#561: The Law Firm of the Future is Being Built in Law Schools Today, Get a Glimpse with Tracy Norton, Dennis Kennedy, and Nicole Morris

Ready for a serious look at the future of your law firm? In this Lawyerist Podcast episode, Zack Glaser sits down with a panel of law school professors for a wake-up call about something that will fundamentally reshape your practice: the tech-savvy generation of law students entering the field. This isn't a distant trend; it's happening now, and it demands your attention. 

We explore how these future lawyers are already operating differently. You'll hear firsthand about their strong preference for the Google ecosystem – and why that directly impacts your firm's current reliance on tools like Microsoft Word. This isn't just about software; it's about the shifting expectations and workflows these digital natives are bringing with them as they become your colleagues. 

Here's where it gets interesting for you: we explore how you can leverage this change to your firm's advantage. The professors share insights on how these students are uniquely positioned to drive AI adoption within your practice. Think of them as an untapped resource, ready to experiment with and implement AI-powered services that can elevate your firm's capabilities and even open doors to new service areas. 

And let's be clear, you can't afford to ignore the rising importance of tech fluency, especially in AI. The professors don't mince words: a lack of understanding in this area will directly impact your ability to serve clients effectively. In a world swimming in digital data, from car sensors to smart devices, your firm's relevance depends on it. 

This episode is your essential guide to: 

• Stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving legal landscape 

• Unlocking the potential of the next generation of legal talent 

• Building a future-proof firm that thrives on innovation 

Tune in! 

Listen to our other episodes about Artificial Intelligence: 

• #556 Hidden Data: What Lawyers Need to Know About Digital Forensics, with Cole Popkin Apple Podcasts  Spotify  Lawyerist 

• #538: AI is Making Law Firms Obsolete, with Alistair Vigier Apple Podcasts  Spotify  Lawyerist 

• #551: Becoming the AI Driven Leader, with Geoff Woods Apple Podcasts  Spotify  Lawyerist 

 

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 If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you. 

Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com. 

Chapters/Timestamps: 

 

00:00 – Intro: The Tech-Savvy Future of Law - Google Natives vs. Word Warriors 

01:13 – The Google-Native Generation of Lawyers   

02:51 – Changing Communication Norms   

04:35 – Meet the Guests: Law School Professors on the Frontlines   

06:21 – Teaching AI in Law School: An Overview   

08:01 – Dennis Kennedy on AI in the Classroom   

10:11 – Nicole Morris on AI Governance and Research   

15:03 – Tracy Norton on AI as a Legal Writing Tool   

25:25 – Is AI Dumbing Down Legal Education?   

30:23 – Why Law School Must Teach AI   

35:41 – How Should Professors Grade AI-Generated Work?   

41:46 – Using AI to Improve the Classroom Experience   

47:00 – How AI Will Change Legal Mentorship   

52:19 – The Future of Law Firms and AI Expectations   

55:25 – Final Thoughts: You Can’t Tap Out of AI   

57:52 – Outro   

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