as a partner, tasked with advancing AI integration in legal services. Shenkman brings extensive legal expertise combined with a focus on applying AI to improve firm operations and client outcomes.
Previously, Shenkman was Chief Knowledge & Innovation Officer at Fisher Phillips, a labor and employment law firm with approximately 850 attorneys. There, he led the 2022 collaboration with Casetext to develop CoCounsel, among the first generative AI tools designed specifically for legal professionals.
Shenkman's work has been recognized by the International Legal Technology Association (ILTA), which awarded him the Innovative Professional of the Year Award in 2021, and Litera, which named him Legal Innovator of the Year in 2020. These honors reflect his focus on practical technology adoption rather than theoretical innovation.
Mike McNamara, CEO of Baretz+Brunelle, emphasized that Shenkman’s expertise lies in translating AI capabilities into operational improvements and growth: "His approach centers on measurable outcomes such as streamlining workflows and enhancing client advisory services." The firm plans to leverage this expertise to help legal clients implement AI responsibly and pragmatically.
Shenkman’s move illustrates a broader trend in legal and advisory firms creating dedicated AI roles to address evolving technology demands. This signals a growing recognition that AI's value depends on strategic integration tailored to legal business realities rather than hype.
By the numbers:
- 25 years — Shenkman’s legal experience
- 850 attorneys — Size of Fisher Phillips, where Shenkman was Chief Knowledge & Innovation Officer
- 2022 — Year Shenkman led development of CoCounsel AI tool
Yes, but: Although Shenkman's achievements are recognized by leading legal tech organizations, practical impacts of AI tools like CoCounsel vary by firm size and readiness, underscoring the need for tailored implementation strategies.
What's next: Baretz+Brunelle plans to expand its AI advisory practice under Shenkman’s leadership, with further announcements on client engagements expected in late 2024.