Bass, Berry & Sims has been selected as one of three finalists for the 2026 KM&I LexPrize™ Innovation Award, recognizing the firm’s inaugural Summer AI Lab, a program designed to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to solve real-world legal and business challenges while enhancing client value.
Presented in connection with the Knowledge Management & Innovation (KM&I) for Legal Conference, the LexPrize Innovation Award honors transformative innovation in the legal profession and recognizes initiatives that improve the practice or business of law through practical, impactful change. Finalists are selected by the KM&I Advisory Board and invited to present their projects during a special conference session, with attendees choosing the winner through live voting. Read more about the award and conference here.
The Summer AI Lab was developed to help summer associates explore the practical application of AI while addressing workflow challenges identified through collaboration with lawyers and business professionals across the firm. The program brought together 43 summer associates across nine teams to interview attorneys, identify opportunities for innovation, and develop AI-powered solutions designed to improve efficiency, standardization, and service delivery.
Created by Chief Attorney Talent Officer Devin Lintzenich in collaboration with Director of AI & Knowledge Management Rachel Shields Williams, Manager of Client Value Allison Stites, and Cat Moon, Professor of the Practice and founding co-director of Vanderbilt Law School’s AI in Law Lab, the program emphasized human-centered design and responsible AI adoption. The initiative produced a portfolio of lawyer-validated AI prototypes intended to address everyday legal and business needs while helping participants develop critical skills for practicing law in an AI-enabled environment. Learn more about the Summer AI Lab here.
The recognition highlights Bass, Berry & Sims’ continued investment in innovation, professional development, and the responsible use of emerging technologies to strengthen legal service delivery and create value for clients.