Overview
Aaron Crews is a partner in Holland & Knight's Innovation Practice Group, based in the firm's San Francisco office. A seasoned attorney, former trial lawyer and in-house counsel, Mr. Crews brings more than 15 years of experience at the intersection of law, technology and business transformation to his practice. He focuses on driving innovation through the strategic integration of artificial intelligence (AI), advanced legal technologies and data-driven workflows.
Mr. Crews' significant knowledge includes managing global teams, delivering groundbreaking AI applications and positioning organizations as leaders in innovation. He is recognized as a thought leader in the application of emerging technologies to enhance efficiency and create value in legal departments and complex organizational settings. His hands-on experience in managing global teams and delivering AI-powered solutions has positioned him as a trusted advisor on AI development, deployment and strategy for Fortune 50 legal departments and AmLaw 100 firms, further solidifying his status as a leader in the legal technology space.
In addition to his legal practice, Mr. Crews is a frequent speaker and author on topics such as e-discovery, information governance, AI ethics and the transformative potential of emerging technologies in the legal profession, and he holds a patent regarding file management for e-discovery. He also advises on AI strategies and adoption frameworks for some of the largest organizations in the world.
Prior to joining Holland & Knight, Mr. Crews served as chief product and innovation officer at a leading data and professional services company, overseeing AI, data and analytics strategies, and operations. Previously, he was chief data analytics officer at a prominent labor and employment law firm, where he pioneered new approaches to data use and analytics in legal practice.
While law school, Mr. Crews competed in the National Appellate Advocacy Competition (NAAC) moot court competition.
Representative Experience
- Designed and implemented an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven e-discovery platform, significantly reducing costs and improving accuracy for a Fortune 50 client
- Led the development of a proprietary analytics suite to optimize case outcomes for a national law firm
- Advised global organizations on the deployment of AI solutions to streamline contract life cycle management and regulatory compliance
- Designed, implemented and oversaw large-scale data disposition processes for Fortune 50 and Global 50 clients
- Served as lead e-discovery counsel in multiple class action lawsuits seeking damages of more than $50 million
- Advised numerous Fortune 50 clients regarding the development, testing and rollout of strategically critical AI products and algorithms within their core business and product suite to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations
Credentials
- University of San Francisco School of Law, J.D., cum laude
- University of California, Davis, B.A., Political Science
- California
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California
- U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
- Duke Center on Law & Tech, Responsible AI in Legal Services (RAILS), Working Group 3; Duties for AI-Intermediated Legal Services, 2024-Present
- Center for Law, Tech, and Social Good, University of San Francisco School of Law, Advisor, 2024-Present
- United Nations AI for Good Initiative, 2018-Present
- The Sedona Conference, Working Group 1, 2010-Present
- High Technology Crime Investigation Association (HTCIA), 2010-Present
- Sacramento County Bar Association, 2007-Present
- Sacramento Area Human Resource Association, Legislative and Legal Board, 2010-2014
- Sacramento County Barristers, Board of Directors, 2009-2014
- American Bar Association, Electronic Discovery and Digital Evidence Committee, Vice Chair, 2012-2016; Member, 2009-2014
- Customer Advisory Board, Microsoft 365, 2017
- Georgetown Law Advanced eDiscovery Institute, Advisory Board and Planning Committee, 2016-2017
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Supply Chain Cyber Security Initiative, 2015-2016
- Legalweek Leaders in Tech Law, Litigation and Technology, 2024; Knowledge Management, 2023
- Finalist, Innovator of the Year, California Leaders in Tech and Law, 2019
- First Chair Award, eDiscovery Counsel, 2016
- Jack Halprin Award for Corporate Counsel, The Masters Conference for Legal Professionals, 2016
- Information Governance Institute, Information Governance Expert of the Year Nominee, 2016; Information Governance Professional of the Year, 2015
- Finalist, Advocate of the Year Competition, University of San Francisco School of Law, 2003
- Golden Key International Honour Society
- Phi Beta Kappa