From Benny the Bengal to AI Innovator: Todd Takashi Itami’s Journey Through Learning, Tech, and Law

Idaho State alum, Todd Takashi Itami, combined his love for tech and law, going from Benny the Bengal mascot to leading AI-driven legal solutions for global companies.

Todd Takashi Itami, a proud graduate of Idaho State University (ISU), is now the Director of AI and E-Discovery Solutions at Covington & Burling LLP, a prestigious law firm with over 2,000 lawyers worldwide, headquartered in Washington, D.C. Todd earned his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from ISU in 2008 and went on to complete his Doctor of Law degree from the University of Chicago Law School in 2013.

Todd’s career combines both traditional legal expertise and a technical focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and software in the practice of law. His role involves advising on AI-related legal matters and implementing AI solutions to enhance the efficiency of legal processes.

Born and raised in Marsh County, Todd says that ISU was his first choice for college. During his time at ISU, he explored a variety of subjects including organic chemistry, physics, and statistics, giving him a broad academic foundation. 

Todd credits his ISU professors for inspiring him to think critically and outside the box—a skill that has been instrumental in his career, and he encourages students to talk to their professors and find out if there are ways they can help them or work together. “The professors are very accessible and they want to talk to you,” he says. “There’s someone at ISU who wants to help you.”

Todd fondly remembers his active involvement in student life, from being a student ambassador to hosting his own radio show, and even taking on the role of Benny the Bengal in 2005. He urges current students to immerse themselves in extracurricular activities and "aggressively pursue" their passions, whether academic or personal. He says that college is a great place to try things out and gain confidence, to become involved in new groups or try new things and be successful.

While at ISU, Todd built a successful web and graphic design business while working at the university’s help desk. Though he initially thought his tech career was behind him, he soon realized that AI and technology had an essential role in the legal field. During law school, Todd sought to merge his passion for law with his expertise in technology, ultimately shaping his current career.

Reflecting on his time at ISU, Todd says he appreciates the diverse community at ISU that expanded his world-view. He believes that interacting with different cultures made him more well-rounded and better equipped to work with clients from around the globe. 

Todd continues to push the boundaries of AI in law, sharing his expertise at conferences like the International Legal Technology Association (ILTA) and ensuring that the next generation of lawyers is prepared for the technological challenges of the future. His advice to students? Never stop learning. Whether it’s coding, new technologies, or deeper legal knowledge, continuous learning has been key to his success.

As the Director of AI and E-Discovery Solutions at Covington & Burling, Todd Takashi Itami advises global companies on the integration of machine learning in legal processes, electronic discovery, and software development. He has led efforts in high-stakes cases and large-scale investigations, merging deep technical expertise with legal practice. His work optimizes costs for clients through AI-driven solutions, while also contributing to LegalTech software development and innovation.

About our contributor:

Suparna Sinha is a PhD Student and Graduate Teaching Assistant at Idaho State University. She is an international student from India, and is currently in her fifth semester of study. Her areas of interest include Postcolonial Eco-Feminist Literature and Dalit Literature. She has presented in international conferences like the DEI in Education conference held at ISU, the54th and 55th NeMLA Conventions, the WLA 2023, and the IGC conferences in 2023 and 2024. Her hobbies include solving cryptic puzzles, writing articles on positivity in her blog, and knitting.