Donna Payne is a recognized expert in IT, with specialization in legal software and technology. Payne speaks about privacy concerns, metadata, STEM and leadership. She has keynoted conferences and events, spoken to Congress, and presented for government and security agencies worldwide. Donna authored and co-authored 13 books on technology. She founded PayneGroup, the metadata removal pioneer, which was acquired by BigHand in 2019.
Donna is recipient of many awards including American Bar Association Top 20 Women in Legal Tech (2020), Lifetime Achievement (2019) from the International Legal Technology Association, ILTA Thought Leader of the Year (2013). Fastcase 50 (2016), Lex Proficio recipient for lifetime achievement (ABA Tech Show) and Law Technology News magazine’s inaugural Consultant of the Year.
Donna worked in government, telecom, Fortune 500 and even did a stint as a rock and roll singer. She is now an active volunteer for non-profit organizations that specialize in food insecurities and economic and educational development.