Dr. Donald G. Billings - Legal Technology Innovation Leader

WHERE LAW MEETS INNOVATION

Legal Technology Innovation Leader

Passionate about helping people and organizations thrive at the intersection of law, technology, and business—making legal practice smarter, more effective, and more innovative.

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20+
Years Experience
Senior leader at Sidley Austin with decades of hands-on legal technology expertise
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DBA
Technology Entrepreneurship
Doctoral graduate bridging technology, law, and business innovation
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13
Publications
Published thought leader in AI, machine learning, and legal data governance
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5+
Advisory Roles
Board member for university programs and professional organizations

Where Innovation Meets Legal Excellence

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Legal Technology Leadership

Dr. Billings brings deep expertise in eDiscovery, forensic data collections, and litigation support for complex, high-stakes matters before U.S. District Courts, the International Trade Commission, and other tribunals. He specializes in defensible social media investigations, cloud-native data protocols, and AI-powered document review systems. His international experience includes managing data collection initiatives across Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan while respecting jurisdictional privacy laws and evidentiary standards. From implementing early case assessment strategies to designing comprehensive digital evidence collection workflows for mobile devices, messaging platforms, and cloud-based systems, he helps legal teams navigate the complexities of modern digital discovery.

Innovation & Practice Automation

As a pioneer in legal technology adoption, Dr. Billings has architected groundbreaking solutions including automated data pipelines, electronic patent filing systems (ePAVE, eIDS), and FirmNet™—one of the first web-based discovery platforms. He has successfully implemented workflow automation for paralegal operations, developed relational databases for patent royalty modeling, and integrated AI/ML tools for privilege review and document analysis. His innovations extend to creating defensible automation frameworks, structured litigation templates, and scalable technology-driven service models that have transformed how firms approach legal operations and client service delivery.
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Academic Advisor

Dr. Billings serves on advisory boards for Big Data certificate programs at California State University-East Bay and San Francisco State University, where he shapes curriculum that bridges theoretical knowledge with practical application. As an academic reviewer for the International Journal of Computer Information Systems and Industrial Management Applications, he evaluates research in AI, cybersecurity, and analytics. He regularly delivers guest lectures on legal technology topics, mentors students on capstone projects, and facilitates partnerships between academic institutions and the legal industry. His contributions help prepare the next generation of professionals for careers at the intersection of law, data science, and technology.
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Published Thought Leader

Dr. Billings' doctoral dissertation, "Disruptive Innovation within the Legal Services Ecosystem," examines how artificial intelligence and machine learning transform legal practice and was published in the International Journal of Applied Management and Technology. He is a frequent speaker at legal technology conferences including LegalTech and Relativity Fest, addressing topics from digital evidence collection to cybersecurity for legal professionals. His published works include contributions on information governance, forensic data handling, and the strategic adoption of emerging technologies. Through his writing and speaking engagements, he helps legal professionals understand and leverage technology to improve service delivery while maintaining ethical and compliance standards.
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Expert Testimony & Advisory Services

Dr. Billings provides expert analysis and testimony in high-stakes litigation involving intellectual property disputes, internal investigations, and matters under global regulatory scrutiny. With experience as an on-site trial coordinator for complex litigation before U.S. District Courts, the International Trade Commission, and international tribunals, he brings unparalleled technical expertise to legal proceedings. His deep knowledge spans digital forensics, eDiscovery protocols, data preservation, and chain of custody requirements. He has guided Fortune 100 companies and global law firms through complex investigations involving cross-border data collections, privilege review strategies, and defensible technology workflows. His ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable insights makes him a trusted advisor for both legal teams and corporate leadership navigating critical technology-related challenges.
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Community Impact

Dr. Billings serves on the board of ÖKOLOGIE.ORG, a San Francisco-based hybrid social enterprise dedicated to environmental justice, public health education, and digital equity. He previously served as Executive Director and Board Chairman of HCAA Project Blossom, leading grassroots initiatives in partnership with the City of San Jose to address urban revitalization and legal empowerment in underserved communities. His pro bono work has included collaborating with legal aid societies to provide estate planning services and legal education workshops. Through these roles and his advisory positions with organizations like CTRL+ and The Organization of Legal Professionals, he demonstrates a sustained commitment to leveraging technology and expertise to expand access to justice and drive positive social change.

Making a Positive Difference

Beyond professional roles, Dr. Billings is dedicated to giving back through meaningful community engagement

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SFJAZZ Volunteer
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Center for Inquiry
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ACLU Supporter
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Human Rights Campaign
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The Planetary Society

Ready to Innovate?

Let's explore how technology can transform your legal practice and build a more innovative, efficient future together.

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