Litera, a global leader in legal technology solutions, announced today that Eric Friedman, the esteemed former chief executive of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, has been appointed to its Board of Directors, effective January 2025, to advise its leadership team.
With an exceptional career spanning over three decades at Skadden, Mr. Friedman was instrumental in reinforcing the firm's dedication to delivering the highest caliber of legal services, fostering the development of top legal talent, and upholding a strong commitment to pro bono work and initiatives promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
"Eric's unparalleled expertise in the legal industry and his remarkable track record of leadership are invaluable resources for our team that will undoubtedly enhance our Board and the products and services we provide our customers," said Litera CEO Avaneesh Marwaha. "His deep understanding of the legal landscape, commitment to innovation, and dedication to social responsibility align perfectly with Litera's mission to transform the legal experience."
As chief executive, Friedman was at the helm of Skadden's growth and innovation from 2009 to 2024. Under his visionary leadership, he was named one of the most influential law firm leaders by The National Law Journal and Skadden was lauded as the most innovative law firm in North America by the Financial Times. Throughout his tenure at Skadden, Friedman has been an influential advisor in numerous high-profile transactions for industry giants such as Citigroup, Nasdaq, and Deutsche Bank AG. His strategic acumen and legal insight have earned him consistent recognition from Chambers USA, The Best Lawyers in America, and the NACD Directorship 100.
"I am honored to join Litera’s Board of Directors at such a pivotal moment in the evolution of legal technology,” said Friedman. "The industry is experiencing an unprecedented wave of momentum with the adoption of legal AI tools and an increasing number of law firms piloting and adopting innovative technologies. I am eager to contribute to this exciting phase of growth and change in the practice of law."
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Friedman's passion for diversity and social justice has been widely recognized. His efforts culminated in the establishment of the Eric J. Friedman & Skadden 1L Accelerate Program at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School in 2024, designed to nurture the next generation of diverse legal talent. Mr. Friedman's contributions to advancing inclusion within the legal community were further highlighted by his work with the New York State Bar Association's Task Force on Advancing Diversity and as a driving force behind the Law Firm Antiracism Alliance. His accolades include receiving the New York City Bar Association’s “Diversity & Inclusion Champion Award,” the “Pro Bono Champion” award from Pro Bono Partnership, The Legal Aid Society of New York's “Servant of Justice Award,” and the AJC's “Learned Hand Award.”
Friedman received a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, and a B.B.A. with High Distinction from the University of Michigan. Mr. Friedman is also a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and a member of the American Law Institute.
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