Baker Donelson's David A. Rueff Jr. Named to The 2026 Lawdragon 100 Leading AI & Legal Tech Advisors

Mr. Rueff, who is based in Baker Donelson's Jackson, Mississippi, office, is a member of Baker Donelson's board of directors and serves as the Firm's Chief Client Solutions and Innovation Officer. In this role, he oversees the Firm's innovation initiatives, including legal project management, pricing, process improvement, legal research, knowledge management, practice technologies, and machine learning and AI solutions. He works closely with lawyers and clients to develop practical approaches to service delivery, operational efficiency, and technology-enabled legal solutions.

"It's an honor to be recognized alongside professionals who are helping shape how technology is applied across the legal industry," said Mr. Rueff. "Our focus is on working with clients to develop solutions that improve efficiency, strengthen collaboration, and address increasingly complex legal and business challenges."

Mr. Rueff has more than 25 years of experience as a practicing lawyer and technologist and has played a central role in advancing innovation within the legal profession. He helped establish one of the first law firm legal project management offices and has led the development of proprietary tools and processes designed to enhance budgeting, practice workflows, and client service. In addition to his leadership responsibilities, he advises clients and legal departments on improving operations, managing outside counsel spend, and implementing technology-driven strategies.

In addition to being a licensed attorney, Mr. Rueff is a Project Management Professional (PMP)^® certified through the Project Management Institute, is certified in the Toyota Manufacturing Production System (Lean), and is a member of the Professional Pricing Society. He has authored several books and articles on innovation and is a frequent contributor to discussions at the intersection of law, technology, and client service. He is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, the College of Law Practice Management, and the International Institute of Legal Project Management, and he is a member of the Association of Certified E-Discovery Specialists (ACEDS) Global Advisory Board.

The Lawdragon 100 Leading AI & Legal Tech Advisors guide highlights lawyers and professionals at the forefront of legal innovation, including those driving the integration of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies into legal practice. The full 2026 guide is available here.

In addition, Mr. Rueff has been named a finalist in the Legal Innovators category for the 2026 Southeastern Legal Awards presented by Law.com.