Hanson Bridgett Taps Martin Metz as First Chief Technology and Innovation Officer

Hanson Bridgett named Martin Metz as its first Chief Technology and Innovation Officer.

On August 19, 2026, Hanson Bridgett announced the appointment of Martin Metz as its first Chief Technology and Innovation Officer (CTIO), marking a significant step in the firm's technology strategy. Metz brings experience from his prior roles at Pillsbury and O'Melveny & Myers, two well-known law firms.

In this newly created position, Metz will spearhead initiatives to adopt artificial intelligence across Hanson Bridgett, while also overseeing broader IT infrastructure modernization efforts. This move reflects a broader pattern in the legal industry, where major firms are establishing executive roles dedicated to blending technology, innovation, and legal services.

For context, other firms have made similar appointments this year, signaling technology leadership as a strategic priority: Axinn appointed Rachael Philbin as Chief Innovation Officer in April; Ogletree Deakins named Timothy Fox as Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer in January; and Mintz brought on John Koss as Chief Innovation and AI Officer in July.

These roles emphasize a focused approach to deploy AI, advanced analytics, and technology solutions to enhance client service and firm operations. As Timothy Fox of Ogletree Deakins noted, leveraging AI must be balanced with responsibility and stewardship.

Jason McCord, Mintz’s COO, highlighted this trend, stating, "AI is redefining what's possible in legal services, and that shift calls for focused leadership and a clear strategy." Hanson Bridgett’s creation of the CTIO role under Martin Metz fits within this accelerating industry commitment to innovation.