ILTA Awards

RACHEL SHIELDS WILLIAMS LINKEDIN /rachelshieldswilliams READ ONLINE epubs.iltanet.org/i/1529627-km- mt24/2 ARTICLE OF THE YEAR: MEMBER R achel Shields Williams' article, "Building Data-Driven Teams: Focusing on Soft Skills" (2024 Knowledge Management & Marketing Technologies White Papers), provides practical guidance and concrete suggestions for hiring and developing data professionals with the desired soft skills and ways to foster a culture that supports and rewards these qualities. Rachel explains that as data-driven roles become increasingly prevalent and influential in the legal sector, it is crucial to remember that collecting powerful insights from data often requires more than technical skills. Soft skills, such as intellectual curiosity, a spirit of service, and comfort in liminal spaces, are often overlooked or undervalued in the legal profession, which traditionally emphasizes analytical and logical abilities. Rachel challenges this assumption and argues that curiosity, service, and adaptability can help data professionals communicate, collaborate, and solve problems in legal spaces, especially in data-driven roles. The article also highlights the benefits and opportunities that data-driven teams can bring to law firms and their clients, including creating value, building trust, and driving change. 2025 WINNER Member / A R T I C L E O F T H E Y E A R Rachel brings almost 20 years of experience in legal business development, marketing, sales, and technology to her role as the Director, Client Intelligence at Sidley Austin. She learns about and meets customer needs, creates and executes innovative solutions, and leads impactful global initiatives. By viewing her marketing, business development, data and knowledge management (KM) skills and practical knowledge through the lens of a legal technologist, Rachel harnesses new technologies to improve efficiency, innovation, and client service. In her role at Sidley Austin, Rachel establishes taxonomies, ontologies, and governance standards for critical data points related to Clients, Matters and People, serves on the firm-wide Data Governance Committee, and develops processes and workflows for evaluating new technologies. She encourages collaboration, finds and supports key performance indicators, and provides opportunities for professional growth by fostering an environment where skills and talents are continuously developed. Rachel contributes her leadership abilities and experience to the legal sector beyond her work at Sidley Austin. She is the President-Elect for the Legal Marketing Association International Board of Directors and is a College of Legal Practice Management Fellow. As an ILTA volunteer, Rachel has spoken at ILTA events and written blogs, articles, and posts for various groups and communities. She recently served on the Programming Committee and was recognized as one of ILTA's Young Professionals to Watch in 2019. ILTA AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE 2025 1 9

• Cover