In this session, a builder, a lawyer, and a CEO open the plugin on screen and take it apart piece by piece — so you can decide for yourself what it means.

You'll see: → The actual SKILL.md files opened and walked through live → A side-by-side comparison: plugin vs. the same instructions pasted into raw Claude → The same NDA review skill scored across six AI models with real data on accuracy, speed, and cost → A practicing lawyer grading the AI's contract review output in real time

Featuring:

🎙 Ted Theodoropoulos — CEO of Infodash, host of Legal Innovation Spotlight

🎙 Rob Saccone — Legal tech builder and operator, Nex Law Partners

🎙 Josh Kubicki — Lawyer, law professor, and AI practitioner

No hot takes. No hype. Just the files, the outputs, and three informed perspectives.

But is the panic justified?

For the first time, a foundation model company is packaging legal workflow tools directly into its platform (e.g. contract review, NDA triage, compliance tracking) rather than just supplying APIs to legal tech vendors. The question every firm, vendor, and in-house team is asking: what happens when your supplier becomes your competitor?

Ted Theodoropoulos and Winston Weinberg, CEO of Harvey AI (the $8 billion legal AI company built on top of models like Claude) had a candid 30-minute conversation about what this announcement actually means, what it doesn't, and where legal AI goes from here.

You'll hear:

• What Anthropic actually released vs. what the market thinks it released

• How Harvey views the move from its model provider entering the legal application layer

• The effect on how on investor outlook on legal AI going forward

• What law firms and in-house teams should actually be doing right now

Whether you're a legal tech buyer, builder, or investor, this is the conversation you need to hear right now.

In this episode, Jack shares insights on how to:

• Evaluate AI tools effectively in the legal industry
• Address data hygiene challenges in law firm document management systems
• Integrate generative AI into law firm workflows without over-promising results
• Balance risk and reward when adopting enterprise search solutions in legal contexts
• Encourage lawyer engagement with knowledge-sharing initiatives

Key takeaways: 

• Generative AI tools like LLMs are limited by hallucinations and a lack of comprehension, often failing in critical legal tasks like accurate citations or respecting legal hierarchies, underscoring the need for cautious adoption in high-risk contexts.
• Many law firms invest heavily in enterprise search projects only to see them fail due to unclear ROI and poor integration, highlighting the importance of focusing on smaller, targeted use cases with tangible benefits like better document organization or locating key client information.
• Effective use of AI in law requires clean, structured data, as experiments show poor data hygiene leads to irrelevant or misleading outputs, undermining both efficiency and trust.
• The legal industry's focus on flashy, complex AI use cases often overlooks basic workflow inefficiencies—like time tracking, document versioning, or knowledge-sharing—which would yield quicker, more impactful results for lawyers.

About the guest, Jack Shepherd:

Jack Shepherd is a former lawyer and legal technology expert, with a particular interest in cutting through hype and confusion in technology to deliver value to practising lawyers and clients. He works at iManage, where he leads consulting initiatives on knowledge management projects.

“[The] accuracy thing is such a big deal around LLMs because the lawyer using a tool—they'll ask it a question, and I can guarantee you the first question they'll ask will be to test it. Then, if it gets even slightly wrong: 'No, I don't trust this. Never using it again.' You've got to be really careful about that.” – Jack Shepherd

Connect with Jack Shepherd:

Website: https://imanage.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackwshepherd/

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Neill shares insights on how to:

• Integrate AI into legal workflows effectively
• Balance innovation with cost efficiency in law firms
• Navigate the shift from traditional AI to generative AI in legal practice
• Use small AI models to address privacy and energy concerns
• Overcome resistance to change within law firms

Key takeaways: 

• IBM’s Granite AI models use only 8 billion parameters, proving that smaller, efficiently trained models can achieve high performance while reducing costs and energy consumption, making them ideal for enterprise applications.
• Law firms can maximize the value of generative AI by integrating it with their existing labeled data, enabling more accurate and cost-effective workflows for tasks like clause identification and document review.
• Incrementally introducing AI through low-risk, back-office functions like internal policy management or HR tasks allows firms to build confidence in the technology while avoiding the risks associated with client-facing errors.
• Overcoming lawyers’ deeply ingrained "lone wolf" mindset requires strategic leadership and innovation teams to create a culture that prioritizes collaboration and long-term investment in transformative technology.

About the guest, Neill Pemberton:

Neill Pemberton is a former solicitor in England and an expert in the use of Generative AI in professional services. After 10 years at the global law firm Dentons, Neill joined Orbital Witness, where he became Head of Legal Innovation and grew the Legal Engineering team from one qualified lawyer to seven in just two years. Neill is now an Associate Partner with IBM Consulting.

“We use our own models, but we use others too. We use Llama and all sorts in our day-to-day work, and we find we can get good results using small models. So I think it's about how you use it, rather than what it is that you use.” – Neill Pemberton

Connect with Neill Pemberton:

Website: https://www.ibm.com/us-en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ibm

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neillpemberton/

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Eric shares insights on how to:

• Navigate the emergence of AI-focused C-suite roles in organizations
• Identify and implement impactful generative AI use cases in law firms
• Evaluate the readiness of AI tools for operational use in the legal industry
• Balance innovation aspirations with practical constraints in legal tech
• Use small language models locally to ensure privacy and efficiency

Key takeaways: 

• The legal industry's adoption of AI often prioritizes appearance over substance, with many roles and tools being created as part of "innovation theater" rather than to address real needs.
• Effective AI implementation in legal contexts requires deep collaboration with existing vendors and a strategic focus on low-risk, high-reward business use cases like HR and marketing.
• Trust remains a significant barrier to value-based billing in law; even advanced analytics often fail to persuade clients to move away from billable hours.
• Small, purpose-built AI solutions, such as tools for patent drafting or local language models, demonstrate significant efficiency gains without compromising privacy.

About the guest, Eric DeChant:

Eric DeChant is the founder of Gammawave AI, a consultancy offering AI and innovation advisory services to law firms, corporations, governments, and nonprofits, with a focus on building intelligent systems, addressing technology threats, and protecting intellectual property. Formerly the Product Director at xMentium, an AI-driven SaaS platform for Fortune 500 legal departments, Eric combines practical expertise with technical knowledge. He holds an M.S. in Law from Northwestern University and a B.A. in Business & Project Management from DePaul University. Eric also founded The American Society of Legal Engineers (ASLE) and publishes on legal tech innovation. A registered patent agent, PMP, and AIGP, he enjoys captaining charter yachts on Lake Michigan.

“One of the worst tricks ChatGPT pulled on the world was convincing everyone AI was good at everything.” – Eric DeChant

Connect with Eric DeChant:

Website: https://www.gammawave.ai/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericdechant/

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Alex shares insights on how to:

• Navigate AI adoption challenges in traditional law firm models
• Leverage technology for more efficient legal service delivery
• Address client expectations with innovative legal tech solutions
• Build and use proprietary AI systems within law firms
• Balance reputation management with technological disruption in the legal industry

Key takeaways: 

• High hourly rates in law firms are justified by the trust, reputation, and additional value clients perceive, rather than the hourly service itself.
• Legal tech adoption is hindered by firms' reliance on trusted, longstanding reputations and a focus on reliable over experimental solutions.
• Firms integrating innovation with AI and automation can lower operational costs and increase profitability without sacrificing service quality.
• Outsourcing high-caliber contract attorneys for specialized projects, such as AI training, helps firms overcome staffing challenges and opportunity costs.

About the guest, Alex Su:

Alex Su is the Chief Revenue Officer at Latitude Legal, where he leads the company’s sales and marketing initiatives. With a career spanning nearly 14 years at the intersection of law and innovation, Alex has held key roles in legal tech startups, including as Head of Community Development at Ironclad. A Northwestern Law graduate and former attorney at Sullivan & Cromwell, Alex clerked for Hon. Edmond E. Chang in the Northern District of Illinois. Beyond his professional achievements, Alex engages over 250,000 followers across social media platforms and writes Off The Record, a newsletter exploring alternative legal careers and business development. 

“Legal is not in the business of something like sales or marketing, where if you roughly get it right, it's okay. If you get it wrong just a little bit in legal, it has huge consequences.” – Alex Su

Connect with Alex Su:

Website: https://latitudelegal.com/

Newsletter: https://www.alexofftherecord.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-su/

Twitter: https://x.com/heyitsalexsu

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@legaltechbro

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyitsalexsu/

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Damien shares insights on how to:

• Assess the reasoning capabilities of large language models in legal contexts
• Leverage generative AI to enhance legal document drafting and research
• Interpret the limitations of AI outputs in subjective fields like law
• Test the reliability and objectivity of AI systems in complex decision-making
• Navigate ethical considerations in adopting AI-driven tools in legal practice

Key takeaways: 

• AI’s reasoning in law aligns with its backward-looking nature, as legal tasks often rely on precedent and existing data, making large language models effective for linking facts to statutes and regulations.
• The “anesthesia test” emphasizes evaluating AI by its practical outputs, as effectiveness matters more than understanding its internal workings.
• While large language models excel at connecting legal concepts, they struggle with objective tasks like math, reflecting their contextual strengths.
• Studies like Stanford’s highlight AI’s limitations, but the legal industry should focus on practical applications for everyday workflows rather than edge cases.

About the guest, Damien Riehl:

Damien Riehl is a lawyer and technologist with experience in complex litigation, digital forensics, and software development. A lawyer since 2002 and coder since 1985, Damien clerked for the chief judges of state and federal courts, practiced in complex litigation for over a decade, has led teams of cybersecurity and world-spanning digital forensics investigations, and has built AI-backed legal software.

At vLex Group — which includes Fastcase, NextChapter, and Docket Alarm — Damien helps lead the design, development, and expansion of various products, integrating AI-backed technologies (e.g., GPT) into a billion-document dataset from 100+ countries, all to improve legal workflows.

“How much of the law is looking backward—that is, looking to precedent? You're always looking to statutes; you're always looking to something that is in the data set. So, if it is in the data set, really, all of our reasoning that is legal is backward-looking, not forward-looking.” – Damien Riehl

Connect with Damien Riehl:

Website: https://vlex.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damienriehl/

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Colin shares insights on how to:

• Integrate technology into legal operations effectively
• Address work-life balance challenges in legal careers
• Implement alternative billing models in law firms
• Leverage generative AI in legal practice
• Navigate career transitions from traditional legal roles to interdisciplinary roles

Key takeaways: 

• Legal operations serve as a critical bridge between technology, law, and business, requiring diverse skill sets to ensure process and tech alignment.
• Generative AI offers significant potential in areas like contract review, litigation analytics, and knowledge management, though it remains in its early stages with limitations.
• Big Law’s emphasis on billable hours is increasingly seen as outdated, underscoring the importance of exploring alternative, value-based billing structures.
• Cultural resistance and lack of preparation often lead to underutilization of legal technologies, highlighting the need for thorough readiness and education initiatives.

About the guest, Colin Levy:

Colin Levy is a recognized legal tech expert, educator, and author. He serves as director of Legal and Evangelist at Malbek, and he is a leader in Contract Lifecycle Management. Levy wrote The Legal Tech Ecosystem and co-authored CLM for Dummies, establishing himself as a key voice in the field. He advises legal tech startups, judges industry awards, and frequently contributes to publications and podcasts. Levy's mission is to empower the legal community through technology adoption. He shares insights on his website, colinslevy.com, and maintains an active presence on social media platforms.

“Just because a tool exists, has existed, or is being used by someone doesn't mean it's the right solution for you or in the ballpark of what you should be using, which leads to you purchasing a solution that ends up sitting on a shelf somewhere and not being used.” – Colin Levy

Connect with Colin Levy:

Website: https://www.colinslevy.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinslevy/

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Haley shares insights on how to:

• Leverage Gen AI to enhance legal transaction processes
• Create a startup culture within a large corporate structure
• Balance aggressive growth goals with sustainable product-market fit in tech
• Manage investor expectations in rapidly evolving markets like AI
• Build strategic partnerships that bridge innovation and industry demands

Key takeaways: 

• Balancing entrepreneurial freedom within a corporate environment requires clear scope definitions and trust in partnerships to keep innovation-focused and aligned.
• Valuations in AI and legal tech are currently inflated by non-traditional investors who may not fully understand the industry’s slower sales cycles and compliance demands.
• Even within budgets or alternative fee arrangements, clients often still want to see detailed hours and breakdowns, reflecting a hesitancy to fully abandon traditional billing.
• In law firms, many are overwhelmed by the sheer number of new Gen AI solutions, creating significant delays in evaluating, piloting, and integrating new technologies.

About the guest, Haley Altman:

Haley Altman is a corporate attorney, founder, and advisor in the legal technology innovation space. She began her career in Big Law, first as an associate and then as a partner, before transitioning to entrepreneurship as the founder of Doxly, Inc., which was acquired by Litera. There, she rose to Global Head of Corporate Development and helped lead 10 acquisitions. Recently, Haley shifted to a strategic advisor role at Litera, supporting the leadership team in M&A and product strategy, including the development of two generative AI solutions, Dragon and Lattice. She leverages her extensive experience as an entrepreneur and former lawyer to understand the technology, processes, and workflows that help lawyers while maximizing client satisfaction.

“With Gen AI, there was so much going on all at once that you really need to think about: how can I build something new?” – Haley Altman

Connect with Haley Altman:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haley-altman/

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Judge Scott shares insights on how to:

• Use low-cost technologies to streamline court operations
• Detect and address deepfakes in court evidence
• Leverage AI tools for trial preparation
• Mitigate the risks of AI-generated evidence in the justice system
• Implement practical technology solutions without extensive budgets

Key takeaways: 

• Deepfake audio poses critical risks in domestic cases, allowing cloned voices to manipulate protective orders, seize assets, and disrupt lives with minimal verification.
• Budget constraints in most courts limit access to advanced tech, pushing judges to rely on affordable tools to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
• AI tools like ChatGPT offer valuable support in trial prep, helping lawyers simulate juror perspectives and anticipate key questions before court.
• Rapid AI advancements bring significant challenges for courts unprepared for threats like deepfakes, with slow adoption rates and limited resources complicating responses.

About the guest, Judge Scott Schlegel:

Judge Scott U. Schlegel, a recent inductee into the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame, was elected to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal in 2023. Known for pioneering one of the nation's most advanced online justice systems, he has also led as Chair of the Louisiana Supreme Court Technology Commission and served on the ABA & LSBA Task Forces on the Law and Artificial Intelligence. Judge Schlegel's work includes establishing the Reentry Court and Swift & Certain Probation programs to reduce recidivism. A Loyola University New Orleans College of Law graduate, he is married to Representative Laurie Schlegel and has one son in college.

“We need to build a more modern justice system—needs to be more efficient, more effective, and more accessible. And I just think that we can use simple technologies to modernize the justice system to make everybody’s lives better.” – Judge Scott Schlegel

Connect with Judge Scott Schlegel:

Website: https://judgeschlegel.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judgeschlegel/

Twitter: https://x.com/judgeschlegel

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Aron shares insights on how to:

• Define and integrate agentic AI in legal workflows
• Assess AI's impact on efficiency and cost savings in legal services
• Overcome data quality challenges in law firm document management
• Navigate the development and deployment of AI for legal research and discovery
• Manage risk in AI applications within legal and compliance contexts

Key takeaways: 

• AI systems in legal discovery have greatly improved cost efficiency, with one case saving over a million dollars using a trial AI product.
• Agentic AI, known for its autonomy and planning, is expected to transform the legal sector by automating repetitive tasks and enhancing strategic roles.
• Advanced AI data organization tools also help law firms manage disorganized data by identifying, categorizing, and cleaning it—key steps toward fully leveraging AI.
• Current AI tools, like those for document review, enable rapid analysis of large datasets, setting the stage for broader use across knowledge management and other legal tasks.

About the guest, Aron Ahmadia:

Dr. Aron Ahmadia is the Senior Director for Applied Science at Relativity, leading AI development for RelativityOne, including the aiR suite and its Active Learning and Analytics. An expert in machine learning and AI, he specializes in AI for Law, Model Risk Management, and Responsible AI. Previously, he was an adjunct faculty at George Washington University and a founding Computer Science Professor at KAUST, teaching one of Saudi Arabia’s first coed classes. He has experience in Capital One’s Model Risk Office and U.S. government service. Dr. Ahmadia holds a Ph.D. in Applied Math from Columbia University and a B.S. in Computer Engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology.

“We're potentially going to see a level of data understanding and data management that we don’t currently consider because it's just too expensive. But that cost will go away, and the capability will come.” – Aron Ahmadia

Connect with Aron Ahmadia:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aron-ahmadia/

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Matthew and Andrew share insights on how to:

• Evaluate build-versus-buy decisions for technology in legal practice
• Balance innovation with established knowledge management (KM) practices
• Introduce generative AI in a law firm environment
• Assess and define ROI in innovation projects
• Use technology to increase operational efficiency in law firms

Key takeaways: 

• Law firms should take a measured approach to AI, focusing first on lower-risk, business-related use cases before handling client-sensitive data.
• Generative AI doesn't necessarily require perfectly clean data, but basic data hygiene and correct document selection are essential.
• Innovation efforts in law firms are often guided by organizational culture, with a strong influence from senior management's risk tolerance.
• Building proprietary tools is typically discouraged for most firms unless it provides a unique competitive edge; support and maintenance are often overlooked in cost assessments.

About the guests, Matthew Dunne & Andrew Sprogis:

Matthew Dunne is the Sr. Innovation and Data Science Manager at Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, where he integrates data science and legal tech. He leads Katten’s DataLAB, offering legal data science services and Gen AI applications. Matthew holds an MS in Applied Data Science from the University of Chicago and a JD from Indiana University, and he is a licensed attorney.

Andrew Sprogis is Katten's Chief Innovation Officer and former Executive Director. He converts innovative ideas into practical solutions, helping attorneys and clients navigate industry changes. His team improves the client experience through enhanced quality and communication, emphasizing collaboration and leveraging new data.

“It's the interaction of the technology plus the people and process part that leads to the ultimate outcome.” – Matthew Dunne

“One of the challenges with the innovation space in general, and I think it's going to be this way for Gen AI, is that different people at different arcs of their careers are going to have different motivations to do things.” – Andrew Sprogis

Connect with Matthew and Andrew:

Website: https://katten.com/

Matthew’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-dunne-02842221/

Andrew’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-sprogis-88997b20/

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Darryl shares insights on how to:

• Adopt a client-centric sales mindset
• Overcome lawyers' skepticism toward business development
• Foster collaboration across offices and practices within a global law firm
• Integrate sales methodologies into the daily work of lawyers
• Balance risk management with innovation

Key takeaways: 

• Focusing on a small group of key clients, prospects, and referral sources, and dedicating most of your effort to them, is a highly effective approach to business development.
• Lawyers may resist traditional sales tactics, but reframing sales processes using familiar legal skills like discovery and due diligence can make business development more natural and effective.
• Having an internal sales coach with access to firm data and financials can significantly improve cross-practice collaboration, client service, and overall business growth.
• Running a law firm with a business mindset—focusing on revenue and profitability—provides the resources needed for investments in DEI programs, professional development, and broader community contributions.

About the guest, Darryl Cross:

Darryl Cross, US Executive Sales Coach at Norton Rose Fulbright, brings over 25 years of legal industry experience. A pioneer in in-house coaching for law firms, he blends sales methodologies with professional services to drive growth. Previously, he was part of the Sales and Leadership Academy at Amazon Web Services and held senior roles as a law firm CMO and VP of Performance Development at LexisNexis. Known for shifting mindsets to a client-centric business approach, he focuses on enhancing lawyers' sales skills and building scalable programs. He is the author of Cultivating Excellence: The Art, Science, and Grit of High Performance in Business and also volunteers as a girls' high school rugby coach.

“When you are better at generating revenue and have a sales methodology, it allows you to pick and choose the work you want and the work that's most beneficial to the client.” – Darryl Cross

Connect with Darryl Cross:

Website: https://www.nortonrosefulbright.com/en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrylcross/

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Stephen shares insights on how to:

• Integrate generative AI tools in legal practice
• Identify AI use cases for law firms of various sizes
• Address AI challenges in junior associate training
• Use AI to bridge the technology gap between large and small firms
• Measure AI effectiveness and mitigate risks in law firms

Key takeaways: 

• Despite surveys suggesting widespread AI adoption, many lawyers are not actively using AI tools in practice, revealing a significant gap between perception and reality.
• Larger law firms are adopting AI tools more rapidly than smaller firms due to cost and resource availability, which is widening the gap between them.
• Generative AI tools can aid younger lawyers in preparing for tasks like depositions by generating comprehensive lists of questions, saving time, and improving confidence.
• Ethical concerns around AI, particularly related to data privacy and the potential for bias in AI decision-making, are raised as important factors that legal professionals must navigate.

About the guest, Stephen Embry :

Stephen Embry is a lawyer, speaker, blogger, and writer. He publishes TechLaw Crossroads, a blog focused on exploring the tension between technology, the law, and the practice of law. He is a past Chair of the ABA’s Law Practice Division and the Chair of the Kentucky Bar Association’s Law Practice Committee. Additionally, Stephen is the past Chair of the Data Breach, Privacy, and Cyber Insurance Section of the FDCC, a member of the FDCC Evolve Program, and a faculty member of FedTechU. He also serves as Webinar Chair and Steering Committee member of the Defense Research Institute’s Law Practice Management section. As a national litigator and advisor, Stephen specializes in mass tort, business and consumer class action, and privacy and data breach cases.

“These tools aren’t going to go away, and we can’t just say, ‘Well, we’re going to keep doing what we’ve always done and not adopt these programs,’ because lawyers, especially younger ones, are frankly going to use them no matter what we do.” – Stephen Embry

Connect with Stephen Embry:

Website: https://www.techlawcrossroads.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenembry/

Twitter: https://x.com/stephenembryjd

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Dan shares insights on how to:

• Leverage AI for document management in law firms
• Enhance document search capabilities
• Streamline workflows with AI-driven document profiling
• Integrate generative AI tools with existing legal DMS platforms
• Automate document classification and metadata extraction at scale

Key takeaways: 

• Generative AI can now classify and extract metadata from various legal documents, improving document organization and making search processes more efficient.
• AI-powered tools enable law firms to automate routine tasks, such as contract reviews and summarizing depositions, creating more consistent and predictable outcomes.
• AI-driven document management systems can embed knowledge management directly within workflows, reducing the need to transfer documents to external systems for enrichment.
• The integration of AI tools into legal workflows allows for real-time collaboration and retrieval of documents with advanced search and automation capabilities, all while maintaining security and efficiency.

About the guest, Dan Hauck:

Dan is the Chief Product Officer at NetDocuments. As an experienced lawyer, entrepreneur, and award-winning product visionary, he oversees the planning and development of software solutions across various areas, including document management, collaboration, automation, artificial intelligence, and governance.

“A legal-specific [document management system (DMS)] is crucial for law firms because it's the lifeblood of the firm.” – Dan Hauck

Connect with Dan Hauck:

Website: https://www.netdocuments.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danhauck

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Senne shares insights on how to:

• Implement document automation in legal workflows
• Balance manual curation with AI for legal drafting
• Manage legal document management systems in large law firms
• Integrate generative AI effectively in legal technology solutions
• Mitigate limitations of AI-powered enterprise search tools

Key takeaways: 

• Generative AI is revolutionizing legal tech, but its potential should be harnessed carefully as a supportive tool rather than being relied on as the sole solution for legal challenges.
• Advanced document automation platforms like ClauseBase can significantly streamline legal drafting, but successful implementation requires integration with existing legal workflows and careful consideration of firm-specific needs.
• Legal teams must proactively curate and clean up outdated document management systems to fully leverage AI-driven solutions, as unstructured or conflicting data can severely limit AI's effectiveness.
• Despite significant advancements, AI technologies still face major challenges, including hallucinations, context window limitations, and reliance on legal data quality, all of which must be addressed before AI can fully meet the demands of legal professionals.

About the guest, Senne Mennes:

Senne Mennes is the Co-Founder and COO of ClauseBase, where he leverages his legal background and expertise in document automation to transform contract drafting. With prior experience as an attorney at DLA Piper, he combines practical legal knowledge with cutting-edge technology to streamline workflows for law firms and legal departments. Senne is passionate about creating user-friendly tools that enhance efficiency and empower lawyers to focus on higher-value work.

“A supercar can only go as fast as the road allows it to, and legal data is really that road.” – Senne Mennes

Connect with Senne Mennes:

Website: https://www.clausebase.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sennem/

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Richard and Brian share insights on how to:

• Approach and evaluate AI systems for legal research
• Assess the limitations of retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) systems in legal AI
• Navigate the potential biases in academic studies about legal AI tools
• Effectively benchmark legal technology and AI performance
• Integrate generative AI tools into law firm workflows

Key takeaways: 

• The Stanford study criticized current legal research AI tools from major vendors, highlighting their limitations in accuracy and understanding legal nuances.
• Legal research is more complex than initially anticipated for AI models, particularly regarding how models handle the nuances of legal precedent and authority.
• Despite the shortcomings of current AI tools, vendors are actively working to improve their systems, but transparency and collaboration on benchmarks are essential for progress.
• A broader, community-led approach, rather than vendor-driven initiatives, is critical for establishing accurate benchmarking standards for AI in the legal industry.

About the guests, Richard Robbins and Brian Blaho:

Richard Robbins is the Director of Applied AI at Reed Smith, leading AI and data science initiatives. A former law firm partner and general counsel, he specializes in legal tech and generative AI. Richard also supports UC Berkeley’s graduate class on generative AI and frequently writes and speaks on the subject.

Brian Blaho is the Global Director of Library Services at Reed Smith, managing library operations, budget, and innovations. With over 20 years in legal research, Brian focuses on legal tech and analytics. He leads global research and training and is active in professional associations.

“It’ll be up to the vendors who build on top of the [legal AI] models to add the other workflows, the agentic systems, and other elements to get us there.” – Richard Robbins

“Generative AI can potentially help us get much better results so that we have to either spend far less time reading through and curating which ones we're going to pass on or no time at all.” – Brian Blaho

Connect with Richard Robbins and Brian Blaho:

Website: https://www.reedsmith.com

Richard’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-robbins-a88014117/

Brian’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-b-37684524/

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Carolyn shares insights on how to:

• Use Microsoft Copilot in law firms
• Find the best AI use cases in legal work
• Boost productivity with AI in Office apps
• Optimize Copilot with Teams and OneDrive
• Ensure confidentiality with AI tools

Key takeaways: 

• Microsoft Copilot is transforming legal workflows by automating repetitive tasks like creating narratives from Excel data, drastically reducing time spent on administrative work and increasing overall productivity across teams.
• The effective use of Microsoft Copilot in law firms depends heavily on integrating platforms like OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams, as these tools enable Copilot to access and organize data in real-time, which is crucial for its functionality.
• Many large law firms remain hesitant to fully adopt Microsoft tools like Teams and SharePoint, which limits their ability to capitalize on the full potential of Copilot, particularly in terms of collaboration.
• Security concerns, such as maintaining client confidentiality and adhering to ABA rules, make Microsoft Copilot a preferred AI solution for law firms compared to other AI tools like ChatGPT, as it offers enhanced privacy protections and data grounding through the Microsoft Graph.

About the guest, Carolyn Humpherys:

Carolyn Humpherys is a Learning and Change Management Consultant at Traveling Coaches, a leading provider of legal technology adoption services. With over 30 years in the legal industry, she has helped many firms transition to modern working practices. She develops strategies for initiatives ranging from cloud technologies to compliance and cultural transformation. Carolyn has successfully led change consulting projects, helping firms adopt new technologies. As leader of the Copilot and AI initiative at Traveling Coaches, she helps firms leverage generative AI to enhance legal professionals' performance. She is passionate about AI's potential to transform the legal industry.

“If we can use tools to free us up for higher-value-add work, more creative work, more thought leadership, connecting with clients—whatever that looks like based on your role—then I think that dictates what tool you should choose and what tool would most benefit you.” – Carolyn Humpherys

Connect with Carolyn Humpherys:

Website: https://www.travelingcoaches.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynhumpherys/

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Ab shares insights on how to:

• Leverage AI tools for content generation and data analysis
• Navigate the build versus buy decision in legal technology solutions
• Integrate large language models and AI tools into existing workflows
• Manage bias in AI algorithms
• Effectively use natural language interfaces for improved software adoption

Key takeaways: 

• The true cost of custom development in law firms is often underestimated, with long-term support and maintenance requiring significant resources beyond the initial build.
• While many law firms are experimenting with AI, actual widespread adoption is limited, primarily focused on small pilot programs and generative AI tools.
• AI-powered tools like Copilot are still in their early stages, with substantial room for improvement in functionalities like email summarization and natural language processing.
• AI models optimized for specific tasks (e.g., legal reasoning, mathematical problem-solving) provide more accurate results when tailored appropriately, highlighting the importance of selecting the right tools for specific needs.

About the guest, Ab Saraswat:

Abhijat (Ab) Saraswat is the Chief Revenue Officer at Lupl. In his role, he works with law firms to help their lawyers spend less time managing work and more time doing the work. Ab is also the Founder of Fringe Legal, through which, for the last six years, he has created cutting-edge content for legal innovators focused on putting ideas into practice. He is a Barrister (non-practicing) and was called to the Bar of England and Wales in 2015. Abhijat has worked for several large multinational corporations across various sectors and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Science and Neuroscience from the University of Keele, UK.

“I think it's not just build or buy. It should be built by a partner, and that partner means finding someone who is an expert in this, who does 80% of what you need, and then working with them to provide feedback and input into the roadmap.” – Ab Saraswat

Connect with Ab Saraswat:

Website: https://lupl.com/

Show: Fringe Legal Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fringe-legal/id1454857612

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asaraswat/

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Annie shares insights on how to:

• Leverage AI in legal technology to innovate legal workflows
• Address client pain points in legal processes with tech platforms
• Navigate the AI hype cycle and reset expectations in the legal industry
• Comply with new American Bar Association guidance on AI
• Build client trust and train lawyers in the era of AI integration in law firms

Key takeaways: 

• The Neuron platform is designed to streamline startup legal workflows by automating repetitive tasks like document creation, thus reducing attorney time and client costs.
• Legal tech adoption is challenging due to the legal industry's resistance to change and the complexity of integrating new technology with existing processes.
• The legal industry is undergoing a period of reset, with a focus on genuine technological innovation and trust-building.
• Custom AI tools, like GPTs, show promise in streamlining processes but require cautious adoption and thorough training.

About the guest, Annie Datesh:

Annie Datesh is Wilson Sonsini’s Chief Innovation Officer. In this role, she works closely with firm management to set the firm’s innovation strategy, develop and implement legal technology programs for the firm and its clients, and support both internal and client teams on the legal and operational implications of emerging technologies and business models in the legal industry.

Previously, Annie was a corporate and securities attorney in the firm’s Palo Alto office with a focus on representing companies at all stages of their lifecycle, from incorporation through fundraising, public offerings, and mergers and acquisitions in both private and public markets. Annie also has in-house experience and a first-hand understanding of the challenges of building and scaling a high-growth company, including being seconded to Square, Inc. during its IPO and serving on the leadership team at a venture-backed legal tech start-up, where she was the driving force behind a number of programs and departments.

“Law firms educating clients is often on a legal issue or some new filing they need to do, not on an entire technology and why it can or can't be used in a certain way.” – Annie Datesh

Connect with Annie Datesh:

Website: https://www.wsgr.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-datesh-0ba8959

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Jen shares insights on how to:

• Innovate within traditional legal structures
• Integrate human-centered approaches in legal technology
• Address challenges in law firm business models
• Overcome structural impediments to legal innovation
• Empathize with stakeholders during organizational change

Key takeaways: 

• Applying design thinking in legal practice, with a focus on empathy and understanding clients' needs, is key to driving sustainable innovation in the legal industry.
• The traditional law firm partnership model hinders innovation by requiring consensus among many stakeholders with conflicting interests, slowing decision-making and change.
• Corporate legal departments are better positioned to drive innovation than law firms due to their seamless integration with the business and closer alignment with its goals.
• Despite the need for C-suite roles in business transformation, law firms struggle to attract top talent due to professional conduct rules (like Rule 5.4), which limit ownership and equity opportunities for non-lawyers.

About the guest, Jen Leonard:

Jen Leonard is the Founder of Creative Lawyers. Her consulting firm works with law firms to cultivate innovative cultures, build nimble and collaborative strategies for navigating a volatile environment, and promote skills and mindsets that drive change. Before launching her business, Jen was the first Chief Innovation Officer and Executive Director of the Future of the Profession Initiative at Penn Carey Law. She continues to teach courses at Penn, including Design Thinking for Lawyers, Generative AI in Law Practice, Law Firm Business Strategy, and Attorney Well-Being as Ethical Obligation. Jen practiced law for ten years after graduating from Penn Carey Law and writes and speaks frequently about legal innovation.

“We as lawyers can learn from how other industries have transformed themselves.” – Jen Leonard

Connect with Jen Leonard:

Website: https://www.creativelawyers.net/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferaleonard

2030 Vision: AI and the Future of Law: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/2030-vision-ai-and-the-future-of-law/id1751625159

Fast-Tracked: Emergent Issues in the Legal Profession: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fast-tracked-emergent-issues-in-the-legal-profession/id1732522546

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Ilona shares insights on how to:

• Frame or package capabilities in legal technology
• Implement AI-enabled search in the legal context
• Reduce the burden of manual time tracking and improve data accuracy​
• Drive legal innovation transformation through support and momentum
• Enhance enterprise search in legal tech

Key takeaways:

• Framing legal technology capabilities as analogous to browser tabs helps in understanding, packaging, and effectively utilizing these tools for enhanced legal practice efficiency​.
• AI-enabled search significantly improves knowledge retrieval by making queries more intuitive and responses more accurate, thereby benefiting the entire legal industry​.
• Automatically generated time entries can transform legal practice by reducing manual tracking efforts, improving data accuracy, and enhancing data-driven decision-making processes​.
• Legal innovation requires a strategic approach with strong leadership support to drive transformation, maintain competitive advantage, and ensure successful implementation​.

About the guest, Ilona Logvinova:

Ilona Logvinova is the Director of Practice Innovation at Cleary Gottlieb, where she leads legal innovation and transformation initiatives, including the adoption of legal technologies to enhance workflows and client service. Previously, she was the Global Head of Innovation at McKinsey & Company, identifying and implementing impactful initiatives and serving as a senior technology lawyer and team lead within McKinsey Digital. Ilona also worked as Senior Counsel at Mastercard, focusing on technology builds and transactions and as an Associate at Fried Frank, specializing in leveraged finance. She holds a BA in Economics and Philosophy from Columbia University and a JD from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.

“The law and the practice of law is a function of how we are living in today's world, and the way that we're practicing has to match up to the way that we're living.” – Ilona Logvinova

Connect with Ilona Logvinova:

Website: https://www.clearygottlieb.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilonalogvinova/

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Sam shares insights on how to:

• Implement agile and mobile-friendly digital workplaces
• Manage and integrate various digital workplace tools
• Maintain a digital workplace over time
• Balance communication, engagement, and collaboration in intranets
• Adapt digital workplace strategies to organizational evolution

Key takeaways: 

• Many law firms are transitioning to Microsoft 365, initially migrating their messaging workloads followed by SharePoint and various workflow applications to enhance their digital collaboration.
• The legal sector has historically lagged in adopting cloud solutions compared to other industries, but this trend is shifting as intranets and extranets increasingly migrate to cloud-based platforms.
• Digital workplaces often fail due to inadequate ongoing management and governance, resulting in a gradual decline in functionality and user engagement after the initial implementation phase.
• Industry specificity plays a significant role in shaping the features and functionality of intranets, with legal intranets, for example, emphasizing knowledge retrieval and structuring.

About the guest, Sam Marshall:

Sam Marshall is the owner of ClearBox Consulting and has specialized in intranets and the digital workplace for over 20 years, working with companies such as GSK, Vodafone, Diageo, Sony and Unilever. His current activities focus on intranet and digital workplace strategy, and the business side of Microsoft 365. Sam is a regular keynote speaker at international conferences and has been named a ‘Contributor of the Year’ for his CMSWire column seven years in a row.

“Digital workplace isn't such a widely adopted term, I just find it so much more useful when you talk about that bigger picture rather than getting hung up on, is this internet or is this not internet?” – Sam Marshall

Connect with Sam Marshall:

Website: https://www.clearbox.co.uk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sammarshall

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, David and Richard share insights on how to:

• Leverage vendor partnerships for successful product development​
• Integrate AI solutions into legal practice effectively​
• Balance between custom development and off-the-shelf solutions​
• Navigate the talent acquisition challenges in the legal tech industry
• Train lawyers to capitalize on AI tools and enhance their legal operations

Key takeaways: 

• The build vs. buy philosophy is important in the legal industry. Firms should focus on leveraging off-the-shelf solutions for known problems and allocating resources to solve problems where such solutions don't exist.
• Strategic talent acquisition is crucial to leverage technology effectively in legal practices.
• Tailoring AI solutions to meet the specific needs of legal professionals maximizes their effectiveness, ensuring that the technology is practical and user-friendly.
• Law firms must consider their unique needs when deciding whether to develop technology in-house or source it externally.

About the guests, David and Richard:

David Cunningham is the Chief Innovation Officer at Reed Smith LLP, where he initiated the role of developing a global, data- and AI-driven business and client service platform. With over 20 years of experience as a consultant, he has a proven track record of helping law firms enhance efficiency and effectiveness. At Reed Smith, he continues to drive business and technology strategy with a focus on client advocacy and innovation.

Richard Robbins is the Director of Applied AI at Reed Smith LLP, where he leads a team of AI engineers and data scientists in developing generative and predictive AI solutions for the firm's legal and business services. With a rich background in law, technology, and data science, Richard brings a strategic vision to the intersection of these fields. Richard also collaborates closely with Reed Smith's Innovation Lab and other tech transformation resources.

“Law firms are often working a department at a time, so they'll only get to talk to finance or marketing. We're able to come to the table and represent all the departments.” – David Cunningham

“We want people who can help us think through what it means to try to enhance the tools and our systems.” – Richard Robbins

Connect with David and Richard:

Website: https://www.reedsmith.com

David’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbcunningham/

Richard’s LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-robbins-a88014117/

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Nicki shares insights on how to:

• Adopt agile methodology in law firms
• Innovate internal communication
• Integrate generative AI in legal practice
• Educate clients through digital channels
• Foster knowledge sharing and innovation in legal services

Key takeaways: 

• Implementing agile practices in law firms can enhance workflow efficiency, improve task prioritization and transparency, and lead to higher client satisfaction and better team performance.
• Using innovative communication tools like internal podcasts can boost employee engagement, streamline information sharing, and reduce internal emails, thereby increasing overall productivity.
• Staying updated on generative AI advancements and their legal implications is essential for compliance, anticipating regulatory changes, and integrating AI tools to enhance decision-making and client services.
• Leveraging digital channels to educate clients on complex legal matters can enhance the firm's value by providing accessible content, strengthening client relationships, and positioning the firm as a leader in the legal industry.

About the guest, Nicki Kastellorizios-Lee:

Nicki Kastellorizios-Lee is a digital ethics enthusiast and seasoned technology professional with more than 20 years of experience in the legal field, specifically technical writing, business systems analysis, and training. After a brief period in the banking industry, she returned to legal where she currently manages IT Communications at Perkins Coie, LLP to “keep IT human,” working closely across teams to execute meaningful messaging campaigns that help deliver IT/business goals and cultivate innovation and growth mindsets. Nicki is also a proud DePaul University alumna (“Double Demon”) with a Master’s Degree in Information Systems and a Bachelor’s in Political Science and Philosophy.

Nicki loves solving problems, crunching numbers, and pushing the limits on what we think we understand about the modern reader. Writing and delivering thoughtful, eye-catching communications that reflect the modern era — and respect the time and attention of the modern reader — remind her to keep communications creative, concise, and read-worthy when new information and change are constant. The Digital Transformation is more about people and societal change than any one technology or new tool – so let’s keep things human, and make it a little fun, too.

“Saying what you mean, exactly what you mean, is the way to reach the busy modern reader, the busy lawyer, the busy law firm professional.” – Nicki Kastellorizios-Lee

Connect with Nicki Kastellorizios-Lee:

Website: https://www.perkinscoie.com/en/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicki-kastellorizios-lee-4465955a/

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Vishal shares insights on how to:

• Leverage advancements in legal knowledge management
• Understand the evolving roles of innovation in the legal industry
• Overcome the challenges of implementing AI and other innovative technologies
• Choose between building our buying legal technology solutions
• Adapt communication and collaboration strategies to suit modern, hybrid work environments

Key takeaways: 

• The future of legal collaboration lies in using specialized tools such as OneNote and Microsoft Teams rather than relying on email, as these tools facilitate better communication and organization in a hybrid working environment​​.
• The shift towards hybrid work models necessitates embracing new collaboration tools to accommodate the reality that not all team members will be in the office simultaneously​​.
• There is an ongoing debate between building custom solutions and buying off-the-shelf products, with significant challenges associated with maintaining custom-built systems in law firms due to resource constraints and rapid technological changes​​.
• Successful implementation of technology in law firms depends on fostering a collaborative culture and trust among team members, ensuring everyone is aligned and working towards common goals​​.

About the guest, Vishal Agnihotri:

Vishal Agnihotri is the Senior Director of Knowledge and Innovation at Alston & Bird and prior to this role was the Chief Knowledge Officer at Akerman and at Hinshaw & Culbertson. She oversees Legal Technology Innovation and Research Services at Alston & Bird. Vishal co-leads the firm's AI Steering Committee and AI Governance sub-committee, and is a member of the firm's Executive Staff Steering Committee, the Executive Staff Mentoring sub-committee and the professional staff DEI committee. Vishalhas a strong track record as a leader in the design and execution of complex business technology programs that bring digital transformation and innovation to firms, while maximizing the return on their technology investments. As an award-winning practitioner, consultant and senior executive, she has helped Big 4 accounting firms, AmLaw firms, and Fortune 500 clients unlock the value of knowledge management in their organizations. She has held several operational, consulting, and leadership roles for over 25 years in enterprise Knowledge Management.

“When you don't have the trust and you don't have a collaborative spirit bringing the teams together, that can just be a bigger mess than you want to deal with.” – Vishal Agnihotri

Connect with Vishal Agnihotri:

Website: https://www.alston.com/en/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishalagnihotri/

Knowledge Management & Innovation: A Manual for Law Firms and Other Legal Services Organizations: https://www.pli.edu/catalog/publications/treatise/knowledge-management--innovation-a-manual-for-law-firms-and-other-legal-services-organizations?p=340124&tCode=BRH3_PODST 

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Jill and Leanna share insights on how to:

• Stay updated with new data sources and tools in the legal market
• Manage and utilize different legal research resources effectively
• Integrate knowledge management and research services within a law firm
• Leverage artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies in legal practices
• Handle diverse information requests across various departments in a law firm

Key takeaways: 

• Utilizing RSS feeds, newsletters, and legal tech is crucial to stay informed about market trends, keeping the firm updated with tools and data sources.
• Research services should meet diverse department needs, offering comprehensive support beyond legal research throughout the firm.
• Integrating knowledge management and research services in a law firm can boost efficiency by centralizing research, promoting collaboration, and optimizing resources.
• Embracing emerging technologies like AI can streamline processes, enhance research capabilities, and maintain competitiveness in the legal field.

About the guests, Jill and Leanna:

Leanna R. Simon, MLIS, CKM, is the Director of Research and Knowledge Management at Honigman LLP, spearheading strategies that enhance organizational knowledge. With over a decade in law librarianship, she's earned recognition as an Emerging Leader from AALL and PLLIP. Leanna is active in professional associations, holding leadership roles in AALL and the Michigan Association of Law Libraries. A sought-after speaker and prolific writer, she addresses cutting-edge topics like AI in library workflows and contributes to influential publications in her field.

Jill Strand, Director of Research & Knowledge Services at Fish & Richardson, brings extensive experience from roles in law firms and Target Corporation post her M.L.I.S. from Dominican University. Previously, she served as a regional sales manager at Simon & Schuster and holds a B.S. in Journalism from Ohio University's Honors Tutorial College. Jill, a Fellow and past-president of the Special Libraries Association, shares her insights on information management and KM through articles, book chapters, webinars, and conference presentations.

“Trying to ensure that, in terms of knowledge management, my team understands what we are doing, which is imperative at the firm and in law firms in general.” – Jill Strand

“Given the pace of innovation in resources, not just AI, but in data analytics, features, functionality, it's a lot more work to keep up with everything.” – Leanna Simon

Connect with Jill and Leanna:

Knowledge Management & Innovation: A Manual for Law Firms and Other Legal Services Organizations: https://www.pli.edu/catalog/publications/treatise/knowledge-management--innovation-a-manual-for-law-firms-and-other-legal-services-organizations?p=340124&tCode=BRH3_PODST 

Jill’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillstrand09/

Leanna’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leannarsimon/

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Travis shares insights on how to:

• Understand the role of cookies and pixels in data collection
• Implement and utilize pixel-tracking technology
• Navigate legal implications and litigation related to pixel tracking
• Benefit from in-house pixel tracking solutions
• Enhance business through innovative privacy services

Key takeaways: 

• Exploring and integrating emerging technologies, such as automated contract review and pixel tracking, can significantly enhance legal services and offer innovative solutions to common challenges.
• Understanding the risks associated with pixel tracking on websites is crucial, as it can unknowingly collect personal information and lead to potential legal liabilities.
• Staying informed about the increasing litigation and various privacy laws related to pixel tracking is essential for businesses to ensure compliance and avoid legal issues.
• Implementing regular assessments and maintaining vigilance over website tracking technologies can help businesses protect user data and adhere to privacy regulations effectively.

About the guest, Travis Rosen:

Travis Rosen is a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP-US) who has worked in the legal privacy sector for 4 years. His areas of focus include data mapping, cookie compliance, data access requests, PI management, and HIPAA. Before that he worked as a Research Project Coordinator, ensuring pharmaceutical companies were adhering to FDA and CDC laws regarding post-market opiate abuse and addiction standards, along with many years working in clinical drug, neuroscience, and addiction research. He holds a Master's of Public Health with a concentration in disease prevention and health promotion, and a B.A in International Relations and History. In his free time he's an active musician and music producer.

Disclaimer: I am speaking in capacity as an employee of IncuBaker, a division of BakerHostetler. I am not an attorney and not speaking in the capacity of offering legal advice or solutions representing the firm. These are merely the opinions from my role as a legal process engineer for IncuBaker.

“We are a very forward-thinking sort of group here and we really gear ourselves towards emerging technologies. We try to stay on the cutting edge and offer these advanced technical services.” – Travis Rosen

Connect with Travis Rosen:

Website: https://www.bakerlaw.com/services/incubaker-emerging-technologies/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-rosen-mph-cipp-us-92806630/

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Jon shares insights on how to:

• Integrate generative AI into legal practice effectively
• Address the challenges and opportunities of adopting new legal technologies
• Leverage legal tech solutions to improve customer service and efficiency in law firms
• Navigate various legal tech conferences and their unique value
• Evaluate and invest in promising legal tech startups

Key takeaways: 

• Generative AI has the potential to revolutionize legal practice by automating routine tasks and enhancing decision-making, but requires careful planning, identifying the right use cases, and thorough staff training for successful implementation.
• Adopting new legal technologies can significantly boost law firm efficiency and customer service, yet demands an incremental rollout strategy and continuous support to ensure smooth integration and stakeholder buy-in.
• Legal tech conferences offer vital opportunities for networking, uncovering innovative solutions, and promoting technology adoption in law firms.
• Implementing strategic and phased adoption of legal tech solutions can maximize their impact while minimizing disruptions, ensuring a more seamless transition for law firms.

About the guest, Jon Bartman:

Jon Bartman has been at the center of the legal tech ecosystem for the last 5 years, and sits on the Board of The European Legal Tech Association. He is also the Co-Founder of The Law Tech Consultancy. Jon works with the top Law Firms in the UK and the US and finds an easier way for firms to see what is out there.

“Things have changed a lot in the last few years and now even very small law firms have the opportunity to find solutions that are going to fit the way that they work.” – Jon Bartman

Connect with Jon Bartman:

Website: https://www.thelawtechconsultancy.co.uk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bartman-4578777/

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

Rachel was also a contributor to "Knowledge Management & Innovation - A Manual for Law Firms and Other Legal Services Organizations" from the Practising Law Institute (PLI)’s Press - Chapter 14: Experience Management.

Tune in for Rachel’s valuable experiences and forward-looking perspectives on legal innovation.

In this episode, Rachel shares insights on how to:

• Leverage experience management systems for efficient legal practice
• Use AI tools for data extraction and hygiene in law firms
• Streamline new matter intake processes for better data management
• Integrate product management and governance in legal tech
• Utilize competitive intelligence and experience data for proactive client engagement

Key takeaways: 

• Integrating AI for document extraction and data hygiene boosts experience management systems' efficiency and accuracy.
• Experience management aids not just marketing but also recruitment by finding suitable candidates, training by pairing juniors with mentors, and client engagement with tailored insights.
• Using structured data and predictive analytics offers valuable insights, enhances decision-making, streamlines operations, and improves outcomes for firms and clients.
• Promoting knowledge sharing and continuous learning within the legal industry drives innovation, enhances practice management, and prepares legal professionals for evolving challenges.

About the guest, Rachel Shields Williams:

Rachel Shields Williams is a seasoned legal business professional with nearly two decades of experience spanning Business Development, Marketing, Sales, Knowledge Management, and Legal Technology. Currently serving as Director, Knowledge Management at Sidley Austin, Rachel thrives on assessing and anticipating both internal and external customer needs, while leveraging her cross-industry expertise to bring fresh insights to every project. With a proactive and entrepreneurial mindset cultivated from her family-run business background, Rachel is committed to service excellence and takes ownership of every endeavor she undertakes. Her strategic acumen shines through as she translates vision into actionable goals and results, and she is adept at designing and implementing innovative yet practical technology and process solutions. Under her leadership, she has spearheaded transformative initiatives that have had a meaningful, measurable impact on a global scale. Rachel is actively engaged in the legal community, serving as Treasurer on the 2024 Legal Marketing Association International Board of Directors and contributing to the International Legal Technology Associations Program Planning Council. She is also a Fellow in the College of Legal Practice Management. 

“As much as we love to try to organize our lives, we're a little messy, we make mistakes, and I really think AI is going to help us reduce the amount of human interaction when it comes to data hygiene when it comes to the structure and cleanup deduping.” – Rachel Shields Williams

Connect with Rachel Shields Williams:

Website: https://www.sidley.com/en/us/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelshieldswilliams/

Knowledge Management & Innovation: A Manual for Law Firms and Other Legal Services Organizations: Link here

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

Connect with Amy Monaghan:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-s-monaghan/

In this episode, Christian shares insights on how to:

• Organize and structure your data for optimal AI tool integration
• Foster a culture of continuous learning with AI in law firms
• Encourage safe and compliant AI experimentation in law firms
• Leverage the potential of data management for generating revenue
• Integrate AI tools seamlessly into legal workflows

Key takeaways: 

• Invest time in understanding AI technologies that can streamline processes and provide personalized insights, guiding attorneys to leverage tools effectively for tasks like content creation and data analysis.
• Law firms should focus on developing a robust data strategy before implementing AI tools to ensure these technologies can reach their full potential and provide a substantial return on investment.
• Embrace innovation by encouraging staff to share the tools they use and why, as their insights can lead to valuable solutions like custom GPTs and workflow improvements.
• Foster a culture of empowerment by giving employees the freedom to experiment with new technologies and workflows, reassuring them that it's okay to try new approaches without fear of repercussions.

About the guest, Christian Brown:

A dual-licensed consumer finance litigation attorney turned data analyst and legal engineer, Christian Brown is the founder of Code & Counsel, PLLC.

With over 13 years in practice, he most recently served as Managing Director and In-House Counsel for a fintech company in the mortgage space with ~$20B in AUM where he oversaw legal due diligence and asset disposition driven by ML/AI tools designed and developed by him and his team.

Today, Code and Counsel is a specialized law firm and legal service provider focusing on integrating artificial intelligence into legal practices. Christian aids legal tech startups and law firms in harnessing AI to enhance their operations, offering comprehensive legal and technical support from concept to deployment.

“Law firms have never looked at data as an asset, as a cash-flowing asset, and I think very quickly what is clear to me is, as we try to continue to advance these models, we need more data.” – Christian Brown

Connect with Christian Brown:

Website: https://www.codeandcounsel.ai/

Email: christian@codeandcounsel.ai 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianbrown1/

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Elisabeth shares insights on how to:

• Conduct a data governance assessment for effective KM
• Use the KM function as a bridge between practice and technology in law firms
• Bridge the gap between lawyers, technology, and leadership through KM
• Navigate the adoption of generative AI tools in law firms
• Keep up with the rapidly evolving legal landscape

Key takeaways: 

• To successfully develop and implement a KM program, it's essential to conduct a thorough assessment to understand current needs and align strategies with the organization's business goals.
• It's crucial to maintain a flexible and dynamic approach to strategy and planning, allowing for real-time adjustments based on evolving needs, technological advances, and strategic goals.
• Developing a solid education and training plan is key for legal professionals to grasp the full scope of generative AI tools, upholding ethical standards and technical proficiency.
• Using KM and AI tools in pro bono work can significantly streamline processes and improve access to justice, but addressing tech access gaps is vital for equitable benefits to underserved communities.

About the guest, Elisabeth Cappuyns:

Elisabeth is a seasoned legal professional whose journey has taken her from corporate law practice to the forefront of knowledge management (KM) at DLA Piper (US), a global law firm. With over 15 years of experience practicing corporate law in New York, London, and Abu Dhabi, she transitioned her focus to KM in 2013. As the Director of Knowledge Management, Elisabeth spearheads strategies and programs leveraging cutting-edge technology like GenAI, automation, and data analytics to enhance legal practice and business operations.

“When you say looking two years ahead, that seems like a lifetime at this point because things are moving so quickly. So I think we just need to continue to be intentional about what we're doing and what the implications are.” – Elisabeth Cappuyns

Connect with Elisabeth Cappuyns:

Website: https://www.dlapiper.com/en-us

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisabeth-cappuyns-38552438/

Knowledge Management & Innovation: A Manual for Law Firms and Other Legal Services Organizations: https://www.pli.edu/catalog/publications/treatise/knowledge-management--innovation-a-manual-for-law-firms-and-other-legal-services-organizations?p=340124&tCode=BRH3_PODST

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Catherine and Tim share insights on how to:

• Implement process improvement techniques in law firms
• Apply Lean Six Sigma methodologies in litigation
• Improve real-life legal issues with process and design thinking
• Curate and organize data for successful AI implementation
• Utilize process maps for internal efficiency and client relationships

Key takeaways: 

• Law firms need general roadmaps to guide clients through litigation, despite less granularity compared to other areas like foreclosures.
• Informed decision-making in litigation hinges on mapping legal processes, highlighting the need for legal expertise.
• Prioritize creating thorough process maps for legal matters, recognizing the long-term value they bring to firm efficiency.
• Collaboration with knowledge management departments in law firms fosters innovation in legal tech and enhances client services.

About the guest, Catherine Bernard and Tim Krzywisseau:

Catherine is the Knowledge Management Counsel at Mayer Brown LLP, specializing in US Litigation & Dispute Resolution. With vast litigation experience, she advises the practice and engages in pro bono work, serving on the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights board and speaking at industry conferences.

Tim is the Knowledge Operations Manager at Mayer Brown LLP, overseeing knowledge processes and teams. He has experience in global process improvements, consulting, analytics, and project management. Tim holds J.D./MBA, PMP, CBAP, CMI Level 5 certifications, and Lean and Six Sigma Black Belts.

“One point we make in the book is that Lean Six Sigma is just a mechanism for getting from A to Z. They yield tools that you can use to examine and improve processes, and it doesn't matter what you are trying to improve.” – Catherine Bernard

“From my experience, having worked in process and legal, there is often a misconception about the investment and the return that you should expect.” – Tim Krzywisseau

Connect with Catherine and Tim:

Website: https://www.mayerbrown.com

Knowledge Management & Innovation: A Manual for Law Firms and Other Legal Services Organizations: https://www.pli.edu/catalog/publications/treatise/knowledge-management--innovation-a-manual-for-law-firms-and-other-legal-services-organizations?p=340124&tCode=BRH3_PODST 

Catherine’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherineabernard

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Chad shares insights on how to:

• Maximize ROI through AI-powered tools like Copilot
• Overcome the implementation challenges of Copilot and generative AI in law firms
• Incorporate online, real-time training with AI
• Optimize legal tasks and firm operations with AI automation
• Build a reputation and brand name through the effective use of technology, which can attract clients to smaller law firms. 

Key takeaways: 

• Understanding the evolving nature of technology tools like Copilot and the challenges they may present in terms of customization and integration with existing systems can help law firms make informed decisions about adopting new software solutions.
• Recognizing the potential impact of AI on the legal industry, especially in terms of document collaboration and reducing internal email exchanges, can lead to more efficient workflows and improved productivity within law firms.
• Being aware of the pressure from software vendors to align with their systems and the implications of potential disruptions in service can guide law firms in making strategic decisions about technology partnerships and support structures.
• Acknowledging the importance of reliable support and attention from technology providers, particularly in the context of potential outages or issues, can influence law firms' choices in selecting partners with direct access to higher levels of technical support and expertise.

About the guest, Chad Ergun:

Chad is a visionary technology leader with over 25 years of experience driving innovation and efficiency across various industries. Currently serving as the CIO at Lewis Roca, Chad specializes in Generative AI, knowledge management, eDiscovery, business intelligence, and practice technologies. His forward-thinking approach leverages the latest advancements in technology to solve complex problems, enhance organizational efficiency, and foster continuous innovation.

“We're going to see the best ROI for products like Copilot and Generative AI. Because now you can compete against your much larger competition without spending a fortune.” – Chad Ergun

Connect with Chad Ergun:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadergun/

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Ben shares insights on how to:

• Streamline workflows, compliance, and governance
• Develop success plans, track objectives, and assess progress
• Invest in customer success to evolve products and identify new opportunities
• Automate processes, enhance efficiency and modernize legal knowledge management
• Overcome challenges in unified collaboration for law firms

Key takeaways: 

• Understanding the importance of customer advocacy and fostering a community among customers can lead to positive outcomes such as increased revenue and advocacy, creating a self-fulfilling cycle of positive feedback and relationships.
• Leveraging personal experience in buying and implementing software within a law firm to influence product development can provide a broad range of insights and perspectives, enhancing one's ability to drive innovation and improvements in legal tech solutions.
• Investing time in understanding processes and workflows can lead to significant efficiencies and cost savings without always relying on the latest technology trends, emphasizing the value of optimizing existing systems and data utilization for improved productivity.
• Engaging with various stakeholders and personas within law firms, including knowledge, IT, and practice professionals, is crucial for developing a comprehensive understanding of the evolving dynamics of innovation teams and knowledge management strategies within the legal industry.

About the guest, Ben Wightwick:

Ben is the Chief Commercial Officer at Autoloygx, leveraging over 20 years of experience in legal technology to drive customer-centric strategies. With a proven track record in scaling businesses like HighQ to £40m+ ARR, Ben excels in optimizing sales, marketing, and customer success initiatives. Passionate about creating exceptional customer experiences, he leads cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions that exceed expectations and shape the future of customer engagement in dynamic industries.

“People aren't going to buy from you if you're not selling the dream, but you've got to put in the work and effort.” – Ben Wightwick

Connect with Ben Wightwick:

Website: https://autologyx.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benwightwick

Twitter: https://twitter.com/benwightwick

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Amy shares insights on how to:

• Develop effective success plans for customer engagement in legal tech
• Utilize low code and no code solutions for legal practice efficiency
• Align technology solutions with law firm business models for success
• Identify and address foreseeable challenges in legal innovation initiatives
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to achieve strategic goals

Key takeaways: 

• Innovation in law firms requires a rock-solid strategy aligned with the overall firm strategy to create cohesion and ensure success amidst diverse priorities and goals.
• Separating legal technology from innovation efforts is crucial to prevent overwhelming innovation initiatives and ensure a balanced focus on the law firm's business model.
• Collaborating with startups in the legal tech space allows for valuable input from the user side to inform product development and address specific user needs, enhancing the overall solution.
• Creating written success plans with specific goals, challenges, and success criteria facilitates ongoing collaboration and ensures alignment between client objectives and solution outcomes, leading to mutual success.

About the guest, Amy Monaghan:

Amy is the VP of Client Success and Product Innovation at Infodash, where she collaborates closely with law firms to drive successful adoption of Infodash technology, ensuring it aligns with clients' strategic goals. With a background in legal innovation and client engagement, Amy brings extensive experience from roles such as Director of Client Innovation at Perkins Coie LLP, where she led innovative programs and solutions for legal services. Her commitment to excellence and collaborative approach make her a key leader in advancing Infodash's client success and product innovation strategies.

“If partners within firms don't have innovative people educating them on how they can be a better lawyer with certain technology, they're not going to know how this can improve the quality of their work.” – Amy Monaghan

Connect with Amy Monaghan:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-monaghan-07a14b24/

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Gordon shares insights on how to:

• Navigate innovation in the legal industry amidst AI and cloud technology
• Overcome resistance to technological change in law firms
• Revamp law firm operations with AI and cloud technology
• Foster a culture of innovation in traditional law firms
• Manage the psychological landscape of change in law firm innovation

Key takeaways: 

• Successful knowledge management requires a diverse skill set encompassing IT, security, user experience, information architecture, psychology, and social behavior to effectively collaborate across organizational silos and functions.
• Implementations of legal tech tools can significantly benefit from a thorough consideration of pricing models, business impacts, and client relationships to avoid underutilization and wasted investments.
• Understanding the motivations and incentives that drive behavior in law firms, such as status enhancement through technology adoption, can influence successful organizational change strategies by framing incremental tweaks as transformative gateways to larger shifts.
• Embracing change in legal innovation can lead to impactful outcomes and improved client relationships, demonstrating that change is both enjoyable and potentially profitable beyond direct financial gains.

About the guest, Gordon Vala-Webb:

Gordon is a seasoned innovation professional and award-winning knowledge management practitioner with over two decades of experience revitalizing large and complex organizations. His book, 'Building Smarter Organizations,' offers practical insights for navigating today's volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world. Through consulting and speaking engagements, Gordon empowers organizations to harness technology and adapt rapidly to change, drawing from his leadership roles, during which his teams garnered prestigious awards for transformative initiatives.

“The number one driver for behavior and the number one test that people apply to new technology is: How does this affect my status? Is this status-enhancing? Or status-neutral, or does this reduce my status?” – Gordon Vala-Webb

Connect with Gordon Vala-Webb:

Book: Building Smarter Organizations: How to Lead Your Zombie Organization Back to Life: https://www.amazon.com/Building-Smarter-Organizations-Zombie-Organization/dp/1945449195

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonvalawebb

Twitter: https://twitter.com/buildsmarterorg

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Floor shares insights on how to:

• Explore the impact of innovation management on professional services

• Solve the innovation budget conundrum

• Adapt to the transformative influence of AI on infrastructure and billing practices

• Embrace a culture of risk-taking and learning from failure

• Actively involve lawyers in the process of change

Key takeaways: 

• Effective innovation efforts in law firms involve providing structured support and tools to help professionals generate and implement ideas for improving their practice, addressing the common challenge of knowing how to progress from idea to execution.

• Law firms should embrace failure as a learning opportunity and measure the success of their innovation efforts. Involving clients and internal stakeholders is crucial for successful innovation in the legal industry.

• Active engagement from team members is identified as the primary success factor in innovation initiatives, with a clear emphasis on the need for continuous involvement and commitment to drive meaningful outcomes and avoid wasted resources.

• Measuring the return on investment in innovation activities requires a tailored approach for law firms, focusing on simpler methods of evaluating success beyond traditional ROI metrics used in other industries, emphasizing the importance of setting clear objectives and understanding the value drivers unique to legal innovation.

About the guest, Floor Blindenbach-Driessen:

Floor Blindenbach-Driessen, PhD, is a seasoned innovator and the founder of Organizing4Innovation, where she addresses the challenges faced by talented professionals in realizing their ideas. With a background in management and over 25 years of experience, Dr. Floor has published extensively on innovation process management and guided countless innovators to success. Her passion for bridging the gap between idea and implementation led her to develop the innovative Steering Wheel platform, which provides invaluable support to project teams, enabling them to track progress, learn effectively, and make data-driven decisions throughout the innovation journey.

“You cannot change how we practice law without engaging attorneys.” – Floor Blindenbach-Driessen

Connect with Floor Blindenbach-Driessen:

Website: https://www.organizing4innovation.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FloortjeBlindenbach

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/floorblindenbach/

ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Floortje-Blindenbach-Driessen

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Patrick shares insights on how to:

• Enhance workflow efficiency with the latest legal knowledge management practices

• Stay ahead of the curve through cutting-edge innovations

• Build a comprehensive legal forms library to boost firm productivity and document access

• Explore the legal tech book process and expand your audience reach

• Master the use of law firm collaboration tools and strategies

Key takeaways: 

• The "Knowledge Management and Innovation" handbook offers an unparalleled compendium of insights from 46 experts, bridging the gap for legal professionals transitioning into KM roles and providing a comprehensive resource essential for navigating the intricacies of legal tech and knowledge management.

• The handbook's deliberate avoidance of assumptions about the reader's level of knowledge, its comprehensive coverage from basic to advanced topics, and its invitation for community engagement make it a valuable and unique resource for anyone involved in legal knowledge management, providing a cohesive and authoritative reference work for the field's diverse needs.

• Integrating AI tools like Copilot into legal practices faces document storage complexities, but they offer immediate value in business settings, while SharePoint is unlikely to replace dedicated document management systems in law firms, emphasizing the need for tailored technology solutions for legal environments.

About the guest, Patrick Dundas:

Patrick is a partner at Akin's Investment Management practice in New York, specializing in legal knowledge management (KM) to enhance client value. Leading the market intelligence and legal practice infrastructure initiative, he collaborates across departments to maximize the firm's collective knowledge for client benefit. With a background in advising private funds and investment advisers, Patrick offers expertise in fund formation, regulatory compliance, and securities laws matters. Additionally, he is recognized for his contributions to legal technology and knowledge management through various publications, speeches, and affiliations.

“I wanted to tell a story that had to be told by a community and couldn't be told by one person.” – Patrick Dundas

Connect with Patrick Dundas:

Book: Knowledge Management & Innovation: A Manual for Law Firms and Other Legal Services Organizations: https://www.amazon.com/Knowledge-Management-Innovation-Services-Organizations/dp/1402441703

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-dundas-7ba56b5/

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Andrea shares insights on how to:

• Harness the game-changing impact of AI

• Maximize the power of knowledge management in law firms

• Effectively embrace legal tech innovation

• Automate legal document processes with AI

• Overcome challenges associated with digital transformation in law firms

Key takeaways: 

• Law firms encounter hurdles in fostering collaborative innovation as differing incentive structures like the "eat what you kill" model may discourage partners from investing in the firm's progress, exacerbating the "lone wolf mentality" among lawyers, thereby impeding effective knowledge sharing and innovation.

• Many law firms engage in what is termed "innovation theater," where initiatives are launched with great fanfare but often lack long-term sustainability or impact, highlighting the need for genuine and practical innovation strategies that deliver tangible results to both lawyers and clients.

• Implementing AI assistants in legal practices requires significant training efforts akin to providing detailed instructions to junior lawyers, emphasizing the importance of proactive leadership and guidance in integrating new technologies effectively within the firm.

• London is a pioneering hub for legal innovation globally, driven by regulatory changes, visionary leadership, and innovative incentive models.

About the guest, Andrea Miskolczi:

Andrea Miskolczi, Founder of InterAlia Consulting, is a seasoned leader in legal innovation and transformation. With over 25 years of experience spanning roles at prestigious firms like Linklaters and Dentons, Andrea's expertise lies at the intersection of law, technology, and strategy. Her multidisciplinary background enables her to offer comprehensive consultancy services, driving change through innovative strategies and the integration of cutting-edge technologies. Recognized as a finalist for the 'Innovative Lawyers' award by the Financial Times in 2022, Andrea is dedicated to guiding the legal industry towards thriving in the face of evolving challenges.

“Law firms are always looking for something that they can tell a story because they keep saying, like, we are the best, we have the highest quality, we are client-focused, but actually everybody says that.” – Andrea Miskolczi

Connect with Andrea Miskolczi:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreamiskolczi

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Mark shares insights on how to:

• Keep up with the transition to cloud solutions in law firms

• Explore the potential of AI integration in legal technology platforms

• Future-proof your firm's tech strategy with the latest legal tech trends and predictions

• Optimize your law firm's financial performance

• Enhance your law firm’s operations and user experience

Key takeaways: 

• The strategic spinoff of Elite as an independent entity post-TPG acquisition signifies a shift towards a customer-centric approach, innovation focus, and talent alignment to better serve law firm customers and drive advancements in legal tech, highlighting a renewed commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions tailored for the legal industry.

• Elite's strategic vision as a standalone SaaS business positioned at the core of thriving law firms, offering advanced data insights, intuitive tools, and an open platform driven by modern technologies like AI, exemplifies a robust commitment to cloud migration and reimagining operational paradigms to effectively support law firms in the digital era.

• The evolving legal tech landscape in 2024 emphasizes the importance of cloud-based solutions, automation for managing legal costs, and leveraging analytics for informed decision-making, showcasing a continuous drive towards efficiency, cost control, and data-driven strategies to meet the evolving needs of law firms and clients.

About the guest, Mark Dorman:

Mark Dorman is the Chief Executive Officer at Elite, a premier provider of financial management and business solutions for leading law firms worldwide, a role he assumed in June 2023 following Elite's transition to an independent company. With a background marked by transformative leadership, Mark directs Elite's global vision and strategy, spearheads its executive team, and fosters its distinct corporate culture. With a proven track record of success, including his tenure as CEO of SThree and leadership roles at McGraw Hill Education and Wolters Kluwer Law & Business, Mark brings unparalleled expertise to Elite. A graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Mark's journey from military service to driving innovation in the corporate world reflects his commitment to excellence and strategic vision.

“Law firms adopt new technology in ways that perhaps they haven't in the past. And we think there's a great opportunity for us to support them in that journey.” – Mark Dorman

Connect with Mark Dorman:

Mark’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdorman/

Elite’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elitetechnologyglobal/

Elite’s website: www.elite.com

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Dennis and Tom share insights on how to:

• Stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in the industry
• Uncover psychological barriers in legal collaboration
• Gain a deep understanding of data governance in legal teams
• Enhance client collaboration in the legal industry

Key takeaways: 

• The legal profession's reliance on siloed operations and traditional methods, coupled with a hesitancy towards advanced collaboration tools, underscores a pressing need for embracing technology-driven strategies and knowledge management systems to enhance efficiency and effectiveness across law firms and corporate departments alike.

• Successful law firms prioritize collaboration as a key factor for business success, emphasizing the importance of showcasing the benefits of interdependence and offering multiple disciplines to clients, particularly highlighting the necessity for smaller firms to collaborate effectively in order to thrive in the legal industry.

• Despite the challenges and resistance to collaboration in the legal sector, there is a growing interest and demand for effective governance and retention practices, as evidenced by the overwhelming attendance and engagement at events focused on making Teams work in the legal world, indicating a shift towards recognizing the importance of structured collaboration strategies.

About the guests, Dennis Kennedy and Tom Mighell:

Dennis Kennedy is an award-winning leader in applying technology to law practice. Praised for his ability to simplify complex legal and tech issues, Dennis is the Director of the Center for Law, Technology & Innovation at Michigan State University College of Law. As a published author and sought-after speaker, he focuses on promoting innovation in law practice and has co-authored several books, including "The Lawyer’s Guide to Collaboration Tools and Technologies."

Tom Mighell, a seasoned legal technologist and published author, has pioneered technology development since joining Cowles & Thompson, P.C. in 1990. As the senior consultant for Contoural, Inc., he specializes in enhancing corporations' records management and e-discovery practices. Tom collaborates with organizations to establish robust information governance programs, mitigate privacy risks, and ensure efficient, defensible e-discovery processes, fortifying companies' readiness for legal obligations.

“What you really want to do is to make it easy to work with you. And if that sort of guides what you're doing, that's going to advance you a long way toward getting into the happy zone.” – Dennis Kennedy

“Collaboration is not a foreign concept. It's just not adopted well, with the different technical ways that people can use to be really successful about it.” – Tom Mighell

Connect with Dennis and Tom:

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Lawyers-Guide-Collaboration-Tools-Technologies/dp/1639051422

Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kennedy-mighell-report/id310759483

Dennis’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennismkennedy/

Tom’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommighell/

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@getinfodash/podcasts

In this episode, Keith shares insights on how to:

• Streamline communication and collaboration in the legal industry

• Combat burnout and achieve a better work-life balance in the legal field

• Apply the product-led growth methodology to legal tech

• Utilize the market potential for cutting-edge software solutions

• Adopt successful technology trends and best practices in the legal industry

Key takeaways: 

• To combat burnout and boost productivity in the legal industry, integrating innovative technology solutions for streamlined task management is crucial, benefiting not only legal professionals but a diverse range of knowledge workers and improving communication in remote work settings.

• Belt, a cutting-edge productivity tool, tackles the challenges of email overload and communication saturation by intelligently identifying tasks, managing workloads, and enhancing capacity planning, ultimately improving individual and team productivity in today's dynamic work environment.

• Despite a slow tech adoption in corporate legal departments, the industry holds a clear opportunity for transformative change by leveraging shared channels and collaborative platforms, enhancing client engagement, and driving efficiency in legal service delivery.

About the guest, Keith Lipman:

Keith Lipman is the CEO and Co-Founder of Belt Software, a cutting-edge B2B SaaS startup revolutionizing daily work life by redefining time management and task execution. With a proven track record in the B2B SaaS sector, Keith previously co-founded and successfully scaled Prosperoware before his exit. Renowned for his expertise in legal tech, he's recognized as a thought leader and has been honored with prestigious industry awards. Keith's background spans law practice, administration, and technology consulting, and he has contributed to various publications and authored books on corporate governance and legal innovation.

“The underlying thought is that once people are presented with a set of technology and they get used to it, they don't necessarily want to pull up stakes and change again.” 

– Keith Lipman

Connect with Keith Lipman:

Website: https://belt.ai/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithlipman & https://www.linkedin.com/company/beltai

Connect with Ted Theodoropoulos:

Website: https://getinfodash.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedtheo

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(6:03) - Prediction #1: External collaboration with clients via Teams will be common by 2025.

(15:25) - Prediction #2: Provisioning teams via Power Automate will be a core IT skill by 2025.

(22:58) - Prediction #3: Teams engineers will overtake DMS engineers in legal by 2025.

(31:26) - Prediction #4: Native Legal Document Management will be common in Teams by 2025.

(45:00) - Prediction #5: Teams will be a common choice for telephony by 2025.

Read Joe's ILTA article here

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