As artificial intelligence reshapes the delivery of legal and professional services, Saxton & Stump has hired Ian Wood as Director of Applied AI, a newly created leadership role focused on translating emerging technology into measurable client value and operational performance. In this role, Wood is responsible for designing, governing, and scaling AI initiatives across the firm and its affiliates to enhance legal service delivery, business operations, and client experience.

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Photo courtesy of Saxton & Stump

The creation of this role reflects the firm’s long-term investment in technology infrastructure and its commitment to building practical, responsible AI capabilities that enhance efficiency, insight, profitability, and client outcomes. This appointment underscores the firm’s strategic focus on becoming an AI-forward law firm.

“We have been working on a technology, software, and technical infrastructure plan for many years, and we believe someone with Ian’s extensive experience will be instrumental in the incredibly important step of accelerating value for clients,” Saxton & Stump Chairman James W. Saxton said. “Ian’s experience allows us to move from exploration to execution, developing integrated, client-facing solutions while equipping our professionals with powerful, practical AI tools. This is about delivering smarter, faster, and more strategic results for those we serve.”

His work encompasses enterprise technology integration, AI governance, ethical and regulatory compliance, cybersecurity alignment, risk management, and operational modernization. Wood leads cross-departmental initiatives to identify high-impact use cases, implement structured rollouts, and ensure AI deployment drives measurable improvements in efficiency, profitability, and client experience while upholding the highest standards of confidentiality and professional responsibility.

He brings significant experience advising many of the largest and most sophisticated law firms and professional services organizations in the country, where he has implemented and governed AI platforms, built and scaled enterprise project management offices, and led complex, cross-functional transformation initiatives in highly regulated environments.

Wood earned his undergraduate degree from Pennsylvania State University and will graduate in May with an MBA from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. He holds advanced credentials in AI product management, portfolio management, and program and project management.

“Saxton & Stump has made a deliberate investment in the infrastructure and governance necessary to implement AI responsibly and effectively,” Wood said. “Our shared focus is to remain disciplined in how we prioritize and deploy AI in distinctive ways that set our firm apart, accelerate results for clients, and strengthen our competitive position in the legal market.”

Saxton & Stump’s strategic growth outlook

With 300 professionals, including more than 150 attorneys, Saxton & Stump continues to grow through its innovative, collaborative model that attracts top legal talent. This expanding platform enhances the firm’s ability to serve clients and includes seven growing affiliated companies that extend its business advisory reach nationwide.

Saxton & Stump is a full-service law firm providing solutions to complex legal and business challenges with five-star service and results-focused advice, offering a refreshingly different experience for clients, attorneys, and business professionals alike.

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We have been working on a technology, software, and technical infrastructure plan for many years, and we believe someone with Ian’s extensive experience will be instrumental in the incredibly important step of accelerating value for clients.