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.
The IMS DEIB Committee hosts educational initiatives that facilitate meaningful conversations and foster an inclusive environment where everyone is seen, heard, and valued. As committee members, Michelle Diago and Sarah Poland have helped with many impactful programs that support company efforts to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Read on to learn how Michelle and Sarah found IMS, what they enjoy most about their work, and why they value DEIB efforts.
Note: Since this spotlight was published, Michelle Diago has left IMS to pursue other opportunities.
Michelle Diago, Senior Director of Acquisitions & Integration
Q: How did you get into this industry?
A: I had just graduated from college and wanted to move to San Francisco. A friend of mine had worked on a trial with Andy Spingler and she knew The Focal Point was looking for an office manager. I didn’t last long as an office manager before I started working on trials.
Q: How did you find IMS?
A: Nearly 20 years later, I was heavily involved in the integration process when The Focal Point joined with IMS in 2019. This led to the creation of “IMS Consulting & Expert Services” and my current role as IMS’s Senior Director of Acquisitions & Integration.
Q: What do you like most about your specific department and/or role?
A: I love my job because I have the opportunity to build relationships with business owners who have been in the litigation industry as long as I have—or longer. So much has developed and changed in the field, and it’s great to enjoy everyone’s successes and be a part of their futures through acquisitions.
Q: What internal accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: My biggest accomplishment was forming a team with our Business Project Management Office (BPMO) to direct due diligence and integration. I’d never want to go through it without them again!
Q: Are there any stories/memories you’d like to share?
A: My favorite memories are being onsite at trial with clients and colleagues. I wish everyone could have that experience to see first-hand how hard everyone works toward a common goal. There is no better way to bond or get to know our clients.
Q: What do you think sets IMS apart from competitors or other companies?
A: It’s our end-to-end trial solutions—we’re there for clients from start to finish.
Q: How do the IMS core values align with your own?
A: Our core values in practice ensure open, respectful, honest, and caring relationships with everyone we encounter. A team effort with these things in mind is outstanding and exactly how I want to live every day.
Q: If you were an attorney-client, what would you find most valuable about the process at IMS?
A: Our integrated teams make for a seamless client experience. Beyond our process, it’s the tenure of our team that’s most valuable. Experience is key in litigation.
Q: Do you have any predictions or comments on industry trends?
A: I believe artificial intelligence (AI) is going to play a key role in assisting our clients with strategy. We’ll need to be at the forefront of the tools that are being built to help us predict case outcomes, jury pools, etc.
Q: What has been your favorite DEIB event to work on so far?
A: I can’t say there is any one event in particular—they’re all my favorites. I love our team meetings and really appreciate people’s raw participation in our discussions of books and movies. It’s so beautiful to see everyone’s courage and compassion.
Sarah Poland, Content Strategist
Q: How did you get into this industry? Why did you choose IMS?
A: I had worked in the non-profit industry for several years and was looking for a different opportunity to use my marketing, writing/editing, and project management skills. When I found the role at IMS, it seemed to be the perfect combination of my experience and interests. My educational background is in psychology, so I was very intrigued by the services IMS provides. Even better—the headquarters are in my local community.
Q: What do you like most about your specific department and/or role?
A: The “MarCom” team works with nearly every department and service line across the company, so I have the privilege of collaborating with a lot of very smart people. Not only do I get to continually learn from some of the best in the business, but it’s also my job to share their expertise with everyone else.
Q: What internal accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: I’m proud of countless projects and content pieces, but my biggest accomplishment is all that I’ve learned in my two years at IMS. The nature of my role has allowed me to become a go-to person and serve as a resource to several teams. I’m also very proud to have been involved in helping two amazing interns on their road to becoming full-time MarCom team members.
Q: Are there any stories/memories you’d like to share?
A: Speaking of my psychology background, I happened to mention Enneagram types during my interview process. When I attended my first MarCom team meeting, everyone had already taken the test and shared their results as a “get to know you” icebreaker. I was honored that they took the time, and it was a great way for me to quickly learn about everyone’s personality.
Since most of us work remotely, I cherish the times we’re able to see each other in person. In between those times, I’ve really enjoyed the little things our team does to help us feel more connected—from virtual holiday events to our “question of the week” tradition.
Q: What do you think sets IMS apart from competitors or other companies?
A: For me, it’s the culture and the people. There is true appreciation and respect for everyone, and we’re able to be “real” at work. Employees are trusted to get the job done (on their schedule) and make smart decisions. I value this trust, and I also feel lucky to work with such intelligent, caring people. They’re the best at what they do, and they use their talents to help others.
Q: How do the IMS core values align with your own?
A: The core values really represent the company culture. “Ownership Thinking” is why employees feel trusted and empowered, and “Humble Confidence” is why leaders are so approachable. For fellow Enneagram fans, my personality type has high personal standards (aka perfectionist tendencies), so “Quality & Excellence” aligns perfectly. Loyalty and accountability (“Honor the Relationship”) are also very important to me. The company values are aspirational too—sometimes I need a reminder to look at the bigger picture and “Operate as One.”
Q: Do you have any predictions or comments on industry trends?
A: In my role, I’m privileged to read countless articles from legal industry thought leaders and hear about current trends from the consultants, litigators, and experts who join our podcast. Of course, I’d like to encourage everyone to check out all their insights on our website to learn more. I will say that our latest articles and podcast indicate that “safetyism” is going to be a big factor for trial strategies.
Q: What has been your favorite DEIB event to work on so far?
A: The IMS DEIB Committee fulfills my love of volunteering and event planning while allowing me to learn from/about diverse perspectives. Some of my favorite events include our International Women’s Day panels, Mental Health Awareness Month Book Club (which led to a podcast series!), Pride Month Film Festival, and Hispanic Heritage Month cooking demos. I found our discussion on “intersectionality” to be very valuable and eye-opening. I’m proud to help facilitate these types of open conversations at work and foster a sense of real inclusion. It’s been rewarding on both a personal and professional level.
Learn More
Thank you to Michelle and Sarah for “operating as one” in support of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment where everyone belongs. We are grateful for their contributions to the DEIB committee and across the organization.
Visit the links below to meet the IMS team and read more about our culture and career opportunities.