Law Technology News has published its first annual technology awards (for both products and people) and the IT Director of the Year trophy goes to Craig Courter of Baker & McKenzie.

Among other things, Courter set up IT support and development centers in Manila and Jakarta, Indonesia, on behalf of the >3,000-lawyer firm.  Corporate America has been doing this for ineluctable competitive reasons ("do it or someone will do it to you").  Welcome to the 21st Century.

Also noteworthy is the "Champion of Technology" title going to John Alber of Bryan Cave.  Alber won not for pushing a geeky agenda but for the far more powerful and subtle (or should that read, "really really difficult"?) role of being a champion of changed behavior in support of superior client service:  In his case, being willing to "step forward...and bridge different staff and practice interests."