Cohen Seglias’ Michael H. Payne Named to New Role of AI Partner
We are pleased to announce that partner Michael H. Payne has been named as the firm’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Partner, a new role created to help the firm focus on strategic implementations of AI and other technologies to improve efficiencies and deliver value to clients.
As the AI Partner, Payne will spearhead the integration of advanced AI tools into the firm’s operations, collaborating with firm leadership and the firm’s IT and AI Committees. His responsibilities include leveraging AI to enhance legal research, optimize document review, improve the contract analysis process, and tap into predictive analytics to inform legal strategies.
Cohen Seglias Managing Partner Steven Williams said, “We are excited about this significant role in the firm that underscores our commitment to innovation. Michael is the perfect candidate for this position; he is a techie at heart and has continually invested his time in learning about the capabilities of AI and training lawyers here and at local bar associations on the benefits of AI applications. We look forward to his continued leadership in this space as he evaluates new products and developments and advises on how they can be used effectively in our legal practices.”
Payne previously served as chair of the firm’s Government Contracting Group concentrating his practice on representing contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers on a wide range of federal contracting issues. His experience in federal government contracting stems from his time as Chief Trial Attorney for the North Atlantic Division of the Army Corps of Engineers.
“I am proud to serve as the firm’s first AI Partner, at a time when AI is rapidly reshaping the landscape of legal practice, moving beyond mere automation. These sophisticated tools do not serve as a substitute for human judgment, which is critical to the practice of law, so our goal is to ethically leverage our use of AI to serve the best interests of our clients,” said Payne.
