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.
Trial Consulting Expert Ashley Ahn and Director of Marketing & Communications Tiffany Thompson contribute to company successes in vastly different but equally important ways. Ashley directly supports our clients with expertise in visual communication and presentation strategy for complex litigation, while Tiffany leads behind-the-scenes efforts to introduce our services, consultants, and thought leadership to top attorneys across the globe.
In addition to their full-time responsibilities, Ashley and Tiffany are also members of the IMS DEIB Committee, which drives internal initiatives related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Below, Ashley and Tiffany share how they got their start in the legal industry, what they love about their team, and why supporting DEIB efforts is so rewarding.
Ashley Ahn, IMS Trial Consulting Expert
Ashley Ahn combined her interests in design and law into a fulfilling career supporting top litigators through the creation of compelling visual displays for complex litigation, with a specialty in intellectual property. Not only is Ashley a valuable, tenured member of the IMS Trial Graphics team, but she has also been instrumental in DEIB endeavors since our internal program was established in 2019.
Q: How did you get into this industry?
A: It was not purposeful at all. I was working in another field that was not fulfilling me, so I started searching for a new opportunity. I have an MFA in design from Parsons and have always had a particular interest in the legal field, so I was intrigued when I realized the job description of a trial consultant was a synthesis of my two interests. Seven years later, I still find it fascinating.
Q: Why did you choose IMS?
A: I was originally part of The Focal Point, a litigation graphics boutique firm that serviced top-tier law firms throughout the country. TFP was acquired by IMS in 2019, and when I saw that IMS’s core values, leadership, and expertise matched what my experience had been at TFP, I stayed on and joined the IMS family.
Q: What do you like most about your specific department/role?
A: I love the people and how close we are with one another. I have worked in other occupations where the department was toxic and non-inclusive. My colleagues within the Trial Graphics department and in the greater IMS organization are supportive, thoughtful, and hardworking. I love that we all go to bat for one another and care about each other’s wellbeing. It’s hard to find organizations that support this type of culture.
Q: Are there any stories or memories you’d like to share?
A: I worked on a case on behalf of a medical startup organization that was being sued by a larger corporation. The CEO, CFO, and other folks who started their company were literally paralyzed by this lawsuit—they had taken second mortgages out on their homes, their investor funds were frozen pending the result of the litigation, etc. If they lost this lawsuit, they would have gone bankrupt. Still, I would see the clients in the war room, always cheerful with a great sense of humor despite this huge cloud hanging over their company and livelihoods.
To this day, I still remember the tears, cheers, and smiles when we won that case. I work on a lot of patent litigation for big companies, and also against big companies, and sometimes it’s easy to forget how lawsuits can severely impact people’s lives. These cases do matter, and I am proud to have been a part of the amazing team that helped this small company break free.
Q: What do you think sets IMS apart from competitors or other companies?
A: Three things: Our quality of work, support structure for consultants, and freedom of thought. In terms of quality, I am a true believer that the work that we produce is some of the best in the industry. Our consultants come from diverse backgrounds and excel at a variety of skills, and we leverage everyone’s strengths to create the best work product possible. In terms of our support structure, it is very easy to burn out in this industry. IMS ensures that there is enough time off, infrastructure, and team resources to keep consultants from becoming shadows of their former selves.
Lastly, freedom of thought. The Focal Point was a company of 30 people, all with strong voices, opinions, ideas, and enthusiasm. I was worried that by joining an organization four times the size, our voices would become stifled. I’m glad to say that IMS not only allows everyone to share their thoughts but also encourages us to advocate for our ideas and innovate whenever possible. Because of this open-minded culture, several new employee-led initiatives have been created at IMS—a few of which I am an active participant.
Q: What has been your favorite DEIB event to work on?
A: We have done so many that it’s hard to choose just one. I’ll say in general that I love our viewing parties, book clubs, and informational talks surrounding topics like Pride, Black History Month, and Mental Health Awareness. These are some of my favorite events that we host and that I have personally worked on.
Tiffany Thompson, IMS Director of Marketing & Communications
Tiffany Thompson has a diverse resume, but she found her perfect fit in the legal realm. Now as the director of IMS’ Marketing & Communications department, Tiffany collaborates across internal teams to share our company story, showcase our service offerings, and support our client relationships. And, as a member of the LGBTQ+ community who has personally experienced the impact of inequity and exclusion, she brings an incredible passion and perspective to our DEIB programs.
Q: How did you get into this industry? Why did you choose IMS?
A: I moved into legal in 2015 at the urging of friends and family in the industry who felt it would be a good match—and it has been! I was very fortunate to be given the opportunity to make the move by a named partner at a wonderful regional, boutique firm. I truly appreciate the high standard that the industry holds itself to and enjoy working with such intelligent and creative people.
Q: Why did you choose IMS?
A: One of my past supervisors had moved to IMS about a year prior and recommended that I look into the company. Knowing that the industry is shifting toward consuming more of the specialized services that IMS offers, I knew that there would be great opportunity here. The work that IMS does is exciting and innovative, and it has made an impact on some of the largest and most notable cases across all industries. I love that the work is important. A year later, I am still very happy with my decision and proud to be part of IMS.
Q: What do you like most about your specific department/role?
A: My favorite part of Marketing & Communications is finding creative and effective ways to share and celebrate how IMS supports attorneys. We have the privilege of being involved with every internal team and utilizing a broad skill set to promote their work. Each day is different and presents new opportunities. It is a wonderful feeling to support the success of our teams and help them shine.
Q: What internal accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: Since I joined IMS, the Marketing & Communications team has seen tremendous growth. I am consistently proud of each team member’s contributions, as well as their commitment to IMS and to their own professional development. We have also started an internship program, providing college students with valuable skill development and work experience. I love my team! And, of course, I am proud that the company continues to experience growth and success as well.
Q: What do you think sets IMS apart from competitors or other companies?
A: IMS provides a quality and breadth of service that few companies could try to match. IMS boasts professionals who specialize in every possible phase of dispute resolution and has a large network of experienced expert witnesses for every niche. We begin each new matter with fresh eyes and enjoy building a trusted, long-term relationship with clients.
Q: How do the IMS core values align with your own?
A: IMS has five Core Values: Ownership Thinking, Quality & Excellence, Humble Confidence, Honor the Relationship, and Operate as One. For me, these boil down to integrity, respect, and commitment—all things I deeply care about, both professionally and personally. Having coworkers that intrinsically share these characteristics has built a culture where we can all flourish. These values have also led to a bustling Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) team, which I am thrilled to be a part of. We work hard, outside of our regular duties, to produce fun monthly programming exposing employees to new aspects of minority cultures. It is a great space where all are welcome to ask questions, learn from each other, and expand our worldview.
Q: Do you have any predictions or comments on industry trends?
A: We are seeing courts, jurors, and arbitrators increasingly expect succinct and sophisticated arguments. It is nearly impossible for attorneys to hone their craft while also staying abreast of the most advanced graphics and presentation technologies, not to mention staying on top of cultural trends. More and more, attorneys are looking to outside resources to remain competitive. IMS becomes a trusted extension of clients’ legal teams, and we continue to find new ways to best support their needs.
Q: What has been your favorite DEIB event to work on?
A: The DEIB event that I appreciated the most thus far has been our Mental Health Awareness Month book club. First, it is rare to come across a company that is willing to allow people to openly discuss mental health. Normally these conversations are relegated to Human Resources—if they occur at all. Second, the book selection was provided free of charge to all who wished to participate, which made the event all the more inclusive. And third, the book club discussion was facilitated by the author, which always drives the conversation deeper and moves it from speculation to clarity. It was forward-thinking, realistic, and yet another event to be proud of. Thank you, IMS.
Learn More
We are grateful to Ashley and Tiffany for their openness in sharing, their collaborative spirit, and their dedication to internal values. At IMS, we truly believe that diverse points of view lead to a stronger and more creative organization. We are proud to work with such unique and talented individuals and to support programming that honors their contributions.
Visit the links below to meet our team and read more about the IMS culture and career opportunities.
