25 years in the executive suite. Now helping law firms navigate AI.
Steve Smith built and scaled technology companies as CEO, CFO, and SVP before founding Intelligence by Intent. He speaks the language of business outcomes because he's spent his career accountable for them.
Steve Smith, Founder
How Steve got here
Steve Smith brings 25+ years of executive leadership to legal AI consulting. As CEO, CFO, and SVP at technology companies, he managed P&Ls, built global operations teams, and drove growth through complex transformations. He holds an MBA from Wharton.
After seeing how AI was reshaping business operations, Steve recognized that law firms faced a unique challenge: mountains of hype, but almost no practical guidance tailored to how lawyers actually work. He founded Intelligence by Intent to bridge that gap, translating AI capabilities into workflows that pass ethics review and deliver measurable results.
Every recommendation Steve makes is informed by his experience sitting in the same seat his clients sit in. He's made the hard calls about ROI, managed skeptical teams through change, and answered to boards. That's why he doesn't lead with technology. He leads with the business problem.
Credentials
Why Steve's background matters to you
Credentials are only useful if they translate to better outcomes for your firm. Here's what each one means for your AI adoption.
MBA from Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
So when you present AI adoption to your partnership, we speak ROI and margin impact, not just prompts.
25+ years as CEO, CFO, and COO at technology companies
So we understand the budget conversations and partner dynamics you're navigating.
Trained 2,500+ attorneys across 50+ law firms and bar associations
So we've seen what actually works across different firm sizes and practice areas.
Keynote speaker at AAML, BHBA, LACBA, and SFVBA
So you're getting frameworks tested in front of skeptical audiences, not untried theory.
Developed 100+ legal-specific AI use cases
So we demonstrate solutions using your documents, your workflows, and your specific practice area challenges.
Ideal Clients
Is this for you?
Steve works best with law firm leaders who know AI matters but need a clear roadmap from pilot to firm-wide adoption.
- Managing partners at 15-50 attorney firms who need partner buy-in before investing in AI adoption
- COOs drowning in "what should we do about AI?" questions from associates and partners
- Practice leaders who see competitors advertising AI-powered services and wonder if they're falling behind
- Bar associations planning CLE programs that go beyond vendor pitches
Steve speaks regularly at national legal conferences, bar associations, and firm retreats. View speaking calendar and formats →
Get started
Ready to talk?
Schedule a call and we'll discuss whether Intelligence by Intent is the right fit for your firm.