ATLANTA – Troutman Pepper Locke’s Brett Mason, Frederick King, and Noah Mason have been awarded the G. Duffield Smith Outstanding Publication Award by DRI as members and co-authors of a white paper “Artificial Intelligence in Legal Practice: Benefits, Considerations, and Best Practices,” issued by DRI’s Artificial Intelligence Task Force. The honorees will be recognized at the 2025 DRI annual meeting on Friday, Oct. 17.

The award recognizes attorneys for their professional contributions to the defense bar and the civil justice system, or their involvement in community and public service activities that have a positive impact on society at large.

Brett Mason, a partner in the firm’s Health Care and Life Sciences Litigation Practice Group, is a trial attorney and litigator who defends clients facing complex tort litigation. Her approach bridges the gap between the law and science, helping to protect companies at all stages of litigation.

King, an associate in the firm’s Health Care and Life Sciences Litigation Practice Group, focuses on defending clients in complex product liability actions across the U.S. In addition to his pharmaceutical and medical device practice, he is committed to pro bono work and actively represents clients in complex civil rights litigation. 

Noah Mason, Business Litigation associate, defends Fortune 500 companies and privately owned enterprises in both state and federal courts. His extensive experience covers a wide spectrum of issues, including consumer protection, data security, trade secrets, and information technology.

DRI is the largest international membership organization of attorneys defending the interests of businesses and individuals in civil litigation.

Troutman Pepper Locke

Troutman Pepper Locke helps clients solve complex legal challenges and achieve their business goals in an ever-changing global economy. With more than 1,600 attorneys in 30+ offices, the firm serves clients in all major industry sectors, with particular depth in energy, financial services, health care and life sciences, insurance and reinsurance, private equity, and real estate. Learn more at troutman.com.