Leading with Curiosity

Hunter McMahon’s career is a story of tech-powered legal leadership. He began on the front lines of legal technology as a digital forensics and data analytics expert, solving high-stakes problems in litigation and investigations. Early on, Hunter served as a consulting and testifying expert, helping corporations (from Fortune 500 to startups) and law firms (Am Law 100 and boutiques alike) uncover facts in data-intensive cases. In these roles, he not only mastered the technical side of eDiscovery and analytics but also learned how to communicate complex findings clearly in the courtroom – a skill that would shape his approach as a speaker and leader.

 

Rising through the ranks, Hunter eventually transitioned from “expert in the trenches” to executive at the helm. Today, he serves as the Chief Operating Officer of iDiscovery Solutions (iDS), a global consulting firm recognized for addressing data and technology challenges in the legal sector. As COO, Hunter leads a multidisciplinary team of experts, guiding the company’s strategic growth in areas like advanced analytics, compliance, and digital strategy. Under his leadership, iDS has become a trusted partner for organizations facing data-driven decision points – whether it’s a multinational dealing with a complex investigation or a law firm implementing AI for the first time. Hunter’s unique background, spanning hands-on technical work, legal insight, and business acumen, has earned him recognition as a thought leader and change agent in the legal technology and consulting sectors.

 

What sets Hunter apart is how he narrates the journey of technology in law. His life in tech started with curiosity – the driving force he credits for much of his success. (Fittingly, his personal mantra is Create value through curiosity and expertise. From pioneering new data analytics techniques to streamlining operational processes, he has always approached challenges by asking the right questions. This philosophy fueled his climb from IT and litigation support roles into executive management, and it’s a theme he brings into his speaking: the idea that staying curious, even about esoteric data, leads to breakthrough results. In Hunter’s case, that meant discovering patterns in terabytes of financial transactions or uncovering the “smoking gun” in an email archive – and then translating those findings into a compelling story for decision-makers.

 

As an executive, Hunter combines his technical know-how with a practical leadership style. He speaks the language of both engineers and executives, making him a sought-after bridge between IT, legal, and C-suite teams. Colleagues often note that Hunter can dive into database architecture in one breath and business strategy in the next. This dual fluency has enabled him to steer complex projects, such as implementing AI tools or enterprise risk platforms, while keeping stakeholders aligned with the business goals. His leadership philosophy centers on empowering experts, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and focusing on measurable impact – principles he has honed through years of guiding clients and teams through digital transformation.

 

Throughout his journey, Hunter has remained committed to continuous learning and sharing knowledge. He’s an active mentor in the industry and has contributed thought leadership to forums such as Forbes, where he writes about the real-world impact of AI and data on legal and compliance work. In 2025, he took the TEDx stage in Bath, UK, to share his vision on “Pieces of a Mosaic," illustrating how disparate data points, when pieced together with human insight, create a powerful narrative for change. In his TEDx talk and all his presentations, Hunter McMahon shines as a leader who has lived through the evolution from manual legal processes to high-tech solutions, and who knows how to lead organizations through this evolution with both strategic clarity and practical expertise.