Legal Innovation Spotlight 68 - Inside the CINO Role: From Innovation Theater to Real Change with Michele DeStefano
May 14, 2025
Michele DeStefano, a Professor of Law at the University of Miami and Faculty Chair at Harvard Law School Executive Education, shares her insights on the transformative role of Chief Innovation Officers in law firms. She highlights the concept of 'innovation theater' and the need for real structural change in the legal sector. The discussion also covers the challenges posed by AI in legal training, the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, and how outdated compensation models can stifle true innovation. Michele offers a fresh perspective on fostering a genuine culture of innovation.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Innovation Disconnect in Law Firms
- There's a stark disconnect between law firms' innovation growth and clients' perception of innovation.
- Many law firm clients don't think their firms are truly innovative despite increasing innovation roles.
Skills Gap in Innovation Roles
- Law firms tend to appoint lawyers as innovation officers without ensuring they have the right skills.
- Innovation requires skills beyond legal knowledge, like marketing, design thinking, and leadership.
Lawyers' Traits vs Innovators'
- Lawyers generally possess traits opposite of typical innovators, such as risk aversion and focus on precedent.
- Legal training often suppresses empathy, which is important for innovation and collaboration.