WSHB Executive Chairman & Co-Founder Daniel Berman Named Legalweek Innovator of the Year
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.
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.
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. Learn more at www.wshblaw.com
Messner Reeves LLP Appoints Mikhail A. Shah as Managing Partner of New York Office
Messner Reeves LLP, a national full-service business law firm, announces that Mikhail A. Shah has been named Managing Partner of the firm’s New York office. In this role, Mikhail leads the firm’s New York-based litigation practice, representing individuals, businesses, and insurance companies in complex civil and commercial litigation matters.
Under Mikhail’s leadership, the office continues to expand its footprint while maintaining a strong trial-focused approach to client representation. On Mikhail Shah’s promotion, Jim Smith, President of Messner Reeves LLP, shared, “Mikhail is an accomplished lawyer and leader, who continues to grow our presence in New York City. The future is very bright for Mikhail and Messner Reeves.”
As Managing Partner, Shah oversees a team of experienced litigators handling a broad range of disputes, including general liability, commercial litigation, construction matters, and complex defense cases. His practice is rooted in trial advocacy and strategic litigation management, with extensive experience in both state and federal courts.
“What drew me to Messner Reeves was the opportunity to build something meaningful,” Shah shared. “The firm has a strong national presence and an entrepreneurial spirit, which aligns with my goal to represent clients at the highest level. Stepping into this role allows me to lead a team of amazing attorneys and continue building a practice in the northeast that leaves a lasting footprint, supported by the resources and collaboration of the firm.” Learn more at www.messner.com
WSHB Partner Frances O'Meara Earns ABOTA Membership
Congratulations to WSHB Partner Frances O'Meara on her admission to the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), one of the most prestigious professional organizations for trial lawyers in the United States. She was formally admitted and voted into membership at ABOTA's national board meeting held January 17, 2026, in Newport Beach.
Frances is among a select group of new appointees recognized for their exceptional trial skills, professional integrity, and commitment to civility in the courtroom. ABOTA membership is extended by invitation only and requires a rigorous vetting process, including peer review and demonstrated experience as a trial advocate.
A partner in the firm's Los Angeles office, Frances is a nationally recognized leader in professional malpractice law. Her practice focuses on the defense of attorneys, accountants, architects, insurance agents, real estate brokers, appraisers, doctors and nurses in complex errors and omissions matters. She is certified by the State Bar of California as a legal malpractice specialist, a distinction held by a small percentage of attorneys statewide.
Founded in 1958, ABOTA is dedicated to preserving the right to trial by jury and promoting ethical advocacy, professionalism, and civility in the legal profession. Learn more at www.wshblaw.com
MCS Group and Social Discovery Announce Strategic Partnership to Enhance Litigation Intelligence for Carriers and Defense Counsel
MCS Group and Social Discovery announced a strategic partnership designed to support insurance carriers with more accurate settlements and defense attorneys with enhanced claimant intelligence during the litigation lifecycle.
Through this collaboration, Social Discovery’s court-admissible social media reports will be available to supplement MCS Group’s records retrieval services, providing documented digital activity analysis to support more accurate settlement valuation and a more effective litigation strategy.
The partnership expands MCS’s litigation support capabilities by introducing a structured, defensible review of open source social media content—often surfacing insights relevant to recovery timelines, treatment duration, employment activity, and lifestyle assertions.
This partnership reflects both companies’ commitment to supporting carriers and defense counsel with practical tools that improve settlement accuracy and litigation outcomes. Learn more at www.themcsgroup.com and www.socialdiscoverycorp.com
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