In this episode, Ted Theodoropoulos dives into the realities of legal tech with Matthew Dunne and Andrew Sprogis, focusing on innovation, AI, and operational efficiency. They examine the decision to build or buy technology, the responsible integration of generative AI, and how firm culture affects tech adoption. Tune in for valuable insights on optimizing legal workflows and making informed, risk-aware choices in a rapidly changing landscape.

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