At IMS, we believe our people are our greatest asset. In honor of our incredible team, we are thrilled to go "beyond the bio" and share the personal stories of employees across our organization.
This month, we are featuring two exceptional members of our visual advocacy team: Michelle Cooper and Brian Schutzman. With distinct backgrounds and complementary strengths, Michelle and Brian exemplify the creativity, collaboration, and client-first mindset that define our culture at IMS. Read on to learn more about their career journeys, favorite projects, and perspectives on legal industry innovations.
Michelle Cooper, Trial Consultant
Q: How did you get into this industry and find IMS?
A: I began as a litigator in New York and then moved into consulting, where I discovered my passion for visual advocacy. After relocating to Illinois, I found IMS through a recommendation and was drawn to the people and culture.
Q: What do you like most about your specific department and/or role?
A: I love my colleagues and the creative nature of our work. We approach cases from a visual strategy perspective, which allows us to make a real impact on the outcome.
Q: What special strengths and unique skills do you offer clients and colleagues?
A: My legal background helps me communicate effectively with clients and translate legal concepts into visuals. I also bring creativity and strong interpersonal skills to every project, ensuring that our strategic recommendations resonate on both an intellectual and emotional level.
Q: Would you like to share any stories, memories, or accomplishments?
A: One memorable project involved creating dozens of presentation decks under tight deadlines. It was a challenge, but we succeeded as a team and celebrated with a “victory board.”
Q: What has been your favorite case to work on so far?
A: I have worked on a wide range of cases, but one mediation stands out for its creative use of visuals and analogies. The attorney was collaborative, and the experience was very rewarding.
Q: What do you think sets IMS apart from competitors or other companies?
A: IMS encourages creativity and values strategic input. The supportive culture and respect for personal time make it a truly special place to work.
Q: Do you have any predictions or comments on industry trends?
A: Artificial intelligence will play a bigger role in the legal industry, but we will need to balance it with human creativity and empathy. We also need to be thoughtful in how we present sensitive topics to diverse audiences.
Brian Schutzman, Senior 3D Animation Consultant
Q: How did you get into this industry and find IMS?
A: I began freelancing in graphic design, which led to a connection with the team at Precise, Inc. through a mutual friend. I joined full-time, became a partner, and helped grow the company. After Precise’s trial division was acquired by IMS, I transitioned over and have enjoyed continuing to work in a creative and collaborative environment.
Q: What do you like most about your specific department and/or role?
A: What I enjoy most is the opportunity to collaborate with a talented team on projects that are both creatively and intellectually stimulating. Each case presents a new challenge, and I appreciate the variety and complexity of the work we do.
Q: What special strengths and unique skills do you offer clients and colleagues?
A: I bring a combination of creative and technical skills that allow me to contribute to both the conceptual and executional phases of a project. I am comfortable switching between big-picture strategy and hands-on design, which helps ensure our deliverables are both thoughtfully planned and flawlessly executed.
Q: Would you like to share any stories, memories, or accomplishments?
A: I am proud to have played a key role in growing a company that ultimately joined IMS. It is rewarding to see how our efforts contributed to something bigger and to continue building on that foundation here.
Q: What has been your favorite case to work on so far?
A: It is hard to pick just one, but I especially enjoy cases that push me creatively and technically. The most memorable are the ones where I work closely with a great team and see our ideas come to life in impactful ways.
Q: What do you think sets IMS apart from competitors or other companies?
A: The people at IMS are what set us apart. It is a team of smart, dedicated professionals who are all focused on delivering the best for our clients. That shared mindset and collaborative spirit make a big difference in the quality of our work.
Q: Do you have any predictions or comments on industry trends?
A: I think AI will become a standard tool to support litigation. The initial hype will fade, and we will focus more on how to use it effectively alongside human expertise.
Learn More
Thank you to Michelle and Brian for sharing their stories and strategic insights, which offer a glimpse into the passion and purpose behind the work we do at IMS. Together, we win.
Visit the links below to meet the IMS team and learn about our culture and career opportunities.
